Economist, P4

Org. Setting and Reporting

The UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator - the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level - support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Hanoi, Vietnam and reports to the Head of Resident Coordinator Office.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Development Coordination Officer /Economist will be responsible for the following duties: Summary of Functions 1. Plans, facilitates and consolidates evidence-based analysis of the status of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), providing substantive advice to the Resident Coordinator (RC) and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), particularly on elements pertaining to the economic transformation agenda (including green and just transition, digital transformation and the future of work) and SDG financing. 2. Advocates and supports RC’s and UNCT’s advocacy efforts for the creation of strong partnerships within the UN System, with national counterparts in government and other relevant partners, including International Financial Institutions (IFIs), private sector actors, relevant civil society actors including think tanks, academics and influencers , to support the reframing of economic policies and practices around economic transformation and SDG financing. 3. Coordinates the development by the UNCT of a new generation of an integrated SDG programming cycle (including development of roadmaps, Country Analysis (CA) and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), UN Joint Programmes, as well as Annual Reports and others) that advances the economic transformation agenda and outlines a clear approach to SDG financing in programming countries. 4. Plans and directs knowledge generation and management around the economic transformation and SDG financing agendas, in support of a shared understanding by the UNCT of sustainable development trends, challenges and opportunities in programme countries. Description of Functions: 1. Plans, facilitates, and consolidates evidence-based analysis of the status of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing substantive advice to the RC and UNCT, particularly on elements pertaining to the economic transformation agenda (including green and just transition, digital transformation and the future of work) and SDG financing: • Researches, analyzes, consolidates, and presents information and data on emerging best practices in economic transformation for sustainable development, including green and just transition, digital transformation and the future of work, among others; paying special attention to gender and leave no one behind (LNOB) principles; • Provides advice on global/corporate guidelines, tools and other materials related to economic transformation and SDG financing; • Works with UNCT counterparts to create common, convergent and coherent key advocacy topics related to sustainable economic transformation and SDG financing, helping identify and analyze entry points for catalytic and consolidated UN policy support options, to enable the transition to more efficient, low-carbon and resilient production and consumption patterns, maximizing social, environmental and economic outcomes that impact the implementation of multiple SDGs and their targets, with proposed ‘accelerator interventions' that can help unlock and accelerate progress towards sustainable development; • Collects and analyzes data on UN country level operations in support of the implementation of the economic transformation agenda and SDG financing, identifies gaps and proposes follow-up actions; • Working in close collaboration with the UNCT, researches, develops and presents policy papers, guidance notes and other knowledge based-tools, and supports discussion in country-level forums to help influence and advance policy dialogue and advocate to reframe economic policies and practices around economic transformation to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs; • Coordinates the preparation of UN flagship reports on economic transformation and SDG financing, including the analysis of data and the provision of evidence to build the case for policies and interventions on SDGs; • Monitors regional and global economic trends and issues, analyzes their implications for the realization of the SDGs at the country level and recommends additional issues for consideration; • Conducts and consolidates analytical work to strengthen the understanding of the catalytic role of the private sector in the context of green economic transformation and SDG financing; identifying opportunities to create strong partnerships with the private sector as a key stakeholder in the context of economic transformation and green growth; • Analyzes trends and provides advice and support on new and innovative mechanisms for SDG financing, including on global initiatives by the UN and other development institutions; • Provides inputs for briefing papers and discussion/talking points on issues related to SDG financing for consideration by the RC/ the UNCT; • Supports UNCT initiatives to advance SDG financing, including in the context of an Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFF); • Provides economic analysis and advice as inputs into the cross-pillar (humanitarian-development-peace) nexus approaches in country; 2. Advocates and RC’s and UNCT’s, advocacy efforts for the creation of strong partnerships with the UN system, with national counterparts in government and other relevant partners, including International Financial Institutions (IFIs), private sector actors, relevant civil society actors including think tanks, academics and influencers to support the reframing of economic policies and practices around economic transformation and SDG financing: • Fosters peer-exchanges and opens a consistent channel of communication and strong partnerships with economists within the UN System to create and consolidate common, convergent and coherent advocacy opportunities on topics related to economic transformation and SDG financing; • Working in close collaboration with the RCO Partnerships Officer, ensures effective engagement of all relevant counterparts to develop collaboration and partnerships around economic transformation and SDG financing, for example with national planning or economic offices, IFIs, the private sector, etc. • Stays abreast and follows latest developments in analytical work, policy, financial and capacity development support provided by other relevant development partners (including IFIs, bilateral and multilateral partners, academia, the private sector, and others) on topics related to economic transformation and SDG financing and identifies opportunities for collaboration; • Engages with the private sector and relevant civil society actors to strengthen understanding of its potential contribution to the green economic transformation agenda, and to identify private and/or public-private catalytic SDG financing opportunities for the achievement of the SDGs. 3. Coordinates, under the leadership of the RC and HRCO, the development by the UNCT of a new generation of an integrated SDG programming cycle (including the development of roadmaps, CA, UNSDCF, UN joint programmes as well as Annual Reports and others) that advances the economic transformation agenda and outlines a clear approach to SDG financing in programme countries; • Supports the RC/UNCT in ensuring a strong macroeconomic and SDG financing analysis through an integrated lens in the preparation of the Country Analysis and other analytical exercises; • Identifies issues and proposes recommendations for the UNCT on how UN country-level programming around economic transformation and integrated policy responses can be optimized and better respond to sustainable development needs and emerging trends in country; • Contributes to the development and implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks, ensuring a strong and integrated UNCT engagement on the economic transformation and SDG financing agendas in the country; • Contributes to the UN joint programming to strengthen the formulation of a new generation of UN joint programmes on economic transformation and SDG financing (including those that are supported by the Joint SDG Fund) ensuring that they are oriented towards investment, and have impact at the national level; • Assists UNCT Results Groups in the implementation of joint workplans to ensure SDG-relevant and SDG-responsive UN operational activities for development; • Proposes recommendations to enhance UN support to governmental and multi-stakeholder processes on policy development and capacity development around the economic transformation and SDG financing agendas. 4. Plans and directs knowledge management around the economic transformation and SDG financing agendas, in support of a shared understanding by the UNCT of sustainable development trends, challenges and opportunities in programme countries. • Promotes collaboration, peer support, innovation, good practices, lessons learned, needs, and opportunities through active participation to local, regional and global communities of practice and knowledge networks within the Resident Coordinator System, across the UN (including the UN Economist Network) and beyond; • Researches, analyzes and presents best practices and lessons learned from implementation of UN policy initiatives and programming around economic transformation, with a view to advising the RC and UNCT on actions to strengthen the policy orientation of the UN; • Monitors and analyzes good practices and successful models for SDG financing implemented by the UN in country and elsewhere, and suggests options for developing these into bankable national SDG investment policies and programmes; • Keeps abreast of emerging innovative approaches in the area of economic transformation and SDG financing, and proposes new ways of working, where relevant; • Reflects on processes of his/ her work area at key milestones, and generates knowledge valuable to others in the RC system/ UN Country Teams.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to apply sustainable development theories, concepts and approaches. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic resources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style, and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost, and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight, and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in economics. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in macroeconomic policy, economic research and analysis, and applied economics in the context of development cooperation or related area is required. Experience on Political Economy Analysis is required. Experience of policy advisory capacity in SDG financing approaches and innovative financing models is required. Experience of working on innovative financing solutions with Government and private sector actors is required. Experience in strategic planning and policy analysis, including in the application of UN2.0 tools, including data, innovation and digital transformation, strategic foresight and behavioral science, and behavioral science is desirable. Experience in inclusion strategies that promote Gender equality, youth participation and inclusion of persons with disability is desirable. Experience of applied economic analysis in one or more of the following areas – Food systems, Digital transformation, Jobs and social protection, energy, climate action is desirable

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice This position is temporarily available until 31 August 2026. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. 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