UN Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System, established to effectively support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), operates through various offices including the UN Resident Coordinator Offices (RCO). The RCOs are led by independent UN Resident Coordinators who represent the UN Secretary-General at the country level. The organization focuses on enhancing development priorities and ensuring coherence in policy and financing across the UN system. The Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) oversees the resident coordinator system and has undergone transformations to better align with the UN's mission-driven culture and data-driven decision-making.

Job Overview:
The UN Economist position is crucial for providing substantive economic analysis and evidence-based advice on sustainable development, economic transformation, and SDG financing. The incumbent will work closely with the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team to identify challenges and opportunities for accelerating progress towards the SDGs. This role involves conducting economic and policy analysis, supporting the implementation of corporate guidelines, and preparing analytical materials that inform decision-making processes. The position also requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government counterparts and development partners, to foster partnerships that enhance sustainable economic development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the UN Economist include conducting substantive economic analysis to support sustainable development initiatives, providing evidence-based advice on economic transformation and SDG financing, and preparing analytical materials for policy papers and reports. The incumbent will monitor economic developments and their implications for sustainable development, engage with national counterparts and stakeholders to promote collaboration, and contribute to the UN sustainable development programming cycle. Additionally, the role involves knowledge management and learning activities to strengthen the UN Country Team's understanding of economic challenges and opportunities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in economic research and analysis, with a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in related fields such as macroeconomic policy, development economics, or applied economics. Experience in SDG financing and development finance is essential, along with a proven ability to translate data into actionable policy recommendations. Familiarity with inclusive approaches that consider gender equality and other social dimensions in economic analysis is desirable. The role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics is required for this position. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in economic research and analysis, with a focus on development cooperation. Candidates should have experience in conducting economic and policy analysis, as well as familiarity with SDG financing and innovative financing approaches. Experience working with multiple stakeholders, including government and civil society, is desirable, as is experience in UN inter-agency coordination or multi-stakeholder processes.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages, with a minimum level of proficiency as outlined by the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position available for a duration of one year, with no expectation of renewal. The position is open only to nationals of Côte d'Ivoire, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is subject to budgetary and intergovernmental approvals, and candidates may be required to undergo a substantive assessment and competency-based interview.