ECONOMIST

Org. Setting and ReportingThe 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 (SDG). 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 Accra, Ghana. The incumbent reports to the Head of Resident Coordinator Office. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: 1. PLANS, FACILITATES, AND CONSOLIDATES EVIDENCE-BASED ANALYSIS OF THE STATUS OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDG), SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TRENDS, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE COUNTRY, PROVIDING SUBSTANTIVE ADVICE TO THE RESIDENT COORDINATOR (RC) AND THE UNITED NATIONS COUNTRY TEAM (UNCT), PARTICULARLY ON ELEMENTS PERTAINING TO SDG ACCELERATION, ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION AGENDA (INCLUDING GREEN AND JUST TRANSITION, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION) AND SDG FINANCING: • Researches, analyzes and presents SDG-related data, as well as information on emerging best practices in sustainable development, paying special attention to gender and capacity development, and proposes policy options to the RC/UNCT. • Identifies and analyzes issues that impact multiple SDGs and their targets and proposes ‘accelerator interventions' that can help unlock and accelerate progress towards sustainable development across multiple areas. • Assesses sustainable development trade-offs and risk factors, as well as early-warning indicators that may undermine the achievement of SDG targets and impact on the UN’s role and programme in the country. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Collects and analyzes economic-related data on UN country level operations in support of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. • Researches, develops and presents policy papers, guidance notes and other knowledge based-tools for discussion in country-level forums to help influence and advance policy dialogue on achieving the SDGs. • Contributes to the preparation of UN flagship reports, including the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and its annual updates, including the analysis of data and the provision of evidence to build the case for policies and interventions on the SDGs. • Monitors regional and global economic trends and issues and analyses their implications for the realization of the SDGs at the country level. 2. PROVIDES SUBSTANTIVE ADVICE ON INNOVATIVE ECONOMIC AND SDG POLICIES TO THE RC AND THE UNCT, AS WELL AS TO NATIONAL COUNTERPARTS IN GOVERNMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT PARTNERS: • Provides substantive support to the RC/UNCT on SDG-related issues, particularly on policies to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs and provides advice on potential trade-offs between SDGs. • Identifies issues and proposes recommendations on how UN country-level operations can be optimized and better respond to sustainable development needs and emerging trends in country. • Together with UNCT members, plans and facilitates an integrated approach to the UN’s policy advice to national counterparts in government and other external partners. • Drives cross-pillar nexus approaches in country to policy, analysis and assessment. • Elicits, evaluates and consolidates policy options proposed by UNCT members, ensuring an integrated approach to the UN’s policy advice to national counterparts in government and other external partners. • Fosters peer-exchanges and opens a consistent channel of communication and strong partnerships with UN and non-UN entities’ economists, and creates and consolidates common, convergent and coherent advocacy opportunities on topics related to SDG acceleration, economic transformation and SDG financing. • Working in close collaboration with the RCO Partnerships and Development Finance Officer, ensures effective engagement of all relevant counterparts (including IFIs, private sector, civil society, and academia) to develop collaboration and partnerships around SDG acceleration, economic transformation and SDG financing. 3. ASSISTS THE UNCT WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW GENERATION OF AN INTEGRATED SDG PROGRAMMING CYCLE THAT PROMOTES SDG ACCELERATION AND ADVANCES THE ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION AGENDA. THIS INCLUDES, AMONGST OTHERS, CONTRIBUTING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ROADMAPS, THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION FRAMEWORK (UNSDCF), UN JOINT PROGRAMMES, AND ANNUAL REPORTS: • Assists the development and implementation of the UNSDCF to ensure that the UN's country-level operational activities effectively support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in country. • Provides substantive support to programme formulation and revision throughout the UNSDCF cycle, based on sound SDG analysis. • Contributes to the UN joint programming process to identify and support the formulation of a new generation of UN joint programmes that are aligned with the SDGs, oriented towards investment, and have impact at the national level. • Assists UNSDCF Result Groups and/or other coordination entities in the implementation of joint workplans to promote SDG-relevant and SDG-responsive UN operational activities for development. • Proposes recommendations, plans and facilitates UN support to governmental and multi- stakeholder processes on SDG policy development and capacity development. • Provides economic analysis and advice as inputs into the cross-pillar / (Humanitarian Development Peace Nexus (HDPN) approaches in country. 4. PLANS AND DIRECTS SDG KNOWLEDGE GENERATION AND MANAGEMENT AROUND THE SDG ACCELERATION, ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION AND SDG FINANCING AGENDAS, IN SUPPORT OF A SHARED UNDERSTANDING BY THE UNCT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TRENDS, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES: • Plans, facilitates and contributes to local, regional and global communities of practice and knowledge networks that promote collaboration, peer support, innovation, good practices, lessons learned, needs and opportunities in the area of sustainable development. • Researches, analyzes and presents best practices and lessons learned from implementation of UNCT projects and programmes, with a view to advising the RC and UNCT on actions to strengthen the policy orientation of the UN. • Monitors and analyzes best practices and successful models implemented by the UN in country and suggests options for developing these into bankable national SDG investment policies and programmes. • Provides advice on and contributes to global/corporate guidelines, tools and other materials related to sustainable development policy. • Ensures that requirements, background information used for data analysis are documented. 5. OTHER: • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting • Performs other relevant duties as assigned. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. 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. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in Economics is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five(5) years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable development policy, economic research and analysis in the context of development cooperation or related area is required. Experience in public policy analysis is required. Demonstrated knowledge of economics is essential; familiarity with development economics and relevant development experience at the national or international level is desirable. Demonstrated understanding of issues related to SDG financing is desirable. Proven experience coordinating multi-stakeholder spaces and participatory assessment processes; ability to collaborate with others, to give his/her own perspective, and to be open to diverse perspectives is desirable. Demonstrated knowledge of existing governance structures in the country and existence of a network of contacts in the national/sub-national government, civil society, etc. is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. NOTE: \"Fluency\" equals a rating of \"fluent\" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and \"knowledge of\" equals a rating of \"Confident\" in two of the four areas. AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment, such as a written test, which will be followed by a competency-based interview. Special NoticeThis is a Temporary Job Opening. Appointment against this position is until 1 June 2026 and does not carry any expectancy, legal or otherwise, of renewal. Extension of appointment is subject to legislative body funding availability. National Professional Officers are nationals of the country in which they are serving, and their functions must have a national context, i.e. functions that require national experience or knowledge of the national language, culture, institutions, and systems. THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF GHANA ONLY. National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located and will be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidate is identified, GHANA nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, in which case the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to traveling and relocating to GHANA in the event of an employment offer. 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. Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. 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. Note to current staff members at the General Service level: Locally recruited General Service staff members applying for this post must meet the minimum requirements, including academic qualifications and years of relevant experience. Relevant experience in the General Service category at G-6 and G-7 levels may count towards experience requirements. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira \"Need Help?\" link. United Nations ConsiderationsAccording to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. 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.