UN Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Coordination Office (DCO) was established as part of a global reform initiated by the UN Secretary-General on January 1, 201

• This reform aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the UN Development System in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The DCO operates under the leadership of an empowered UN Resident Coordinator, who is the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System at the country level. The DCO is responsible for managerial and oversight functions of the resident coordinator system, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and supporting countries in their development priorities. The DCO's mission includes promoting sustainable development through data-driven decision-making, innovation, and strategic foresight, and it collaborates closely with various stakeholders to advance SDG financing and economic transformation.

Job Overview:
The UN Economist position is pivotal in providing substantive support for evidence-based analysis of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Kosovo. The incumbent will engage in economic and policy analysis to assist the Development Coordinator (DC) and the United Nations Kosovo Team (UNKT) in accelerating SDG progress, fostering economic transformation, and enhancing SDG financing. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities, International Financial Institutions (IFIs), and the private sector, to strengthen partnerships and advance sustainable economic development. The Economist will also contribute to integrated UN analysis, planning, and programming processes, ensuring that economic transformation and SDG financing are central to the UN's strategic objectives in Kosovo. The position demands a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development trends, challenges, and opportunities, as well as the ability to generate knowledge and facilitate learning within the UNKT.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Providing substantive support for evidence-based analysis of progress towards the SDGs, focusing on economic transformation and SDG financing.
• Supporting the DC and UNKT in developing partnerships with various stakeholders to advance SDG acceleration and sustainable economic transformation.
• Conducting economic and policy analysis to identify challenges and opportunities for SDG progress, ensuring gender equality considerations are integrated.
• Contributing to knowledge generation and management on sustainable development trends and challenges in Kosovo.
• Engaging with government counterparts, UN entities, and other stakeholders to facilitate collaboration on economic transformation and SDG financing.
• Supporting the UN sustainable development programming cycle through economic analysis and substantive inputs to strategic plans and joint programmes.
• Monitoring local and global economic developments and their implications for sustainable development.
• Documenting lessons learned and promoting innovative analytical methods to enhance decision-making and policy coherence.

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 degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage. 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 analytical methodologies is essential, along with the ability to convey complex information effectively to management and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is an advanced university degree in Economics. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted. Candidates with additional qualifications in data analytics or related fields will have an advantage. The role requires a solid foundation in economic theory and practice, particularly in the context of development cooperation and sustainable development.

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, including government, IFIs, and the private sector. Experience in SDG financing and innovative financing approaches is desirable, as is familiarity with inclusive approaches that consider gender equality and other social dimensions in economic analysis and programming. Experience in UN inter-agency coordination or multi-stakeholder processes is also beneficial.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English is required, with a minimum level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Proficiency in Albanian is also required at the same level. Knowledge of Serbian is desirable, and candidates should demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in these languages within the context of their work.

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 in its workforce and encourages female candidates to apply. This position is open to nationals of Kosovo only, and candidates must possess knowledge of the national context, including language and culture. The recruitment process may include a substantive assessment and competency-based interview. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.