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 represents the UN Secretary-General at the country level. The Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) has been transformed into a stand-alone office within the UN Secretariat, overseeing the resident coordinator system. The DCO's functions include managerial oversight and ensuring the RC system is optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda, focusing on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture. The UN RCO in Asuncion, Paraguay, is tasked with supporting the country's development priorities and SDG attainment.

Job Overview:
The UN Economist position is located within the UN Resident Coordination Office in Asuncion, Paraguay. The role involves providing substantive economic analysis and evidence-based advice on sustainable development, economic transformation, and SDG financing. The Economist will research, analyze, and present economic and sustainable development data, conduct policy analysis to support the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team, and implement global guidelines related to economic transformation and SDG financing. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government counterparts, UN entities, and development partners, to identify opportunities for sustainable economic development. The Economist will also contribute to the UN sustainable development programming cycle, providing economic analysis for the UN Country Analysis and Cooperation Framework, and support knowledge management and learning on economic transformation and SDG financing.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides substantive economic analysis and supports evidence-based advice on sustainable development, economic transformation, and SDG financing. This includes researching and analyzing economic data, conducting policy analysis, and supporting the implementation of global guidelines related to economic transformation.
• Supports partnerships and engagement with national counterparts and other stakeholders on economic transformation and SDG financing, leading thematic engagement and maintaining collaboration with economists across the UN system.
• Provides economic analysis and substantive support to the UN sustainable development programming cycle, contributing to the development of the UN Country Analysis and Cooperation Framework.
• Contributes to knowledge management and learning on economic transformation and SDG financing, participating in communities of practice and facilitating the exchange of research and good practices.
• Collects and interprets economic trends and presents findings through policy-oriented reports and other knowledge products.

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 advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and client orientation 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 in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Completion of 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, or development economics is required. Candidates should have experience in conducting economic and policy analysis, translating development trends into 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 knowledge management and the preparation of analytical products.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and 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 with an initial appointment period of one year, subject to availability of funds and budgetary approval. The position is open to nationals of Paraguay only, and candidates residing outside Paraguay 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. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.