Consultant on Economic Diagnostics and Strategic Macroeconomic Analysis

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in African countries. ECA plays a crucial role in supporting 54 member states by providing policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable development goals. The organization focuses on enhancing the continent's economic resilience and advocating for Africa's interests in global governance. ECA's mission is to foster inclusive and sustainable economic transformation in Africa, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union's Agenda 206

• The organization is known for its rigorous macroeconomic analysis and policy recommendations, which are essential for informed decision-making across the continent. ECA operates in multiple countries across Africa, employing a diverse team of experts dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by African nations.

Job Overview:
The consultant will serve as a Technical Advisor to the Economic Commission for Africa, focusing on enhancing the organization's capacity to deliver high-quality macroeconomic analysis and policy advice. This role is critical in supporting African countries to navigate complex economic challenges, including global shocks, trade tensions, and climate change impacts. The consultant will be responsible for conducting rapid economic assessments, econometric modeling, and data analysis to inform policy decisions that promote inclusive and sustainable economic transformation. The position requires collaboration with various divisions within ECA, UN entities, and external partners to strengthen evidence-based policy support. The consultant will also contribute to the development of knowledge products and engage with policymakers to advocate for Africa's macroeconomic priorities on global platforms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: monitoring and analyzing global economic developments and their implications for African economies; conducting rapid economic assessments on urgent headline events; providing input on data collection for economic analysis; supporting the preparation and review of ECA's knowledge products; integrating climate-related macroeconomic risks into economic analysis; developing policy briefs and technical notes for high-level engagements; providing technical input to ECA's participation in global economic governance platforms; and undertaking additional tasks as required. The role demands a proactive approach to identifying economic trends and providing strategic insights that can guide policy formulation and implementation across the continent.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Economics, Finance, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in macroeconomic analysis, policy-oriented economic research, data science, and visualization is required. Candidates should have substantial experience with multilateral financial development institutions and relevant work experience in Africa. Familiarity with the workflows of international organizations is desirable, as it will enhance the consultant's ability to navigate the complexities of the role effectively.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree or equivalent, in Economics, Finance, or a closely related field. This educational background is essential for understanding complex economic theories and applying them to real-world scenarios, particularly in the context of African economies.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in macroeconomic analysis and forecasting, policy-oriented economic research, and data visualization. Experience working with multilateral financial development institutions is crucial, as is relevant work experience in Africa. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the consultant can effectively contribute to ECA's mission and provide valuable insights into economic challenges faced by African nations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of French is desirable, as it can enhance communication and collaboration with French-speaking stakeholders and partners. Proficiency in both languages would be advantageous for the consultant's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be remote and has a duration of 6 months. The consultant will work closely with various divisions within ECA and engage with external partners to strengthen the organization's capacity for macroeconomic analysis. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the hiring process is transparent and accessible to all qualified candidates.