Associate Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to finding durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons, working closely with governments, NGOs, and other partners to address the challenges faced by these populations.

Job Overview:
The Associate Economist position is integral to the UNHCR's mission, particularly in the context of the Global Compact for Refugees (GCR). The role focuses on enhancing the socio-economic welfare of refugees and host communities through data-driven analysis and research. The incumbent will be responsible for contributing to the measurement of key indicators related to refugee poverty and self-reliance. This includes collaborating with various stakeholders, including government agencies and development partners, to collect and analyze socio-economic data. The Associate Economist will also support the design and implementation of assessments that inform UNHCR's programming and policy decisions. The position requires a strong analytical background, as well as the ability to communicate findings effectively to diverse audiences. The role is expected to contribute significantly to the organization's efforts in addressing forced displacement and promoting sustainable solutions for affected populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Economist will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the design and implementation of assessments related to the socio-economic welfare of refugees and host communities.
• Facilitating collaboration with partners for the collection of comparable socio-economic data.
• Overseeing data collection activities, ensuring quality assurance throughout the process.
• Conducting data analysis using econometric programs such as R and Stata.
• Consolidating raw datasets into final datasets for analysis, including cleaning and creating necessary indicators.
• Assisting in the programming of data collection instruments and developing protocols for high-quality data.
• Preparing research papers and reports, including formatting and creating visual data representations.
• Engaging with country operations and partners in the design and implementation of research projects.
• Coordinating communication among team members, government entities, and research partners. 1
• Identifying research opportunities and contributing to proposals for funding and partnerships. 1
• Supporting the management of risks and opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong educational background and relevant experience in economics or related fields. Essential qualifications include:

• A minimum of three years of relevant experience in economics, data analysis, or research with an undergraduate degree; or two years with a graduate degree; or one year with a doctorate.
• Demonstrated experience in analyzing data and conducting research, particularly in the context of socio-economic issues.
• Familiarity with international financial institutions and development agencies is desirable.
• Proven ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs under limited supervision.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a creative approach to programming and policy development.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in Economics, Statistics, International Business, or a related field. Candidates with advanced degrees (Master's or Doctorate) will have an advantage, particularly if their studies focused on applied development economics or related disciplines. Relevant certifications in statistical analysis or data management are also beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in economics, data analysis, or research. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in utilizing statistical software such as R and Stata, as well as experience in leading primary data collection efforts. Familiarity with the humanitarian-development nexus and experience working with large datasets are also essential. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies and development partners.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English is mandatory, along with knowledge of the UN working language of the duty station, which in this case is French. A good command of local languages is also advantageous, as it facilitates communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role and is temporary in nature, with a target start date of July 1, 2026, and an end date of December 31, 202

• The role is full-time and may involve working in a challenging environment due to the nature of the humanitarian context. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity, and to contribute to a safe and empowering work environment.