International Consultant - Economic Modeling

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) was established to promote the economic and social development of its member states, particularly in Africa. The ECA aims to foster regional integration and promote sustainable development through various initiatives and projects. The organization operates in multiple countries across the African continent, focusing on enhancing the capacity of member states to implement effective policies and strategies. The ECA employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by African nations, with a mission to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant - Economic Modeling is integral to the ECA's project aimed at transforming health financing in Africa. The consultant will play a crucial role in strengthening the analytical and institutional capacities of selected African member states to design and implement evidence-based, fiscally sustainable health financing policies. This will involve the development of integrated macroeconomic modeling frameworks, socio-economic databases, and policy simulation tools that support informed decision-making and macroeconomic planning. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders to address persistent health financing gaps and enhance the integration of health financing considerations into broader macroeconomic and fiscal planning frameworks. The role requires a deep understanding of the interplay between health systems and economic productivity, as well as the ability to navigate the complexities of health financing in the context of ongoing global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflationary pressures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a range of tasks under the supervision of relevant officers within the Macroeconomics, Finance, Governance and Planning Division (MFGPD). Key responsibilities include:

• Economic and Sector Analysis: Developing and maintaining socio-economic databases, contributing to the refinement of ECA’s macroeconomic modeling suite, updating and constructing Social Accounting Matrices (SAMs), interpreting modeling outputs, drafting analytical inputs for reports, and participating in meetings to gather information.
• Software Development, Modelling Tools and Data Engineering: Contributing to the development of modeling software platforms, designing data processing tools, supporting the development of user interfaces for model outputs, and preparing documentation for models and analytical workflows.
• Technical Cooperation and Capacity Development: Designing and delivering training workshops on macroeconomic modeling and policy analysis, and contributing to the implementation of technical cooperation programs.
• General Responsibilities: Performing administrative tasks, engaging in continuous learning, producing data visualizations, and undertaking other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science, or a related field. A multidisciplinary academic background with strong competencies in statistics, applied mathematics, econometrics, and computer science is considered equivalent. A first-level university degree in the above fields, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, macroeconomic policy formulation, and the application of economic principles in development programs. Hands-on experience in quantitative economic modeling and statistical programming using open-source platforms is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as mathematics, statistics, engineering, or computer science. Candidates with a first-level university degree in these fields, along with additional qualifying experience, may also be considered. A strong foundation in statistics, applied mathematics, and econometrics is essential for success in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, macroeconomic policy formulation, and the application of economic principles in development programs. Candidates should have at least three years of hands-on experience in quantitative economic modeling and statistical programming, as well as experience in the development and calibration of macroeconomic models. Familiarity with building and maintaining socio-economic databases, including Social Accounting Matrices (SAMs), is highly desirable.

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.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of seven months and will be conducted onsite in Addis Ababa. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process. This role is part of a broader initiative to strengthen macroeconomic management and evidence-based policymaking in Africa.