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. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Libreville, Gabon and reports to the Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and RCO Team Leader.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Development Coordination Officer /Economist will be responsible of the following duties: 1. PLAN, FACILITATE, AND MERGE FACTUAL ANALYSES OF THE SDGs TO PROMOTE A COMMON UNDERSTANDING WITHIN THE UNITED NATIONS COUNTRY TEAM OF TRENDS, CHALLENGES, AND OPPORTUNITIES IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE PROGRAM COUNTRIES. • Research, analyze, merge, and present data related to the SDGs, as well as information on emerging best practices in sustainable development, with particular attention to gender issues and capacity development, and propose policy solutions to Resident Coordinators and United Nations Country Teams. • Identify and analyze issues that influence multiple SDGs and their targets, and propose "accelerator interventions" that can help facilitate and accelerate progress towards sustainable development in various areas. • Assess and highlight rebalancing and risk factors related to sustainable development, as well as early warning indicators that may hinder the achievement of targets set within the SDG framework and affect the role of the UN and the program in the country, and propose appropriate measures to address them. • Collect and analyze data related to UN operations in the country to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, identify gaps, and propose follow-up measures. • Research, develop, and present guidance documents, policy notes, and other knowledge-based tools, and lead discussions in national forums to help influence and promote policy dialogue on achieving the SDGs. • Coordinate the development of key UN reports, including data analysis, and provide evidence to support SDG-related policies and interventions. • Monitor regional and global economic trends and analyze their impact on achieving the SDGs at the national level, and recommend additional issues for examination. 2. PROVIDE TECHNICAL ADVICE ON INNOVATIVE POLICIES RELATED TO THE ECONOMY AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS TO RESIDENT COORDINATORS AND UNITED NATIONS COUNTRY TEAMS, AS WELL AS TO NATIONAL GOVERNMENT COUNTERPARTS AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS. • Guide the provision of technical support to the Resident Coordinator and the United Nations Country Team on issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly on policies aimed at accelerating the achievement of the SDGs, including through the integration, acceleration, and policy support strategy and similar mechanisms, and assess and highlight potential rebalancing among the SDGs. • Identify issues and propose recommendations to the United Nations Country Team on how national UN operations can be optimized to better respond to sustainable development needs and emerging trends in the country. • Solicit, evaluate, and merge policy options proposed by members of the United Nations Country Team to ensure an integrated approach in the policy advice provided by the UN to national government counterparts and other external partners. • Plan and guide the activities of the joint UN policy team in the country (or equivalent) and promote policy, analysis, and evaluation methods that are based on creating inter-pillar linkages in the country. 3. COORDINATE THE DESIGN BY THE UNITED NATIONS COUNTRY TEAM OF A NEW GENERATION OF SDG-FOCUSED PROGRAMS THAT ARE HEAVILY INVESTMENTORIENTED AND EMPHASIZE ACCELERATING ACTIONS TO ACHIEVE THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS. • Guide the development and implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Gabon 2023-2027 to ensure that national UN operational activities effectively promote the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in the country. • Provide technical support for the development and revision of programs throughout the UNSDCF cycle, based on a thorough analysis of the Sustainable Development Goals. • Contribute to UN joint programming to strengthen the design of a new generation of UN joint programs that are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, investment-oriented, and impactful at the national level. • Assist UNSDCF results groups in implementing joint work plans to enable the execution of relevant and SDG-adapted UN operational activities for development. • Propose recommendations to strengthen UN support to government and multi-stakeholder mechanisms on policy development and capacity building related to the Sustainable Development Goals. 4. PLAN AND GUIDE THE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT OF KNOWLEDGE ON THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS. • Organize and facilitate local, regional, and international practitioner and knowledge networks that promote collaboration, peer support, best practices in innovation, lessons learned, needs, and opportunities in sustainable development, and contribute to them. • Research, analyze, and present best practices and lessons learned from the implementation of projects and programs by the United Nations Country Team to advise the Resident Coordinator and the United Nations Country Team on actions to strengthen the UN's policy direction. • Monitor and analyze best practices and effective models implemented by the UN in the country and propose ways to transform them into bankable national investment policies and programs related to the Sustainable Development Goals. • Provide advice on international and corporate guidelines, tools, and other documents related to sustainable development policy. 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 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. 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. 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. CREATIVITY: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box"; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in economics, development studies or public policy, public finance 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.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven(7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in sustainable development policies, economic analysis, or project and program management in the field of development cooperation or a related area is required. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Experience in supporting SDG financing is desirable.

Languages

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This is a Temporary Job Opening. Appointment against this position is available for a limited duration of SIX (6) MONTHS and does not carry any expectancy, legal or otherwise, of renewal. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF GABON 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 GABON residing elsewhere may be considered, in which case the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to traveling and relocating to GABON in the event of an employment offer. 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. 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. 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.