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 system, led by an independent UN Resident Coordinator who represents the UN Secretary-General at the country level. The Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) was transformed into a standalone office to oversee the resident coordinator system, ensuring alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Group's priorities. The DCO's recalibration in 2026 aimed to optimize support for the 2030 Agenda, emphasizing data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture. The position is based in the UN Resident Coordination Office in San Salvador, under the supervision of the Head of the Office, while collaborating with various sections to ensure coherence in SDG policy and financing support.

Job Overview:
The UN Economist will provide substantive economic analysis and support evidence-based advice on sustainable development, economic transformation, and SDG financing. This role involves researching and analyzing economic, social, and sustainable development data, identifying trends, and presenting findings to support the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team in addressing challenges and opportunities related to the SDGs. The Economist will also implement global guidelines on economic transformation and SDG financing, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities, financial institutions, and civil society, to promote inclusive and sustainable economic development. The Economist will contribute to the UN sustainable development programming cycle, providing economic analysis for the Common Country Analysis and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, among other responsibilities.

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.
• Support partnerships and engagement with national counterparts and stakeholders on economic transformation and SDG financing, maintaining collaboration with various institutions and facilitating information-sharing.
• Contribute economic analysis to the UN sustainable development programming cycle, supporting the development and implementation of key frameworks and joint programmes.
• Engage in knowledge management and learning on economic transformation and SDG financing, participating in communities of practice and sharing best practices.
• Collect and analyze data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making, ensuring documentation of requirements and background information used in analysis.
• Perform other duties as required, demonstrating professionalism, planning, and client orientation in all tasks.

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 professionalism, planning, and organizational skills, with a strong client orientation and technological awareness.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Economics is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted. 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, Development Economics, or a related area is required. Candidates should have experience in conducting economic and policy analysis, translating development trends into actionable policy options, and working with multiple stakeholders in support of sustainable development priorities. Experience in SDG financing and development finance is desirable, as is experience in UN inter-agency coordination or resource mobilization initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, but for this role, proficiency in Spanish is essential. Candidates must meet the minimum required level for each skill in these languages according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term position for an initial period of one year, subject to budgetary approval and availability of funds. The position is open to nationals of El Salvador only, and candidates residing outside the country may be considered if no suitable local candidates are identified. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants must provide complete and accurate information in their applications, and the recruitment process is free of charge.