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 - 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 SDG's. 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. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Panama City, Panama, under the supervision of the Head of the Resident Coordinator Office while maintaining a matrixed functional relationship with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Policy and Financing Section of the SDG Coordination, Policy and Programme Division, and collaborates closely with the Regional Policy Analyst to ensure coherence and alignment of SDG policy, financing, and sustainable development support in line with corporate RC system policy corporate priorities.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Economist will be responsible of the following duties: 1. PROVIDES SUBSTANTIVE ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND SUPPORTS EVIDENCE-BASED ADVICE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION AND SDG FINANCING.

Researches, analyzes and presents economic, social and sustainable development data and information, including emerging trends and good practices related to economic transformation, green and just transition, digital transformation, the future of work and SDG financing.
Conducts economic and policy analysis to support the Resident Coordinator (RC) and United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in identifying challenges, opportunities and policy options for accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with due consideration to gender equality and leave no one behind principles.
Support implementation and localization of global/corporate guidelines, tools and other materials related to economic transformation and SDG financing, including methodologies and tools related to integrated SDG analysis, strategic foresight, data-driven decision-making, digital transformation and innovation in close collaboration with the Regional Office and the SDG Coordination, Policy and Programme Division.
Provides substantive inputs to analysis and briefing materials on economic transformation and SDG financing, including integrated SDG analysis, strategic foresight, data-driven decision-making, digital transformation and innovation.
Supports the identification and analysis of entry points for integrated UN policy support related to economic transformation, including public sector budget analysis, opportunities to promote more inclusive, productive, resilient and sustainable economic development and potential country context entry points.
Collects, analyzes and interprets economic, social and development data relevant to UN country-level operations, identifies trends and gaps and proposes follow-up actions to strengthen evidence-based programming and decision-making.
Prepares substantive inputs to policy papers, analytical notes, briefing materials, reports and other knowledge products on economic transformation, macroeconomic trends and SDG financing.
Monitors national, regional and global economic developments and analyzes their potential implications for sustainable development and achievement of the SDGs at the country level.
Conducts analysis on the role of the private sector in sustainable economic transformation and SDG financing and identifies potential opportunities for partnerships, innovation and blended financing approaches for strategic engagement of the RC and UNCT
Researches and analyzes emerging and innovative approaches to SDG financing, including initiatives developed by the United Nations, International Financial Institutions and other development partners.
Prepares inputs for briefing notes, talking points and background materials for the RC and UNCT on economic transformation, macroeconomic developments and SDG financing as relevant for country context.
Supports as relevant UNCT initiatives related to SDG financing, including Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs) and follow-up to Sevilla Commitments, as applicable.
Provides economic analysis and substantive inputs as requested to humanitarian-development-peace nexus approaches, as relevant to the country context. 2. SUPPORTS PARTNERSHIPS AND ENGAGEMENT WITH NATIONAL COUNTERPARTS AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS ON ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION AND SDG FINANCING.
Supports the RC and UNCT's engagement with government counterparts, United Nations entities, International Financial Institutions (IFIs), development partners, the private sector, academia, think tanks and civil society on issues related to sustainable development, economic transformation and SDG financing.
Maintains working-level collaboration and exchanges with economists across the UN system and other relevant institutions to facilitate information-sharing, policy coherence and joint analytical work.
In close collaboration with relevant RCO colleagues, supports engagement with national planning, economic and finance institutions, IFIs, private sector actors and other partners to identify areas for collaboration on sustainable economic transformation and SDG financing.
Monitors analytical work, policy developments, financing initiatives and capacity-development support provided by development partners and identifies opportunities for collaboration with the UNCT.
Conducts structured risk analysis of sustainable development trade-offs and early-warning indicators, assessing likelihood and impact, and proposes anticipatory measures to mitigate risks to SDG targets and to the UN's role and programme in the country.
As requested, supports engagement with private sector and civil society stakeholders in coordination with the Partnerships Officer to identify potential contributions to sustainable economic transformation and catalytic financing opportunities for achievement of the SDGs.
Facilitates engagement, as appropriate, with data communities, innovation ecosystems, academic institutions, digital actors and foresight networks to strengthen analytical capacity and support the application of UN 2.0 capabilities in the country context. 3. PROVIDES ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND SUBSTANTIVE SUPPORT TO THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMING CYCLE WITH A STRONG INVESTMENT ORIENTATION AND FOCUS ON ACCELERATION TOWARDS ACHIEVING THE SDGS.
Assists in the e development and implementation of the Common Country Analysis (CCA), United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), with analytics across on economic, financing, social and environmental pillars and contributes to development of joint programmes, annual reports and other elements of the UN sustainable development programming cycle as relevant
Supports the preparation of macroeconomic, socioeconomic and SDG financing analysis for the CCA and other analytical exercises, applying an integrated approach and drawing, where relevant, on data, digitalization, innovation and strategic foresight.
Identifies economic trends, policy issues and emerging development challenges and provides substantive inputs and recommendations to support UNCT programming and integrated policy responses.
Contributes to the development, implementation, monitoring and review of the UNSDCF, with particular attention to economic transformation, macroeconomic trends and SDG financing.
Provides substantive support to the development of UN joint programmes related to economic transformation and SDG financing, including programmes supported by the Joint SDG Fund, as applicable.
Supports UNCT Results Groups and other coordination mechanisms by providing economic analysis and substantive data and analysis inputs relevant to the implementation of joint workplans and sustainable development priorities.
Researches and proposes options to strengthen UN support to national and multi-stakeholder processes related to economic policy, financing and capacity development, including the use of data, digital technologies, innovation and foresight for sustainable development. 4. CONTRIBUTES TO KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND LEARNING ON ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION AND SDG FINANCING.
Contributes to knowledge management on economic transformation, macroeconomic trends and SDG financing to strengthen the UNCT's shared understanding of sustainable development challenges and opportunities.
Participates in local, regional and global communities of practice and knowledge networks, including the UN Economist Network, and facilitates the exchange of relevant research, good practices and lessons learned.
Researches and analyzes good practices and lessons learned from UN policy initiatives and programmes related to economic transformation and identifies their relevance to the country context.
Monitors and analyzes approaches and successful models for SDG financing and contributes to identifying options that could inform national investment policies and programmes.
Keeps abreast of emerging economic research, policy developments, analytical methodologies and innovative approaches relevant to sustainable development and proposes their application, as appropriate, to the work of the RCO and UNCT.
Documents lessons learned and knowledge generated through analytical and programme-support activities and contributes to their dissemination within the Resident Coordinator system and UN Country Team.
Supports knowledge-sharing and learning activities that promote the use of data, digitalization, innovation and foresight to strengthen sustainable development analysis and programming. 5. OTHERS.
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.
Performs other duties as required.

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. 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. 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. CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in Economics is required. A first level university degree 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 five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, macroeconomic or socioeconomic policy, applied economics, development economics, or a related area in the context of development cooperation is required. Experience in conducting economic and/or policy analysis and translating development trends and data into policy options, recommendations or other analytical products is required. Experience in supporting strategic planning, policy development or financing solutions with government institutions and/or other development partners is required. Experience in SDG financing, development finance, public finance and/or innovative financing approaches is desirable. Experience working with multiple stakeholders, including government, the private sector, civil society, academia and/or development partners, in support of sustainable development priorities is desirable. Experience in applying inclusive approaches that take into consideration gender equality, youth, persons with disabilities and/or leave no one behind principles in economic analysis, policy or development programming is desirable. Experience working in UN inter-agency coordination or other multi-stakeholder coordination mechanisms is desirable. Experience in knowledge management, research, or the preparation and dissemination of analytical and policy products in the context of development cooperation is desirable. Work experience of two (2) years or more in data analytics or a related area is desirable.

Languages

Language	Reading	Writing	Listening	Speaking
English	UN Level II	UN Level II	UN Level II	UN Level II
Spanish	UN Level III	UN Level III	UN Level III	UN Level III

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment, such as a written test, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This is a fixed-term position. Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one (1) year, and any extension will be subject to the availability of funds, budgetary approval, or extension of the mandate. Additionally, this recruitment process remains subject to budgetary, classification, and intergovernmental approvals. THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF PANAMA 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, nationals of PANAMA residing elsewhere may be considered; in that case, the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to travel and relocation to PANAMA 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. 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. 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. 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. 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