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 (RCO) play a crucial role in supporting countries to meet their development priorities and SDG targets. 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 corporate priorities. The DCO has recalibrated its approach to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda, focusing on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture. The position is based in the RCO in Kampala, Uganda, under the supervision of the Head of RCO, and involves collaboration with various UN entities and stakeholders to ensure coherent support for sustainable development initiatives.

Job Overview:
The UN Economist position involves providing substantive economic analysis and evidence-based advice on sustainable development, economic transformation, and SDG financing. The incumbent will research and analyze economic, social, and sustainable development data, focusing on emerging trends and best practices. They will conduct economic and policy analysis to assist the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team in identifying challenges and opportunities for advancing the SDGs, ensuring gender equality and inclusivity. The role requires supporting the implementation of global guidelines related to economic transformation and SDG financing, contributing to policy papers and analytical notes, and monitoring economic developments that impact sustainable development at the country level. The economist will also engage with various stakeholders, including government counterparts and development partners, to foster collaboration on economic transformation initiatives and SDG financing.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide substantive economic analysis and support 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 guidelines related to economic transformation.
• Support partnerships and engagement with national counterparts and stakeholders, facilitating collaboration with government, UN entities, and the private sector on economic transformation issues.
• Contribute to the UN sustainable development programming cycle by providing economic analysis for the UN Country Analysis and Cooperation Framework.
• Engage in knowledge management and learning activities, sharing best practices and lessons learned related to economic transformation and SDG financing.
• Monitor economic trends and developments, providing insights and recommendations to support evidence-based programming and decision-making.

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 programs in data analytics or related fields is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of sustainable development theories and concepts, with the ability to analyze and resolve complex issues. Professionalism, planning and organizing skills, effective communication, and accountability are essential competencies for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. 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 policy options, and working with various stakeholders in support of sustainable development priorities. Experience in SDG financing, public finance, and innovative financing approaches is desirable, as is experience in knowledge management and the preparation of analytical products in the context of development cooperation.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position available for a duration of one year, with no expectation of renewal. The position is open to nationals of Uganda only, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidates are found, Ugandan nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, with the candidate responsible for relocation costs. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various functions as per organizational needs.