Development Economics Consultant

Result of ServiceThe United Nations in Jamaica wishes to engage a consultant to undertake a Consultancy Exercise: \"Prioritizing Sustainable Development Transformation for Jamaica.\" The consultant(s) will design and implement a comprehensive analysis to prioritize SDG accelerators, guided by a technical working group comprising representatives from the Government of Jamaica - the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) - and the United Nations as well as other key stakeholders. The consultant will ultimately produce a robust and publishable report outlining the analysis and recommendation for policy and will in turn present the findings to stakeholders. Organizational Setting: The UN Resident Coordinator (RC) system encompasses all organizations of the United Nations dealing with operational activities for development, regardless of their formal presence in the country. The RC system brings together the different UN agencies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operational activities at the country level and forms part of the commitment of the UN system to “Deliver as One” (DaO). The UN Reform initiated in 2018, has strengthened the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) role by enhancing coordination between different partners and elements of the UN system. This RCO covers five (5) countries and overseas territories - Jamaica, The Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The RCO, led by the Resident Coordinator, is comprised of five [5] core team members – Head of Office/Strategic Planner, Senior Economist, Data Management Officer, Partnerships Officer and Communications Officer. The RCO works in close cooperation with the rest of the UN Country Team, and it is currently physically located within UNDP Office premises in Kingston, Jamaica. Further details can be found by following the link https://jamaica.un.org/en/about/about-the-resident-coordinator-office. Work LocationJAMAICA Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Consultant will report to the designated focal point, the Senior Economist at the United Nations Resident Coordinators Office based in Kingston, Jamaica and coordinate/be guided by the technical working group comprised of members from the Government of Jamaica, the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), the United Nations, as well as other relevant stakeholders/parties. Regular progress updates and draft deliverables will be submitted for review, with bi-weekly check-ins to ensure alignment with project objectives. Regular progress updates and draft deliverables will be submitted for review, with bi-weekly check-ins to ensure alignment with project objectives. The assignment will span six months. There will also be a potential hybrid engagement (virtual and in-person) as agreed with the technical working group. Under the direct supervision of the Senior Economist, the Consultant for the \"Priortizing Sustainable Development Transformation for Jamaica\", will cover the following: • Conducting a robust literature review and developing an evidence-based methodology. • Analyzing the impact and timeliness of SDG accelerators at aggregate and individual SDG levels. • Identifying high-impact, actionable solutions, funding objectives for priority SDG's for Jamaica. • Producing a publishable report and presenting findings to stakeholders. The Methodology: Will be participatory, evidence-based, and iterative, ensuring alignment with Jamaica’s national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. • Conduct a comprehensive literature review using peer-reviewed and credible sources to develop a robust methodology. • Apply a mixed methods approach (i.e. Econometric methods) to understand the timeliness of the impacts of SDG accelerators. • Assess and order the timeliness of impacts, comparing the baseline with alternative scenarios for Jamaica. • Produce a robust report outlining the analysis and recommendation for policy. • Engage stakeholders through workshops to validate methodologies and findings. Qualifications/special skillsA PhD or Advanced (Master's) Degree with at least 10 years of international experience in applied economics. • Minimum of 10 years of international experience in applied economics and SDG-related research, is required. • Demonstrated expertise in econometric methods, particularly panel data analysis (e.g., Dynamic Panel Estimation), is required. • Proven track record in producing publishable reports and facilitating stakeholder workshops, is required. • Experience working with government institutions and planning agencies in developing countries, is required. LanguagesFluency in oral and written English is required. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.