Economist

Job Overview

The United Nations Resident Coordinator System is seeking a dedicated Economist to join its team in Kampala. This role is pivotal in supporting evidence-based policy formulation and economic analysis to accelerate Uganda’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The successful candidate will work closely with the Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team to provide substantive economic insights. This position is crucial for aligning national development plans with global sustainability frameworks and ensuring inclusive growth across Uganda.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive economic analysis of national and regional data to identify trends affecting sustainable development in Uganda.
• Provide evidence-based policy advice on economic transformation, green transition, and digital innovation to support SDG acceleration.
• Support the localization of global guidelines and tools for integrated SDG analysis and strategic foresight methodologies.
• Develop briefing materials and analytical inputs on SDG financing, focusing on gender equality and inclusive growth principles.
• Collaborate with regional offices and programme divisions to implement data-driven decision-making frameworks across the UN Country Team.
• Monitor and evaluate economic development programmes to ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with national priorities.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Advanced university degree in economics, development studies, public policy, or a related field with strong quantitative analysis focus.
• Minimum of five years of professional experience in economic analysis, policy research, or development programme management within Uganda or similar contexts.
• Proven track record of conducting economic research and producing analytical reports that influenced policy decisions at national or international levels.
• Excellent proficiency in using statistical software such as Stata, R, or SPSS for data analysis and visualization of complex economic datasets.

Desirable

• PhD in economics or a related discipline with published research on sustainable development, economic transformation, or SDG financing in African contexts.
• Experience working within the United Nations system or other international development organizations in Uganda, with familiarity of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
• Strong working knowledge of Uganda’s National Development Plan and its integration with international development frameworks and financing mechanisms.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic foresight methodologies, scenario planning, and data-driven decision-making tools for development programming.

What the Role Offers

• Competitive salary package with international UN scale remuneration, including post adjustment and comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Accommodation allowance or housing support provided in Kampala, ensuring safe and convenient living arrangements during the assignment.
• Transportation benefits including vehicle maintenance allowance or public transport stipend for daily commuting across the city.
• Professional development opportunities including training budgets, conference attendance, and mentorship programmes within the UN system.
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days plus official holidays, with flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.

How to Apply

Candidates are invited to submit their updated curriculum vitae, a cover letter detailing relevant experience, and copies of all academic certificates and professional qualifications. Please ensure your application highlights your specific contributions to economic analysis and policy development in Uganda or similar contexts. Please apply now by clicking the link below.

About the Company

The United Nations Resident Coordinator System in Uganda was established under UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/72/279 to strengthen coordination across the UN System. The RCO supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021-2025, aligning with Uganda’s National Development Plan.

Led by the Resident Coordinator, the office coordinates the UN Country Team in planning, implementing, and monitoring development programmes. This ensures efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the UN Efficiency Agenda while promoting inclusive and sustainable development across all regions of Uganda.

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