UN Economist

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 has undergone significant reforms to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203

• The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (RCO) play a crucial role in supporting countries in their development priorities, ensuring that the UN's efforts are aligned with national needs and global objectives. The RCO in Libreville, Gabon, is part of this system, working under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, who is the highest-ranking UN official in the country. The office collaborates with various stakeholders to implement sustainable development initiatives and policies.

Job Overview:
The UN Economist position is integral to the UN Resident Coordination Office in Libreville, Gabon. The incumbent will provide substantive economic analysis and 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 the UN Country Team in their efforts to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. The Economist will also contribute to the implementation of global guidelines and tools related to economic transformation and SDG financing, ensuring that these are localized to fit the Gabonese context. The position requires collaboration with various UN entities and stakeholders to foster partnerships and enhance the effectiveness of economic policies and programs.

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 social data, identifying trends, and proposing policy options to support the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team.
• Supporting the implementation of global guidelines related to economic transformation and SDG financing.
• Preparing analytical materials, reports, and policy papers 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 foster partnerships for economic transformation.
• Contributing to the UN sustainable development programming cycle, including the development of the United Nations Country Analysis and Cooperation Framework.
• Participating in knowledge management and learning initiatives related to economic transformation and SDG financing.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in economics, with a focus on sustainable development and SDG financing. The position requires advanced analytical skills, the ability to conduct independent research, and familiarity with various research methodologies. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. A commitment to gender equality and inclusive approaches in economic analysis and policy development is essential. The role demands excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey complex economic concepts to a variety of audiences.

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 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, as it enhances the candidate's ability to analyze and interpret economic data effectively.

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 recommendations, and working with various stakeholders, including government institutions and development partners. Experience in SDG financing and innovative financing approaches is desirable, as is familiarity with multi-stakeholder coordination mechanisms and knowledge management practices in the context of development cooperation. Candidates with two or more years of experience in data analytics or related fields will have an added advantage.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in both languages is required. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both English and French, as per the UN Language Framework. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the UN system and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term position with an initial appointment period of one year, subject to the availability of funds and budgetary approval. The position is open to nationals of Gabon, and candidates must be recruited within the country or within commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidates are identified, Gabon nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, but they will be responsible for any relocation costs. 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 require any fees at any stage of the hiring process.