Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was restructured on January 1, 2019, to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This reform led to the establishment of the UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), which operate under the leadership of an independent UN Resident Coordinator. The UN Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) was transformed into a stand-alone office responsible for overseeing the resident coordinator system. The DCO aims to ensure that the UN system is optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda, focusing on data, digital innovation, and strategic foresight. The Republic of the Congo is currently facing significant challenges in its sustainable development, including reliance on oil revenues and youth unemployment, but has opportunities for economic transformation through initiatives like Vision Congo 2063 and the upcoming National Development Plan (2027-2031).

Job Overview:
The Economist position is critical for providing strategic economic, policy, and financing analysis to the UN Resident Coordinator (RC), the Resident Coordination Office (RCO), and the UN Country Team (UNCT). The role involves supporting evidence-based policy advice, strategic prioritization, and identifying opportunities for sustainable economic transformation and financing for the SDGs. The Economist will engage with various stakeholders, including government entities, international financial institutions (IFIs), and the private sector, to leverage UN capabilities in data, digitalization, and innovation. The position is based in the UN RCO in Brazzaville and reports to the Head of RCO, while also collaborating with the SDG Policy and Financing Section. The Economist will play a key role in integrating macroeconomic analysis into the UN's strategic response to development challenges in the Republic of the Congo.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct substantive economic analysis and provide evidence-based advice on sustainable development, economic transformation, and SDG financing. This includes researching and analyzing economic, social, and sustainable development data, identifying trends, and proposing policy options.
• Support the implementation of global guidelines related to economic transformation and SDG financing, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities.
• Prepare analytical products, including policy papers and reports, on economic transformation and macroeconomic trends.
• Monitor economic developments and analyze their implications for sustainable development and the SDGs.
• Engage with government counterparts and stakeholders to promote collaboration on economic transformation and financing initiatives.
• Contribute to the UN sustainable development programming cycle by providing economic analysis for the UN Country Analysis and Cooperation Framework.
• Promote the use of data, digitalization, and innovation in economic analysis and sustainable development.
• Participate in knowledge management and learning activities related to economic transformation and SDG financing, sharing best practices and lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of sustainable development theories and concepts, with the ability to analyze and resolve complex issues. Proficiency in data collection and analysis methods is essential, along with the ability to conduct independent research. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and effective planning and organizing skills. They must also be able to incorporate gender perspectives into their work and ensure equal participation of all genders in development processes.

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 programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is advantageous.

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 data into actionable policy recommendations, and working with various stakeholders in development cooperation. Experience in SDG financing and innovative financing approaches is desirable, as is experience in supporting strategic planning and policy development with government institutions.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required, with a minimum proficiency level of II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for both languages according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term position for an initial period of one year, subject to budgetary approval and availability of funds. The position is open to nationals of the Republic of the Congo, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidates are found, nationals residing elsewhere may be considered. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.