Research Analyst / Policy and Finance

Result of ServiceThe ultimate result would be research analysis and econometric modelling contributions on the interlinkages between climate debt swap programmes, economic growth, debt and sovereign ratings. The IC will assist in mapping data for the KPIs of debt swap programmes in selected countries and will ultimately support in implementing monitoring and evaluation activities of the debt swap project. Work LocationUN-House ESCWA Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Debt and Fiscal Policy Team is implementing projects on public finance in the Arab region, namely on inclusive fiscal policy, macro-fiscal modeling and forecasting, debt optimization strategies, and debt swap for climate finance. These projects offer technical assistance to member states, advancing solutions to address challenges and enhance fiscal space to finance climate action and SDGs. The Climate/SDGs Debt Swap–Donor Nexus Initiative seeks to unlock resources for member states to invest in projects aligned with national priorities and development plans. The program establishes a Key Performance Indicators (KPI) framework for monitoring and evaluation to assess impacts at project and program level, with transformational impact on climate and the SDGs. The data mapping for KPIs on climate and SDG indicators is critical for monitoring and evaluation of project impacts. Also, the assessment of the economic impacts, such as growth, debt sustainability and sovereign ratings, requires use of advanced economic modelling, such as the financial materiality assessment (FIMA) of Sustainability-linked Sovereign Debt Hub. The ESCWA tool on Macro-Fiscal Modelling and Forecasting (MFMF) provides another approach to assess these impacts, which uses single-country extended World Economic Forecasting Model to inform policymakers on the impact of implemented programs on macroeconomic indicators. These assessments are part of developing monitoring and evaluation of debt swap programs. The main duties and responsibilities of the individual contractor are the following: • Contribute to examining ongoing research on the long-term impact of the debt swap programme on economic and climate achievements in selected countries. • Analyze the interlinkages between climate and environment indicators, macroeconomic developments, and credit ratings using the appropriate economic model. • Assist in performing analyses of the debt and fiscal policies on growth and fiscal projections using the MFMF tool. • Assist in mapping data for the Key Performance Indicators, including national sources and other innovative methods of data gathering processes (such as satellite data, big data mapping etc.) for selected countries. • Contribute to drafting materials (presentations, background notes and research) related to training workshops on macro-fiscal modelling and forecasting. • Undertake related tasks on ad hoc assignments as requested by the supervisor. Qualifications/special skillsA Master’s degree in economics, public finance, or related area is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of three years of work experience in research and data analysis on public finance and macroeconometric issues is required. Knowledge of statistical analysis software (Excel/Stata/R) is required. One year of experience in conducting research on economic development issues in the context of the Arab region is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas. Additional InformationRecruitment for this position is on a local basis. The incumbent is required to have the legal right to live and work in the specified working location. 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.