UN Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was reformed on January 1, 2019, to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO) play a crucial role in this reform, led by an empowered UN Resident Coordinator who represents the UN Secretary-General at the country level. The Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) was transformed into a stand-alone office to oversee the resident coordinator system, ensuring alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Group's priorities. The DCO has recalibrated its approach to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda, focusing on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture. The Economist position is situated within the UN RCO in Baku, Azerbaijan, under the direct supervision of the Head of the Resident Coordinator Office.

Job Overview:
The UN Economist will provide substantive support for evidence-based analysis of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This includes conducting economic and policy analysis to assist the Resident Coordinator (RC) and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in areas such as SDG acceleration, economic transformation, and SDG financing. The role involves developing partnerships with various stakeholders, including government entities, International Financial Institutions (IFIs), and the private sector, to promote sustainable economic transformation and financing. The Economist will also contribute to integrated UN country-level analysis and programming processes, ensuring that economic analysis informs decision-making and policy development. This position requires a strong understanding of sustainable development trends and the ability to generate knowledge on economic transformation and financing.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide substantive support for evidence-based analysis of progress towards the SDGs, including economic and policy analysis to support the RC and UNCT.
• Develop and strengthen partnerships with the UN system, national counterparts, and other stakeholders to advance SDG acceleration and financing.
• Conduct economic analysis to support integrated UN country-level analysis, planning, and programming processes.
• Contribute to knowledge generation and management on SDG acceleration and financing.
• Research and analyze economic, social, and sustainable development data, including trends and good practices.
• Prepare policy papers, analytical notes, and reports on economic transformation and SDG financing.
• Monitor national, regional, and global economic developments and their implications for sustainable development.
• Support UNCT initiatives related to SDG financing and engage with various stakeholders to identify collaboration opportunities.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). 1
• Participate in knowledge-sharing activities and communities of practice related to economic transformation and SDG financing.

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. Familiarity with various research sources and the ability to analyze and interpret data for decision-making are essential. Candidates must also show a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Economics is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Completion of degree and non-degree 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, applied economics, or development economics is required. Candidates should have experience in conducting economic and policy analysis and translating development trends into actionable policy options. Experience in SDG financing, development finance, and public finance is desirable. Candidates should also have experience working with multiple stakeholders, including government, private sector, and civil society, in support of sustainable development priorities. Experience in knowledge management and the preparation of analytical products in the context of development cooperation is also desirable.

Languages:
English and Azerbaijani are required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Russian is considered a desirable language, also requiring a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II.

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. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. This position is open to nationals of Azerbaijan only, and candidates must have national experience or knowledge of the national language and culture. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.