Back DEVELOPMENT COORDINATION OFFICER, ECONOMIST

Org. Setting and ReportingThe UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new reform on the repositioning of the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Office (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 – facilitates integrated UN’s support to countries in the achievement of their national development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs. The Samoa UN Multi-Country Office (MCO) is one of three MCOs in the Pacific region, with 23 UN agencies actively supporting the development priorities of Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau. The UN Country Teams (UNCTs) for both the Pacific region and the Samoa MCO consist of representatives from these entities. The position of Development Coordination Officer / Economist is located within the RCO in the Samoa MCO located in Apia, and reports to the Head of Office / Strategic Planning Officer / RCO Team Leader. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Development Coordination Officer /Economist will be responsible for the following duties: Summary of Functions: 1. Produces, 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 SDG Acceleration, 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), to support the reframing of economic policies and practices for SDG acceleration, economic transformation and leveraging SDG financing. 3. Coordinates and helps develop with the input of the UNCT, a new generation of an integrated SDG programming cycle (including development of roadmaps, Common Country Analysis (CCA) and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), UN Joint Programmes, as well as Annual Reports and others) that promoted SDG acceleration, 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 SDG acceleration, 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. Produces, 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 SDG acceleration, the economic transformation agenda (including green and just transition, digital transformation and the future of work) and leveraging SDG financing: • Researches, analyzes, consolidates, and presents information and data on emerging best practices in SDG acceleration, 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 SDG acceleration, economic transformation and SDG financing; • Guides substantive support to the RC/UNCT on SDG-related issues, particularly on policies to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs, through incorporating a systems approach, and evaluates and highlights potential synergies and trade-offs between SDGs; • Works with UNCT counterparts to create common, convergent and coherent key advocacy topics related to SDG acceleration, 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 Country Implementation Plans (CIPs) and SDG acceleration and 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 and leads the preparation (including drafting) of UN flagship reports on SDG acceleration, economic transformation and leveraging SDG financing, including the analysis of data and the provision of evidence to build the case for policies and interventions to advance multiple SDGs at a time; • Monitors regional and global economic trends and issues, analyzes their implications for SDG acceleration at the country level and recommends additional issues for consideration; • Conducts and consolidates analytical work to strengthen the understanding of the catalytic role of innovative SDG Financing in the context of SDG acceleration and the green economic transformation; identifying opportunities to align key SDG Financing stakeholders in the context of economic transformation and green growth; • Analyzes trends and provides advice and support on new and innovative mechanisms to leverage SDG financing, including on global initiatives by the UN and other development institutions(e.g. IFIs); • 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. Supports 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), to support the reframing of economic policies and practices around SDG acceleration, economic transformation and SDG financing. • Fosters peer-exchanges and opens a consistent channel of communication and strong partnerships with economists within the UN System at country level to create and consolidate 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 Officer, ensures effective engagement of all relevant counterparts to develop collaboration and partnerships around SDG acceleration, 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 SDG acceleration, economic transformation and SDG financing and identifies opportunities for collaboration; • Engages with the private sector to strengthen understanding of its potential contribution to SDG acceleration, the green economic transformation agenda, and to identify private and/or public-private catalytic SDG financing opportunities for the achievement of the SDGs; • Supports the RC’s efforts to promote donor/development partner coordination. 3. Coordinates the development by the UNCT of a new generation of an integrated SDG programming cycle (including the development of roadmaps, CCA, UNSDCF and CIPs, 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 SDG acceleration and SDG financing analysis through an integrated lens in the preparation of the Common Country Analyses and other analytical exercises; • Identifies issues and proposes recommendations for the UNCT on how UN country-level programming around SDG acceleration, economic transformation and integrated policy responses can be optimized and better respond to sustainable development needs and emerging trends in country; • Guides the development and implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks, ensuring a strong and integrated UNCT engagement on SDG acceleration, 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 to promote SDG acceleration (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 for SDG acceleration. 4. Plans and directs knowledge management around SDG acceleration, 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 facilitation and/or 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 for SDG acceleration and 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 to leverage 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 areas of SDG acceleration, 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. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: 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. 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in economics, development studies or public policy, public finance. 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 QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable development policy, economic research and analysis in the context of development cooperation or related area is required. Knowledge of economics is essential; familiarity with development economics and relevant development experience at the national or international level is desirable. Ability to apply development economics theory and specific global agendas/processes to the specific country context and carry out high-quality economic development research is desirable. Experience in providing substantive support towards SDG acceleration efforts 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. Outstanding analytical and writing skills with an ability to convey complex ideas in a simple, clear, and lively style is desirable. Significant experience with preparing economic and/or other development reports is desirable. Experience using computers and office software packages, including programmes for statistical analysis of data is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required; knowledge of another UN official 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 may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special NoticeAppointment against this post is open for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension subject to legislative body funding availability. 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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For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 August 2024, are strongly encouraged to apply: Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu. 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