Development Coordination Officer/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. The UN Development System, which includes various agencies and programs, aims to support countries in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and addressing global challenges. The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO) play a crucial role in this mission by providing leadership and coordination at the country level, ensuring that the UN's efforts align with national priorities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The UN RCO in Dakar, Senegal, is part of this global network, working to enhance the effectiveness of the UN's development efforts in the region.

Job Overview:
The Development Coordination Officer/Economist position is integral to the UN's efforts in supporting countries to achieve their development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The role involves providing substantive advice to the UN Resident Coordinator and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) on various aspects of SDG acceleration, economic transformation, and SDG financing. The officer will be responsible for planning and facilitating evidence-based analysis of the status of the SDGs, advocating for strong partnerships within the UN system and with national counterparts, and coordinating the development of integrated SDG programming cycles. This position requires a deep understanding of sustainable development trends, challenges, and opportunities, as well as the ability to engage with multiple stakeholders to foster collaboration and innovation in economic policies and practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, facilitate, and consolidate evidence-based analysis of the status of the SDGs, providing substantive advice to the Resident Coordinator and UNCT on SDG acceleration, economic transformation, and SDG financing.
• Advocate for and support the creation of strong partnerships within the UN system and with national counterparts, including International Financial Institutions (IFIs), to reframe economic policies for SDG acceleration.
• Coordinate the development of a new generation of integrated SDG programming cycles, including roadmaps, Common Country Analysis (CCA), and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
• Plan and direct knowledge generation and management around SDG acceleration and financing, ensuring a shared understanding among UNCT members.
• Lead engagement with universities and local think tanks to foster dialogue on emerging economic issues.
• Monitor regional and global economic trends, analyze their implications for SDG acceleration, and recommend actions for consideration.
• Support UNCT initiatives to advance SDG financing and provide economic analysis for cross-pillar approaches in the country.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable development policy, economic research, and analysis in the context of development cooperation or a related area. Knowledge of economics is essential, and familiarity with development economics and relevant experience at the national or international level is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to apply development economics theory to specific country contexts and conduct high-quality economic development research. Understanding of SDGs and the UN Normative agenda, as well as experience coordinating multi-stakeholder processes, is also required. Outstanding analytical and writing skills are essential, along with experience in public speaking and hosting webinars.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, development studies, public policy, or public finance is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable development policy, economic research, and analysis in the context of development cooperation or a related area is required. Candidates should have a strong understanding of economic issues related to SDG financing and experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder processes.

Languages:
Fluency in French is required, and knowledge of English is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'Fluent' in all four areas (reading, speaking, writing, and understanding).

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this post is open for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on funding availability. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not charge any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.