Consultancy on Economic Diagnostics and Strategic Macroeconomic Analysis

Job Description

Result of Service

The Consultant will complement the work of the Commission through the provision of macroeconomic analysis, forecasting, and policy advisory to support Africa’s sustainable development, financial reforms, and economic resilience.

Work Location

• Remotely

Expected duration

12 Months

The total remuneration is US$99,936.00 (or US$ 8,328.00 per month), which will be paid monthly.

Coding Block: Fund: 32HDM/33HDM Grant: S1-32HDM-000261 Cost Center: 13621 WBSE: SB-027275

Duties and Responsibilities

Org. Setting and Reporting

The Commission is seeking the services of a consultant, who will work as a Technical Advisor to support the Commission’s capacity to build rigor and excellence in macroeconomic analysis, including rapid economic assessment on urgent headline events, econometric modelling and forecasting, data collection and economic reporting by enhancing analytical understanding of fast-evolving global context and Africa’s challenges and opportunities, with focus on policies that support social, economic and environmental frameworks to accelerate progress towards the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda and continental development frameworks and strengthen thought leadership to enable African nations drive inclusive and sustainable transformation. The consultant will work closely with relevant divisions, UN entities, and external partners to strengthen the Commission’s evidence-based policy support to African countries. The position is in the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme) and Chief Economist who oversees the implementation of ECA’s programme pillar.

ECA’s five strategic directions are: advancing ECA’s position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent’s problems and take local solutions to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa’s position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programmes) or her mandated representative, the consultant will be expected to undertake, but not limited to, the following responsibilities:

• Monitor and analyse global economic developments and their implications for African economies, providing timely updates and strategic insights

• Carry out rapid economic assessment on urgent headline events

• Provide input and recommendation on primary and secondary data collection (qualitative and quantitative) for economic analysis.

• Provide technical support towards the preparation and review of ECA’s knowledge products under the Programme pillar.

• Support the integration of climate-related macroeconomic risks and green financing strategies into ECA’s economic analysis and policy recommendations.

• Provide technical advisory services on policies and strategies relating to ECA subprogrammes and thematic specialised areas of expertise.

• Support the development of policy briefs, technical notes, and presentations for high-level engagements with African policymakers, development partners, and multilateral institutions.

• Provide technical input to ECA’s engagement in global and regional economic governance platforms, including the UN intergovernmental processes (such as High-level Political Forum, COP, UN Tax Convention, ECA Conference of Ministers, Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, etc.), G20, African Union and its Specialized Technical Committees, IMF, and World Bank, particularly in relation to Africa’s macroeconomic priorities and reform asks.

• Undertake other tasks as required.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics or related field is required.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in macroeconomic policy, economic research and analysis, forecasting, and application of economic principles in development programmes is required. Substantial and related experience with multilateral financial development institutions is required.
• Relevant work experience in Africa is required. Familiarity with the workflows and practices of similar international organizations is desirable.

Languages

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics or related field is required. A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in macroeconomic policy, economic research and analysis, forecasting, and application of economic principles in development programmes is required.
• Substantial and related experience with multilateral financial development institutions is required. Relevant work experience in Africa is required. Familiarity with the workflows and practices of similar international organizations is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For this position, fluency in English is required.

No Fee

THE 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.