UN Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, and to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN operates in various countries, including the Maldives, where it aims to support sustainable development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Development System has undergone significant reforms to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency, particularly in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (RCO) play a crucial role in this system, providing leadership and coordination for development efforts at the country level. The UN RCO in the Maldives is focused on aligning national priorities with global development goals and ensuring that the benefits of development are shared equitably among all segments of society.

Job Overview:
The UN Economist position is located within the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Male, Maldives. The incumbent will be responsible for providing substantive economic analysis and evidence-based advice on sustainable development, economic transformation, and SDG financing. This role involves conducting research and analysis on economic, social, and sustainable development data, identifying challenges and opportunities for policy options, and supporting the implementation of global guidelines related to economic transformation and SDG financing. The Economist will collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including government counterparts, UN entities, and development partners, to promote inclusive and sustainable economic development. The position requires a strong understanding of macroeconomic trends, SDG financing, and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders to support the UN's development priorities.

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 preparing briefing materials for the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team.
• Supports partnerships and engagement with national counterparts and other stakeholders on economic transformation and SDG financing, facilitating collaboration with government institutions, private sector actors, and civil society.
• Contributes economic analysis to the UN sustainable development programming cycle, including the UN Country Analysis and Cooperation Framework, ensuring that economic trends and challenges are addressed in programming.
• Contributes to knowledge management and learning on economic transformation and SDG financing, participating in communities of practice and sharing best practices and lessons learned.
• Performs other duties as required, demonstrating professionalism, accountability, planning, and client orientation in all tasks.

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 an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of sustainable development theories and concepts, as well as the ability to conduct independent research and analysis. Familiarity with various research sources and data analysis methods is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in Economics. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have additional qualifying experience. Completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is advantageous, indicating a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making and analysis.

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 actionable policy options, and working with multiple stakeholders in support of sustainable development priorities. Experience in SDG financing 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 and Dhivehi are the mandatory languages for this position. Proficiency in English is required at UN Level II, which includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Dhivehi is also required at the same proficiency level, ensuring effective communication within the local context and with national counterparts.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position for a duration of one year, with no expectation of renewal. The appointment is subject to the availability of the post and budgetary approval. Candidates must be nationals of the Maldives, and the recruitment process is open only to local candidates. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.