Development Coordination Officer / Economist

Development Coordination Officer / Economist

United Nations Secretariat

May 15, 2025June 12, 2025MaseruLesotho
United Nations Secretariat About
United Nations Secretariat is the executive arm and one of the major organs of the United Nations. It has an keyrole in agenda setting, decision making and decision implementaion. The Secretary-General is the head of the secretariat.
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was reformed on January 1, 2019, 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, led by an empowered UN Resident Coordinator who represents the UN Secretary-General at the country level. Lesotho, a landlocked country with a population of approximately 2.3 million, faces significant development challenges, including high unemployment and poverty rates. The UN RCO in Lesotho supports the country in achieving its development priorities and the SDGs.

Job Overview:
The Development Coordination Officer / Economist will be stationed in the UN Resident Coordination Office in Lesotho, reporting to the Senior Development Coordination Officer. The role involves planning, facilitating, and consolidating evidence-based analysis of the status of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The officer will provide substantive advice to the Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team, focusing on SDG acceleration, economic transformation, and SDG financing. The position requires a strong understanding of sustainable development trends and the ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder partnerships to support economic policies that align with the SDGs. The officer will also be responsible for knowledge management and promoting best practices in sustainable development within the UN system.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Plans and facilitates evidence-based analysis of SDGs, providing advice on SDG acceleration and economic transformation.
  • Advocates for strong 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 annual reports.
  • Plans and directs knowledge generation around SDG acceleration and financing, promoting collaboration and innovation.
  • Conducts research and analysis on sustainable development trends and challenges, providing recommendations for policy dialogue.
  • Monitors regional and global economic trends, analyzing their implications for SDG acceleration at the country level.
  • Engages with the private sector to identify SDG financing opportunities and strengthen partnerships.
  • Supports the preparation of UN flagship reports on SDG acceleration and financing, ensuring data-driven recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
A university degree in economics is required, with either an advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) or a first-level degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience. Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding of sustainable development policy and economic research, with knowledge of the SDGs and their application at the national level. Familiarity with development economics and experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder processes are desirable. Outstanding analytical and writing skills are essential, along with proficiency in statistical analysis software.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in economics. An advanced degree is preferred, but a first-level degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in economic theories and sustainable development principles.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable development policy, economic research, and analysis is required. Candidates should have a proven track record in development cooperation or related areas, with a strong understanding of SDG financing and the ability to apply development economics theory to specific country contexts. Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives and participatory assessments is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language, such as French, is considered an advantage. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'Fluent' in all four areas (reading, speaking, writing, and understanding).

Additional Notes:
The appointment is for an initial period of one year, subject to extension based on funding availability. The position is open to candidates from under-represented member states in the UN Secretariat. 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 a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
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