ECONOMIST

Organizational Context

The UN Secretariat's Resident Coordinator System (RCS) supports countries in achieving development priorities and SDGs. This role is within the UN Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Beijing, China, reporting to the Head of RCO. The RCS operates under the UN Development System reform, emphasizing data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture.

Job Purpose

This Economist role supports the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) and UN Country Team (UNCT) in China by providing evidence-based analysis on SDG status and its alignment with China's 15th Five-Year Plan. The purpose is to advise on SDG acceleration, economic transformation (including green transition and digitalization), and SDG financing. The role involves researching best practices, guiding policy development, coordinating UNCT efforts, and fostering partnerships to reframe economic policies and practices towards achieving the SDGs. It also focuses on knowledge generation and management to enhance the UNCT's understanding of sustainable development trends and opportunities in China.

Responsibilities

The Economist will conduct evidence-based analysis of SDG status in China, linking it to the 15th Five-Year Plan and national policies, advising the RC and UNCT on SDG acceleration, economic transformation, and financing. Key duties include researching best practices, providing policy advice, guiding UNCT support, developing advocacy topics, analyzing UN operations, preparing reports, and monitoring economic trends. The role also involves supporting advocacy for partnerships with national counterparts and IFIs, coordinating UNCT programming cycles (CCA, UNSDCF), and managing knowledge generation on SDG acceleration and financing. This includes fostering collaboration, analyzing lessons learned, and proposing innovative approaches to leverage SDG financing and enhance UN support for policy development.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in sustainable development policy, economic research, and analysis within development cooperation is required. Familiarity with development economics, the SDGs, China's 15th Five-Year Plan, and SDG financing is desirable. Experience in data analytics, coordinating multi-stakeholder processes, and strong analytical/writing skills are also beneficial.

Skills

Professionalism, ability to apply sustainable development theories, research and data analysis, conceptual and analytical skills, planning and organizing, leadership, and effective communication.

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