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 is the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System 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 functions to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda, focusing on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture. The position is based in the UN Resident Coordination Office in Panama City, Panama, 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 position involves providing substantive economic analysis and evidence-based advice on sustainable development, economic transformation, and SDG financing. The role requires researching and analyzing economic, social, and sustainable development data, identifying trends, and proposing policy options to support the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team in achieving the SDGs. The Economist will also support the implementation of global guidelines related to economic transformation and SDG financing, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities. This position is integral to the UN's efforts to localize and implement sustainable development strategies, with a strong focus on gender equality and inclusivity. The Economist will engage with various stakeholders, including government entities, international financial institutions, and civil society, to foster partnerships and collaborative efforts towards sustainable economic development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct substantive economic analysis and provide evidence-based advice on sustainable development, economic transformation, and SDG financing.
• Research and analyze economic, social, and sustainable development data, identifying emerging trends and good practices.
• Support the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team in identifying challenges and opportunities for accelerating progress towards the SDGs.
• Implement and localize global guidelines related to economic transformation and SDG financing.
• Prepare policy papers, analytical notes, and reports on economic transformation and SDG financing.
• Monitor national, regional, and global economic developments and analyze their implications for sustainable development.
• Engage with national counterparts and stakeholders to support economic transformation and SDG financing initiatives.
• Assist in the development and implementation of the Common Country Analysis and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
• Contribute to knowledge management and learning on economic transformation and SDG financing. 1
• Collect and analyze data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making.

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 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, including electronic resources, is essential. Candidates must also exhibit professionalism, accountability, client orientation, and technological awareness in their work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Economics is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Completion of programs in Data Analytics, Business Analytics, or Data Science is advantageous, indicating a strong foundation in analytical skills relevant to the role.

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 supporting strategic planning and policy development with government institutions or development partners. Experience in SDG financing, development finance, and public finance is desirable, as is experience working with multiple stakeholders in support of sustainable development priorities. Familiarity with inclusive approaches that consider gender equality and other social factors is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages, with specific levels outlined according to the UN Language Framework. Knowledge of French is an asset but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term position with an initial appointment period of one year, subject to budgetary approval and availability of funds. The position is open to nationals of Panama only, and candidates residing outside Panama 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. The recruitment process is free of charge, and the UN does not request any fees from applicants at any stage.