UN Economist

UN Economist

United Nations Secretariat

October 1, 2026November 2, 2026Guatemala CityGuatemala
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, and to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN Development System, which includes various agencies and programs, aims to support countries in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and improving the quality of life for all. The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (RCO) play a crucial role in this mission by coordinating the UN's development efforts at the country level, ensuring that the UN's work aligns with national priorities and the SDGs. The UN RCO in Guatemala City is part of this global framework, focusing on sustainable development and economic transformation in Guatemala.

Job Overview:
The UN Economist position is integral to the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Guatemala City, where the incumbent will provide substantive economic analysis and support evidence-based advice on sustainable development, economic transformation, and SDG financing. The role involves researching and analyzing economic, social, and sustainable development data, identifying trends, and proposing policy options to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. The Economist will collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including government counterparts, UN entities, and development partners, to foster partnerships and engage in dialogue on economic transformation and financing strategies. This position requires a strong understanding of economic policies, data analysis, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Economist will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:
  • Conducting substantive economic analysis and providing evidence-based advice on sustainable development and SDG financing.
  • Researching and analyzing economic and policy data to support the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team in identifying challenges and opportunities.
  • Supporting the implementation of corporate guidelines related to economic transformation and SDG financing.
  • Preparing policy papers, analytical notes, and reports on economic transformation and macroeconomic trends.
  • Monitoring national and global economic developments and their implications for sustainable development.
  • Engaging with national counterparts and stakeholders to promote collaboration on economic transformation initiatives.
  • Contributing to the UN sustainable development programming cycle, including the Common Country Analysis and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
  • Participating in knowledge management and learning activities related to economic transformation and SDG financing.
  • Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and support data-driven decision-making. 1
  • Performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in economics, with the ability to apply sustainable development theories and concepts. They should demonstrate analytical skills, the ability to conduct independent research, and proficiency in data collection and analysis. The role requires a commitment to gender equality and inclusivity in economic analysis and programming. Candidates should also exhibit professionalism, accountability, and effective planning and organizing skills to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Economics is required for this position. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, successful 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, or development economics is required. Candidates should have experience in conducting economic and policy analysis, translating development trends into actionable recommendations, 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 mechanisms.

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 a minimum level of UN Level II in English and UN Level III in Spanish according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term position with an initial appointment period of one year, subject to availability of funds and budgetary approval. The position is open to nationals of Guatemala only, and candidates residing outside Guatemala may be considered if no suitable local candidates are identified. The UN 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.
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