UN Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN Development System has undergone significant reforms to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda. The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (RCO) play a crucial role in supporting countries in their development priorities, ensuring that the UN's efforts are aligned with national policies and frameworks. The UN operates in various countries worldwide, with a focus on sustainable development and humanitarian assistance, employing thousands of staff members across different levels and functions.

Job Overview:
The UN Economist position is integral to the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Beijing, China, focusing on the analysis and acceleration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in relation to China's 15th Five-Year Plan. The role involves providing substantive advice to the Resident Coordinator (RC) and the UN Country Team (UNCT) on economic transformation, SDG financing, and policy alignment with national priorities. The incumbent will engage in evidence-based analysis, research, and policy development to support the implementation of the SDGs, ensuring that economic policies are reframed to promote sustainable development. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government counterparts, international financial institutions, and the private sector, to foster partnerships that advance the SDGs and economic transformation agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for planning, facilitating, and consolidating evidence-based analysis of the SDGs in China, linking them to national policy developments. Key duties include researching and presenting information on best practices for SDG acceleration, providing advice on global guidelines related to economic transformation, and guiding the RC/UNCT on SDG-related issues. The role also involves coordinating the preparation of UN flagship reports, monitoring economic and policy trends, and analyzing the implications for SDG acceleration. Additionally, the incumbent will support advocacy efforts for partnerships with national counterparts and develop new integrated SDG programming cycles. The position requires strong analytical skills, the ability to generate knowledge on sustainable development trends, and the capacity to propose innovative solutions for SDG financing.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in sustainable development policy, economic research, and analysis, with a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields. Knowledge of economics, particularly development economics, is essential. Familiarity with the SDGs, the UN Normative agenda, and China's 15th Five-Year Plan is highly desirable. The ability to apply development economic theory to the national context and conduct high-quality research is crucial. Candidates should demonstrate outstanding analytical and writing skills, with the capacity to convey complex ideas clearly. Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder processes and a network of contacts within government and civil society are also important qualifications.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Successful completion of programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to analyze and interpret data effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable development policy, economic research, and analysis. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the SDGs and relevant national policies, as well as experience in development cooperation. Familiarity with innovative SDG financing mechanisms and the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including government and private sector entities, is essential. Experience in data analytics or related areas is also desirable, contributing to the candidate's ability to support evidence-based decision-making.

Languages:
English and Chinese (Mandarin) are the mandatory languages for this position. Proficiency in English is required at UN Level II, which includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Similarly, proficiency in Chinese (Mandarin) is also required at UN Level II. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position available for a duration of one year, with no expectancy of renewal. The appointment is subject to budgetary approval and the availability of the post. The position is open to nationals of China only, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, as the UN is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.