International Consultant - Updating Illicit Financial Flows Estimates in Africa

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), which was established in 195

• ECA's mission is to promote the economic and social development of its member states, foster regional integration, and enhance the international competitiveness of African countries. The organization operates in multiple countries across the African continent, with a focus on addressing issues such as economic development, trade, and sustainable development. ECA employs a diverse workforce of professionals and experts dedicated to supporting African nations in achieving their development goals.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant involves delivering a rigorous and policy-oriented analytical output that integrates empirical estimation with methodological development and the creation of an Illicit Financial Flows (IFF) application. The consultant will be responsible for designing and implementing an analytical framework for estimating illicit financial flows, ensuring that it is grounded in established approaches and recent methodological advances. This includes the collection, cleaning, and harmonization of relevant datasets, as well as applying appropriate statistical and analytical techniques to generate updated estimates. The consultant will also assess existing methodologies, document assumptions, and develop approaches to mitigate challenges. A key responsibility will be the preparation of a comprehensive methodological guide or technical note that translates analytical work into a structured framework for policymakers and technical practitioners. Additionally, the consultant will develop an interactive platform that transforms ECA’s trade misinvoicing database into an accessible analytical tool, enabling users to explore illicit financial flow estimates through various dashboards and visualizations. Throughout the assignment, the consultant will engage closely with ECA technical teams to ensure outputs align with institutional priorities and synthesize findings into a coherent narrative suitable for both technical and policy audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a comprehensive analytical study aimed at updating the measurement of illicit financial flows from Africa. This will involve three interrelated components: empirical estimation, methodological refinement, and development of a standardized analytical framework. The consultant will compile and harmonize multiple data sources, generate updated annual estimates of IFFs, and assess the relative importance of different channels of illicit flows. The consultant will critically review existing estimation approaches, apply improved analytical techniques, and develop a coherent methodological framework that clearly defines IFFs and outlines step-by-step estimation procedures. The consultant will also develop an interactive digital platform that enables stakeholders to query, visualize, and download trade mis-invoicing data. Deliverables include an inception report, analytical study, IFF application, and stakeholder presentations.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced degree in Economics, International Development, Law, Public Finance, or a related field, with a PhD preferred as an added advantage. A minimum of 10 years of experience in international taxation, development economics, fiscal policy, or public finance is required. Demonstrated expertise in Illicit Financial Flows is essential, along with experience working with African countries or in developing country contexts. Familiarity with UN, OECD, or multilateral processes is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in a relevant field such as Economics, International Development, Law, or Public Finance. A PhD is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the relevant areas.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in fields related to international taxation, development economics, fiscal policy, or public finance. This experience should include demonstrated expertise in illicit financial flows and familiarity with the challenges faced by African countries or developing contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, enhancing communication capabilities within the organization and with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 12 months, and the consultant will work under the supervision of the MGD director of the ECA and the section chief of Macroeconomic Analysis, Institutions & Economic Governance Section (MIGS). The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.