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 supporting countries to meet their development priorities. The UN 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 functions 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 Tegucigalpa, Honduras, 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 and international financial institutions, to promote sustainable economic development. The Economist will also contribute to integrated UN country-level analysis and programming processes, ensuring that economic transformation and SDG financing are prioritized in the UN's development agenda. The position requires a strong focus on knowledge generation and management related to sustainable development trends and challenges.

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 national counterparts and stakeholders to advance SDG acceleration and financing.
• Conduct economic analysis and support integrated UN country-level analysis, planning, and programming processes.
• Contribute to knowledge generation and management on SDG acceleration and economic transformation.
• Research and analyze economic, social, and sustainable development data, identifying trends and proposing follow-up actions.
• Prepare substantive inputs for policy papers, reports, and other knowledge products.
• Monitor economic developments and analyze their implications for sustainable development.
• Support UNCT initiatives related to SDG financing and humanitarian-development-peace nexus approaches.
• Facilitate engagement with various stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society, to identify contributions to sustainable economic transformation. 1
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Common Country Analysis and UNSDCF.

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. Familiarity with various research sources and the ability to analyze and interpret data for decision-making are essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Economics is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree along with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted. 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 UN inter-agency coordination or multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Languages:
English and Spanish are required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency at UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for both languages. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position available for a duration of one year, with no expectation of renewal. The position is open only to nationals of Honduras, and candidates must be based in the country or within commuting distance. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is subject to budgetary and intergovernmental approvals, and candidates may be required to undergo a substantive assessment and competency-based interview.