Economist
Organizational Context
The UN Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Male, Maldives, operates under the UN Secretariat's reformed Development System, supporting the country's development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This role is situated within the RCO, reporting to the Head of Office and collaborating with the SDG Policy and Financing Section and Regional Policy Analyst to ensure alignment with UN 2.0 strategies.
Job Purpose
This Economist role is crucial for supporting the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) and the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Maldives. The primary purpose is to provide substantive economic analysis and evidence-based advice on sustainable development, economic transformation, and SDG financing. This involves researching trends, conducting policy analysis, and identifying opportunities to accelerate SDG progress. The role also supports the localization of global guidelines, contributes to integrated UN policy support, and enhances data-driven decision-making to promote inclusive and sustainable economic development, aligning with the UN 2.0 agenda.
Responsibilities
The Economist will provide substantive economic analysis and evidence-based advice on sustainable development, economic transformation, and SDG financing. Key duties include researching and analyzing economic and social data, trends, and good practices; conducting policy analysis to support the RC and UNCT in identifying challenges and opportunities for SDG acceleration; supporting the implementation of global guidelines and tools for integrated SDG analysis, strategic foresight, and data-driven decision-making. The role involves preparing analytical notes, briefing materials, and knowledge products; monitoring economic developments; analyzing the private sector's role in sustainable transformation and financing; and supporting UNCT initiatives like Integrated National Financing Frameworks. Additionally, the Economist will support partnerships with national counterparts and stakeholders, contribute economic analysis to the UN sustainable development programming cycle (UNCA, Cooperation Framework), and engage in knowledge management and learning activities.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in economic research, analysis, macroeconomic/socioeconomic policy, or development economics is required. Experience in economic/policy analysis, translating trends into policy options, and SDG financing is essential. Desirable experience includes supporting strategic planning, working with diverse stakeholders, applying inclusive approaches, partnership building, UN inter-agency coordination, and data analytics.
Skills
Professionalism in applying sustainable development theories, issue identification, data collection, research, and analysis. Ability to analyze and interpret data for decision-making. Accountability, planning, organizing, and client orientation are essential competencies.