Org. Setting and Reporting

The 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. As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator (RC) - 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. In its Resolution A/RES/72/279, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the transformation of the Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) as a stand-alone coordination office within the United Nations Secretariat. DCO exercises managerial and oversight functions of the Resident Coordinator System under the oversight of the Chair of United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). In 2026, DCO undertook a recalibration to ensure the RC system remains optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda and embodies the UN 2.0 shift- anchored in data, digital, innovation, behavioral science, strategic foresight, and a mission driven organizational culture. This position is located within the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Beijing, China under the direct supervision of the Head of the Resident Coordinator Office.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority the incumbent will perform the following duties: 1. PLANS, FACILITATES AND CONSOLIDATES EVIDENCE-BASED ANALYSIS OF THE STATUS OF THE SDGS IN CHINA AND THEIR LINKS TO CHINA'S 15TH FIVE-YEAR PLAN AND RELEVANT NATIONAL POLICY DEVELOPMENTS, 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 FOR CHINA AND THE WORLD.

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, with attention to China’s 15th Five-Year Plan priorities and related policy measures on high-quality development, green and low-carbon transition, innovation and digitalization; 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, assessing alignment with China's 15th Five-Year Plan and related policy developments, and evaluating and highlighting 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, China's 15th Five-Year Plan implementation priorities 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 SDG acceleration and the implementation of the economic transformation agenda and SDG financing and identifies gaps and proposes follow-up actions.
Working in close collaboration with the United Nations Country Team (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, taking into account China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and related policy directions on modernization, industrial upgrading, green transition, digital China and common prosperity.
Coordinates the preparation 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, global and China-specific economic and policy trends and issues, including developments under the 15th Five-Year Plan and major policy initiatives on green transition, digital development, innovation, social protection and carbon neutrality, amongst other emergent 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 in China; 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, INCLUDING ENGAGEMENT WITH NATIONAL PRIORITIES EMERGING FROM CHINA’S 15TH FIVE-YEAR PLAN AND RELATED SECTORAL POLICY FRAMEWORKS.
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, including how these partners engage with China's 15th Five-Year Plan priorities and relevant policy developments, 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. 3.COORDINATES THE DEVELOPMENT BY THE UNCT OF NEW GENERATION OF AN INTEGRATED SDG PROGRAMMING CYCLE (INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF ROADMAPS, CCA, UNSDCF, 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, integrated policy responses and China’s 15th Five-Year Plan priorities 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 SDG KNOWLEDGE GENERATION AND 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, including those that can inform engagement with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan priorities and related national policy developments, 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.
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.
Ensures that requirements, background information used for data analysis are documented.
Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: 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. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in economics is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in combination with two (2) 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.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven 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 economic theory and specific global agendas/processes to the specific country context and carry out high-quality economic development research is desirable. Knowledge of the SDGs, the UN Normative agenda, China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and relevant national policy developments, and their application at the national level is desirable. Demonstrated understanding of issues related to SDG financing is desirable. Demonstrated knowledge of existing governance structures in the country, relevant national planning and policy processes, including the 15th Five-Year Plan, and existence of a network of contacts in the national/sub-national government, civil society, etc. 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. Experience using computers and office software packages, including programmes for statistical analysis of data is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

Language	Reading	Writing	Listening	Speaking
English	UN Level II	UN Level II	UN Level II	UN Level II
Chinese (Mandarin)	UN Level II	UN Level II	UN Level II	UN Level II

Assessment

Evaluation 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 by phone or teleconference.

Special Notice

This is a Fixed Term position. Appointment against this position is available for a duration of one (1) year and does not carry any expectancy, legal or otherwise, of renewal. The appointment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. ADDITIONALLY, THIS RECRUITMENT REMAINS SUBJECT TO BUDGETARY, CLASSIFICATION, AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS. 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. THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF CHINA 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, CHINA nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, in which case the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to traveling and relocating to CHINA in the event of an employment offer. 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. "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". 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. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an email acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link.

United Nations Considerations

According 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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.

ECONOMIST