Development Coordination Officer / Economist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was restructured on January 1, 2019, under the leadership of the UN Secretary-General to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO) play a crucial role in this reform, supporting countries in their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs. The UN RCO operates under the guidance of an empowered UN Resident Coordinator, who is the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System at the country level. The organization aims to foster partnerships and collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve sustainable development outcomes.

Job Overview:
The Development Coordination Officer / Economist position is pivotal in facilitating and consolidating evidence-based analysis regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The role involves providing substantive advice to the Resident Coordinator (RC) and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) on economic transformation, including green and just transitions, digital transformation, and SDG financing. The officer will advocate for strong partnerships within the UN System and with national counterparts, including International Financial Institutions (IFIs), to support the reframing of economic policies. The position also requires coordinating the development of an integrated SDG programming cycle that advances economic transformation and outlines a clear approach to SDG financing in programming countries. Knowledge generation and management around these agendas are also key responsibilities, ensuring a shared understanding of sustainable development trends and challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plans, facilitates, and consolidates evidence-based analysis of the SDGs, providing advice on economic transformation and SDG financing.
• Advocates for partnerships within the UN System and with national counterparts to support economic policy reframing.
• Coordinates the development of an integrated SDG programming cycle, including roadmaps and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCF).
• Plans and directs knowledge management around economic transformation and SDG financing, promoting collaboration and sharing best practices.
• Conducts research and analysis on economic transformation best practices, providing guidance to the RC and UNCT.
• Monitors regional and global economic trends, analyzing their implications for SDGs at the country level.
• Engages with the private sector to identify SDG financing opportunities and strengthen partnerships.
• Supports UNCT initiatives to advance SDG financing and provides economic analysis for cross-pillar approaches.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in macroeconomic policy, economic research, and analysis in the context of development cooperation or a related area. Knowledge of economics is essential, with familiarity in development economics and relevant experience at the national or international level being 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 their application at the national level is also desirable, along with proven experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder processes and outstanding analytical and writing skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics 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 years of progressively responsible experience in macroeconomic policy, economic research, and analysis is required. Candidates should have a strong understanding of development economics and the ability to apply this knowledge in practical settings. Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder processes and participatory assessments is essential, as well as the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively.

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

Additional Notes:
The appointment is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on funding availability. The position is open to candidates from underrepresented member states in the UN Secretariat. 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. The UN does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.