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 has undergone significant reforms to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (RCO) play a crucial role in supporting countries to meet their development priorities and align with the SDGs. The UN RCO in Colombo, Sri Lanka, operates under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, who is the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System in the country, ensuring that the UN's efforts are coherent and aligned with national priorities.

Job Overview:
The UN Economist position is pivotal 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, social, and sustainable development data, focusing on emerging trends and best practices. This role involves conducting economic and policy analysis to support the Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team in identifying challenges and opportunities for accelerating progress towards the SDGs. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government counterparts, UN entities, and development partners, to foster partnerships and engage in sustainable economic transformation initiatives. The Economist will also contribute to the UN sustainable development programming cycle, providing economic analysis for the Common Country Analysis and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides substantive economic analysis and supports 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.
• Supports partnerships and engagement with national counterparts and other stakeholders on economic transformation and SDG financing, facilitating collaboration and information-sharing.
• Contributes economic analysis to the UN sustainable development programming cycle, supporting the development and implementation of key frameworks and joint programmes.
• Engages in knowledge management and learning on economic transformation and SDG financing, participating in communities of practice and contributing to the dissemination of lessons learned and best practices.
• Performs other duties as required, ensuring that all activities align with the UN's mission and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics. 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 advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of sustainable development theories and concepts, as well as the ability to conduct independent research and analysis. Professionalism, teamwork, and creativity are essential competencies for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's profile for this role.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, macroeconomic or socioeconomic policy, applied economics, or development economics is required. Candidates should have experience in conducting economic and policy analysis, translating development trends into actionable policy options, and working with various stakeholders in support of sustainable development priorities. Experience in SDG financing, development finance, and innovative financing approaches is desirable, as is experience in supporting strategic planning and policy development with government institutions and development partners. Familiarity with inclusive approaches that consider gender equality and other social dimensions is also beneficial.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is an asset but not mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills in English, as it is essential for effective collaboration and engagement within the UN system and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position available for a duration of one year, with no expectation of renewal. The appointment is subject to budgetary approval and the availability of the post. This position is open to nationals of Sri Lanka only, and candidates must possess national experience or knowledge of the local context. The recruitment process is subject to various approvals, and candidates are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.