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). This reform led to the establishment of the UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), which are led by an empowered UN Resident Coordinator, the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System at the country level. The UN Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) was transformed into a stand-alone office within the UN Secretariat, responsible for overseeing the resident coordinator system. The DCO's functions were recalibrated in 2026 to ensure optimal support for the 2030 Agenda, focusing on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture. The position is based in the UN Resident Coordination Office in Astana, Kazakhstan, under the 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 for the SDGs. The Economist will also contribute to integrated UN country-level analysis and programming processes, ensuring that economic considerations are central to the UN's development strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide substantive economic analysis and support for evidence-based advice on sustainable development, economic transformation, and SDG financing. This includes researching and analyzing economic, social, and sustainable development data, conducting policy analysis, and supporting the implementation of global guidelines related to economic transformation and SDG financing.
• Support partnerships and engagement with national counterparts and stakeholders on economic transformation and SDG financing, maintaining collaboration with economists across the UN system and facilitating information-sharing.
• Contribute economic analysis to the UN sustainable development programming cycle, including 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 facilitating the exchange of research and good practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's 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.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Economics is required. A first-level university degree may be accepted with additional qualifying experience. Completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics or related fields 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 actionable policy options, and working with various stakeholders in support of sustainable development priorities. Experience in SDG financing and innovative financing approaches is desirable, as is experience in applying inclusive approaches that consider gender equality and other social factors.

Languages:
English is required, with a minimum proficiency of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Russian and Kazakh are also required at the same proficiency level. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills in these languages to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position 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 position is open to nationals of Kazakhstan only, and candidates must possess knowledge of the national context. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.