Economist

UN Secretariat; Panama City (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The UN Secretariat in Panama City is seeking an Economist to deliver substantive economic analysis and policy options to advance SDG progress with focus on gender equality and inclusive development.

You will support the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team by translating trends into actionable guidance, contributing to SDG financing strategies, and promoting data-driven decision-making across partnerships.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Economics; or first-level degree with two additional years qualifying experience.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in economic research, macroeconomic/policy work, or development economics.
• Languages: Spanish, English, French.

Responsibilities

• Provide substantive economic analysis and evidence-based advice on sustainable development, economic transformation and SDG financing.
• Prepare policy papers, analytical notes and briefing materials for the Resident Coordinator and UNCT.
• Support UNCT engagement with national counterparts, international financial institutions and development partners.

Education

Master's degree in Economics

Job description

Organizational context: The UN Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Panama City operates under the UN's global reform to enhance the UN Development System's effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. Empowered by an independent Resident Coordinator, RCOs support national development priorities. This role, within the UN Secretariat's RCO, contributes to the UN 2.0 shift, focusing on data, digital innovation, and strategic foresight.

Job purpose: The Economist provides substantive economic analysis and evidence-based advice to support sustainable development, economic transformation, and SDG financing efforts in Panama. This role assists the Resident Coordinator (RC) and UN Country Team (UNCT) in identifying challenges and opportunities for accelerating SDG progress, with a focus on gender equality and inclusive development. The Economist supports the implementation of global guidelines, conducts integrated SDG analysis, and prepares policy papers and briefing materials. They also analyze national and global economic trends, assess the private sector's role in sustainable transformation, and research innovative financing approaches. Furthermore, the Economist supports partnerships with national counterparts and stakeholders, contributes to UN sustainable development programming cycles like the CCA and UNSDCF, and engages in knowledge management to enhance the UNCT's analytical capabilities and promote data-driven decision-making.

Responsibilities: The Economist is responsible for providing substantive economic analysis and evidence-based advice on sustainable development, economic transformation, and SDG financing. This includes researching and analyzing economic and social data, identifying trends, and developing policy options to accelerate SDG progress, ensuring gender equality and inclusivity. The role involves supporting the implementation of global guidelines and tools for integrated SDG analysis, strategic foresight, and data-driven decision-making. The Economist will prepare policy papers, analytical notes, and briefing materials, monitor economic developments, and analyze the private sector's role in sustainable transformation and financing. They will also support UNCT engagement with national counterparts, international financial institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders, fostering collaboration and identifying opportunities. Additionally, the Economist contributes to the UN sustainable development programming cycle, including the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and supports knowledge management and learning activities.

Education: An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Economics is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A degree or program completion in Data Analytics, Business Analytics, or Data Science is an advantage.

Work experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in economic research, analysis, macroeconomic/socioeconomic policy, or development economics is required. Experience in translating development trends into policy options, supporting strategic planning or financing solutions, and working with diverse stakeholders is essential. Experience in SDG financing, public finance, or innovative financing approaches is desirable.

Skills: Professionalism, Accountability, Client Orientation, Technological Awareness, Economic analysis, Data analysis, Policy analysis, Research, Knowledge management, Partnership building, Strategic foresight, Data visualization.

Required languages: Spanish, English, French

Desired languages: