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, and to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN Development System, which includes the UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), was reformed in 2019 to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN RCO in Vietnam supports the government in its development priorities and aims to help the country transition to a high-income economy by 2045 while pursuing sustainable development goals. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various humanitarian and development efforts.

Job Overview:
The UN Economist position is critical in providing substantive economic analysis and evidence-based advice on sustainable development, economic transformation, and SDG financing. The incumbent will be responsible for researching, analyzing, and presenting economic and social data, identifying challenges and opportunities for the UN Country Team (UNCT) to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government counterparts, international financial institutions, and civil society, to support sustainable economic development initiatives. The economist will also contribute to the UN sustainable development programming cycle, ensuring that economic analysis informs policy decisions and programming efforts. The position demands a strong understanding of economic trends, policy issues, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for development cooperation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide substantive economic analysis and support evidence-based advice on sustainable development, economic transformation, and SDG financing. This includes researching and analyzing economic data, conducting policy analysis, and preparing briefing materials for the Resident Coordinator and UNCT.
• Support partnerships and engagement with national counterparts and stakeholders on economic transformation and SDG financing, facilitating collaboration with government, private sector, and civil society.
• Contribute to the UN sustainable development programming cycle by providing economic analysis for the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
• Contribute to knowledge management and learning on economic transformation and SDG financing, participating in communities of practice and sharing best practices.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned, ensuring that all activities align with the UN's mission and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in economics, with the ability to apply sustainable development theories and concepts. They should demonstrate analytical skills, the ability to conduct independent research, and familiarity with various research sources. The role requires a commitment to gender equality and inclusivity in economic analysis and development programming. Candidates should also exhibit professionalism, accountability, planning and organizing skills, and effective communication abilities.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, macroeconomic or socioeconomic policy, or development economics is required. Candidates should have experience in conducting economic and policy analysis, translating development trends into policy options, and working with multiple stakeholders in support of sustainable development priorities. Experience in SDG financing and resource mobilization initiatives is desirable, as is familiarity with UN inter-agency coordination mechanisms.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Vietnamese is desirable, also at UN Level II proficiency. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term position for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension subject to budgetary approval and availability of funds. The position is open to nationals of Vietnam only, and candidates must have a national context understanding. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.