Economist/Data Scientist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) was established in 1973 with the mission to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA aims to foster cooperation among member states and support their efforts to achieve sustainable development. The organization operates in 17 member countries and employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing regional challenges and enhancing the well-being of the population. ESCWA focuses on various areas, including economic development, social development, and environmental sustainability, and works closely with other UN agencies and international organizations to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The position of Economist/scientist" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Data Scientist is a consultancy role aimed at conducting economic and machine learning research related to labor market policies for one of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The consultant will be expected to navigate the complexities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is characterized by rapid technological advancements and significant changes in the labor market. The role involves analyzing labor market dynamics, addressing the mismatch between education and job requirements, and updating outdated labor market policies to better prepare for the impact of automation. The consultant will leverage innovative data analysis techniques to provide timely insights into labor market trends and contribute to the development of effective labor market strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: conducting substantive research related to the Future of Work Project, reviewing existing literature to inform ESCWA’s Future of Work report, updating economic analyses based on the Skills Monitor results on a monthly basis, conducting data analysis using data from the ESCWA Skills Monitor and various government sources, training machine learning models for labor market forecasting, and providing technical assistance to Arab countries in developing concept notes, training materials, and tailored policy research. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Team Leader of the Future of Work Project and will assist in assessing labor force surveys, matching them with enterprise surveys, and profiling countries in the Arab region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in economics, data science, statistics, or a related field. A Ph.D. in economics or a related discipline is desirable. All applicants are required to submit a copy of their educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Additionally, candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in conducting economic research, particularly in labor market analysis using econometric methods. Proficiency in machine learning and programming languages such as Python or R is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate proven experience in economic data analysis, including the ability to draft, visualize, and present data and concepts effectively. Knowledge of economic modeling is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in economics, data science, statistics, or a related area. A Ph.D. in economics or a related field is considered an asset. Candidates must provide documentation of their educational qualifications, as this is a critical component of the application process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional work experience in economic research, with a strong emphasis on labor market analysis using econometric techniques. Candidates should have a solid understanding of machine learning methodologies and their application in economic research. Experience in data analysis, particularly in the context of labor markets, is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable, as it is a working language of ESCWA. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of a language is defined as a rating of 'confident' in at least two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
The position is a consultancy role expected to last for 12 months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.