Consultant - Upgrade of the World Economic Forecast Model (WEFM) for Cambodia
Organizational Context
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) is implementing a capacity development project to strengthen Cambodia's macroeconomic policy analysis and evidence-based policymaking. This role supports the development of a customized World Economic Forecast Model (WEFM) Scenario Lab and macroeconomic scenarios for Cambodia, contributing to improved policy analysis and decision-making.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to strengthen Cambodia's capacity for macroeconomic policy analysis and evidence-based policymaking. The role will support the development of a customized WEFM Scenario Lab and validated macroeconomic scenarios for Cambodia. The purpose is to enable policymakers to examine policy options, assess external shocks, and understand trade-offs through clearly documented scenarios. The consultant will contribute to a country scenario study, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and deliver a capacity-building workshop, ultimately enhancing the country's ability to utilize macroeconomic analysis for informed decision-making and policy development. The work involves qualitative and quantitative analysis, and the application of an interactive R-based dashboard.
Responsibilities
The consultant will be responsible for collecting and organizing data for policy-relevant scenarios, and facilitating scenario design with policymakers. This includes preparing an inception note and workplan, reviewing the WEFM modelling system, and engaging with government institutions and stakeholders to identify policy questions and data needs. The role involves leading the design and configuration of a customized WEFM Scenario Lab dashboard, translating stakeholder priorities into an agreed scenario approach, and reviewing preliminary results. Additionally, the consultant will lead workshop planning, facilitate sessions on scenario design and interpretation, and prepare a country scenario study based on WEFM outputs and other data. The consultant will also discuss findings with policymakers, incorporate feedback, and validate the feasibility of proposed interventions.
Work Experience
A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in macroeconomic analysis, economic modelling, or policy research is required. Experience in macroeconomic scenario analysis and developing analytical tools for evidence-based policymaking is highly desirable. Demonstrated experience facilitating stakeholder consultations and delivering training or workshops is also required. Familiarity with Cambodia and its national institutions is a plus.
Skills
Macroeconomic analysis, economic modelling, policy research, macroeconomic scenario analysis, WEFM modelling system, R and Shiny, interactive dashboard design, stakeholder engagement, workshop facilitation, data collection and organization, report writing, policy analysis.