Economist
Organizational Context
The UN Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Libreville, Gabon, operates under the UN Secretariat's reformed Development System, supporting national development priorities and the SDGs. Empowered by the UN Resident Coordinator, the RCO is part of a global reform to enhance UN effectiveness. This role contributes to the UN 2.0 shift, focusing on data, digital innovation, and strategic foresight.
Job Purpose
The Economist will provide substantive economic analysis and evidence-based advice to support sustainable development, economic transformation, and SDG financing in Gabon. This involves researching and analyzing economic and social data, identifying trends, and formulating policy options to accelerate SDG progress. The role supports the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team in strategic planning, policy development, and partnership engagement, ensuring alignment with global and national development agendas. The Economist will also contribute to UN sustainable development programming cycles, knowledge management, and the application of UN 2.0 capabilities, fostering data-driven decision-making and innovation.
Responsibilities
The Economist will conduct comprehensive economic and policy analysis to advise on sustainable development, economic transformation, and SDG financing. This includes researching and presenting data on emerging trends, identifying challenges and opportunities for SDG acceleration, and supporting the implementation of global guidelines. The role involves preparing analytical reports, policy papers, and briefing materials, monitoring economic developments, and analyzing the private sector's role in financing. Additionally, the Economist will foster partnerships with national counterparts, UN entities, IFIs, and other stakeholders, contributing economic analysis to the UN sustainable development programming cycle, including UN Country Analysis and Cooperation Frameworks. Knowledge management and learning on economic transformation and SDG financing are also key responsibilities, including participation in communities of practice and disseminating lessons learned.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive experience in economic research, analysis, macroeconomic or socioeconomic policy, or development economics is required. Experience in conducting economic/policy analysis and translating data into actionable recommendations is essential. Experience in SDG financing, development finance, or innovative financing approaches is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Accountability, Planning and Organizing, ability to apply sustainable development theories, data analysis and interpretation, research and analysis, knowledge management, partnership building, and effective communication.