Consultant for Macroeconomic Modelling and Health Financing

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established in 195

• Its mission is to promote the economic and social development of its member states, foster regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development. ECA operates in multiple countries across the African continent, working with governments and regional organizations to address various socio-economic challenges. The organization employs a diverse workforce of experts in various fields, contributing to its mission of supporting sustainable development in Africa.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Macroeconomic Modelling and Health Financing is aimed at enhancing the analytical and technical capacity of the ECA to assist African member states in formulating evidence-based macroeconomic and health financing policies. The consultant will engage in high-quality research, econometric analysis, and macroeconomic modelling to support the development of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable health systems across Africa. The role involves contributing to a project that seeks to transform health financing in Africa by addressing fiscal constraints and integrating health financing into broader economic planning. The consultant will be expected to conduct background research, data analysis, and prepare analytical outputs that will inform policy dialogue and development planning.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks under the supervision of relevant officers within the Macroeconomics, Finance, Governance and Planning Division (MFGPD). Key duties include conducting background research and literature reviews on health financing and macroeconomic policy, preparing analytical summaries and technical inputs for reports, and reviewing international experiences relevant to health financing. The consultant will also support data collection and economic analysis, perform econometric analysis using statistical software, and contribute to modelling exercises involving various economic frameworks. Additionally, the consultant will assist in organizing technical workshops and stakeholder consultations, prepare visual data representations, and perform other related research and analytical tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in Economics, Econometrics, Statistics, Development Economics, or a related field. A PhD in a relevant field is desirable. The position requires a maximum of five years of progressively responsible experience in socio-economic research, policy analysis, econometrics, or macroeconomic modelling. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to conduct quantitative economic analysis and apply analytical methods to policy-relevant issues. Knowledge of econometric techniques and macroeconomic modelling frameworks is desirable, along with proficiency in statistical and econometric software such as Stata, R, Python, or EViews. Experience working on development issues in African countries is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree in Economics, Econometrics, Statistics, Development Economics, or a closely related field. A PhD in a relevant discipline is considered an asset, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the field.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have a maximum of five years of progressively responsible experience in areas such as socio-economic research, policy analysis, econometrics, or macroeconomic modelling. This experience should demonstrate a solid understanding of economic principles and the ability to apply quantitative analysis to real-world policy issues, particularly in the context of health financing and macroeconomic policy in African countries.

Languages:
Fluency in English or French, both oral and written, is required as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of the other language is desirable, and proficiency in another UN official language is considered an advantage, enhancing communication and collaboration within the international context of the organization.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of six months. The consultant will be engaged in a full-time capacity, contributing to a significant project aimed at improving health financing in Africa. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.