Economic Analyst

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

This position is in the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UN RCO), within the Integrated Office of the DSRSG/RC/HC in South Sudan with a day-to-day reporting line to the Head of RCO / Strategic Planner. The incumbent would support the RC/UNCT and Donors with expertise in data analysis, mapping, and visualization to strengthen joint priorities, coherent planning and strategic decisions.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Head of RCO/ Strategic Planning, the UNV will work closely with Resident Coordination Office Economist and Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Report Specialist on tasks below.

1. Data analysis and visualization.

• Design and develop data visualization products, including dashboards, infographics, and interactive maps, to present complex and development information in a visually compelling and easy-to-understand manner.

• Utilize data visualization tools and software to analyze and communicate key trends, patterns, and insights derived from UNCT (UN Country Team ) activities and programmatic data.

• Collaborate with UN agencies and partners to identify data visualization needs and develop innovative solutions to enhance decision-making processes and advocacy efforts.

• Develop standardized templates and tools for data collection, analysis, and reporting to enhance transparency and accountability in program implementation.

2. Development and SDG Reporting

• Facilitates and consolidates evidence-based development data and analysis in support of a shared understanding by the UN Country Team (UNCT), Donors and Government on sustainable development trends, challenges, and opportunities in South Sudan

• Researches, analyzes, consolidates and presents SDG-related data, as well as information on emerging best practices in macroeconomics for sustainable development, paying special attention to gender, Climate Change, Peace, Youth, Food Security and Agriculture, and capacity development.

• Identifies and analyzes issues that impact multiple SDGs and their targets and proposes ‘accelerator interventions' that can help unlock and accelerate progress towards sustainable development across multiple areas.

• Assesses and highlights sustainable development trade-offs and risk factors, as well as early-warning indicators that may undermine the achievement of SDG targets and impact the UN’s role and programme in the country and suggests appropriate measures to address them.

• Collects and analyzes data on development operations in support of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, identifies gaps and proposes follow-up actions.

• Researches, develops and presents policy papers, guidance notes and other knowledge based-tools and directs discussion in country-level forums to help influence and advance policy dialogue on achieving the SDGs.

• Monitors regional and global economic trends and issues, analyzes their implications for the realization of the SDGs at the country level and recommends additional issues for consideration.

3. Reporting and documentation

• Prepare regular reports on UNCT activities, achievements, and challenges for internal and external stakeholders.

• Document best practices, lessons learned, and success stories to inform future programming and decision-making processes by the UNCT.

• Support the preparation of donor reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with reporting requirements.

• Undertake additional tasks as allocated by team leader.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day).

• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.

• Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.

• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.

• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers.

• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to United Nations Resident Coordination Office (UNRCO); technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to United Nations Resident Coordination Office (UNRCO) procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and United Nations Resident Coordination Office (UNRCO) in daily activities and behaviors while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior; does not abuse power or authority.

• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;

• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

• Planning and organizing effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.

• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary.

professional work experience at the national and/or international level in data collection, analysis, or reporting, or other relevant programmes; experience with research institutions, UN or other international development organization is an asset.

• Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge

• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.

• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.

• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.

• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.

• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.

• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

• Sound security awareness.

• Have affinity with or interest in United Nations Resident Coordination Office (UNRCO), volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

In February 2020, the parties to the Revitalized Agreement on Resolution of Conflict in South (R-ARCSS) formed the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) that has successfully implemented some provisions of the peace agreement.

Though there has been significant reduction in level of conflict and violence across the country, South Sudan is still in Security Phase III level, with UN imposed curfew from 7:00pm to 6:00am

Banking facilities are available however, use of credit and debit cards is limited. There are three mobile telephone companies namely, Zain, MTN and Digitel providing services and sim cards are obtained with cash after registration by the service provider. South Sudan Electricity has just started operating; however, Juba is still mostly powered by individual generators.

Running water is dependent on water tankers that deliver water to households. UN volunteers can access medical services in the UN Agency clinic. Other medical services can be obtained at the UNMISS Level 2 hospital. UN volunteers can seek accommodation in a UN compound with availability of security, utilities, water, internet, laundry, and electricity.

South Sudan is a unique country with a unique humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding context. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving potential physical hardship are essential. https://www.unv.org/