Economist
Organizational Context
The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO) support countries in achieving development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the UN reform. This Economist role, within the UN Secretariat's RCO in Ashkhabad, Turkmenistan, contributes to the UN 2.0 shift, focusing on data, digital, and innovation. The position reports to the Head of the RCO and has a functional relationship with the SDG Policy and Financing Section.
Job Purpose
The Economist provides essential economic and policy analysis to support the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) and UN Country Team (UNCT) in Turkmenistan. The role focuses on accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas of economic transformation (including green/just transitions, digital transformation, and the future of work) and SDG financing. This involves conducting in-depth analysis, identifying challenges and opportunities, and developing policy options. The Economist also plays a crucial role in fostering partnerships with national counterparts, international financial institutions, development partners, and the private sector to advance sustainable economic transformation and secure financing for SDGs. Furthermore, the position contributes to integrated UN country-level planning processes, such as the UN Country Analysis and Cooperation Framework, and supports knowledge generation and learning within the UNCT on sustainable development trends and policy issues.
Responsibilities
The Economist is responsible for providing substantive, evidence-based economic and policy analysis to support the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) and UN Country Team (UNCT) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This includes analyzing progress, identifying challenges and opportunities for SDG acceleration, economic transformation (green/just transitions, digital, future of work), and SDG financing. The role involves supporting the development and strengthening of partnerships with government, IFIs, development partners, and the private sector. The Economist provides economic analysis for integrated UN country-level planning processes like the UN Country Analysis and Cooperation Framework, and contributes to knowledge generation and learning on sustainable development trends. Key duties include researching and presenting economic data, conducting policy analysis, supporting the implementation of global guidelines, preparing analytical notes and reports, monitoring economic developments, analyzing the private sector's role in financing, and researching innovative financing approaches. The Economist also supports engagement with national counterparts and stakeholders, facilitates collaboration, and contributes to UN joint programmes and coordination mechanisms.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive experience in economic research, macroeconomic/socioeconomic policy, or development economics is required. Essential experience includes conducting economic/policy analysis, translating trends into policy options, and expertise in SDG financing, development finance, or innovative financing. Desirable experience includes supporting strategic planning with government institutions, working with diverse stakeholders, applying inclusive approaches (gender, youth, disability), partnership building, resource mobilization, UN inter-agency coordination, and data analytics.
Skills
Professionalism in applying sustainable development theories, identifying and resolving issues, conducting data collection and analysis, and using research sources. Strong planning and organizing skills, including setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and managing resources efficiently. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences and engage in effective two-way communication.