Economic Affairs Officer (Modelling)

About the role

The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), a UN regional commission covering 21 Arab countries in Western Asia and North Africa, is hiring an Economic Affairs Officer (Modelling) in Beirut. The officer works under the supervision of the head of the modelling and forecasting team and the overall supervision of the Leader of the Shared Economic Prosperity Cluster (Cluster 3). The position is full-time and lasts one year, with extension subject to availability of the post, funds and budgetary approval.

Key responsibilities

• Develop socio-economic databases and qualitative information for assigned tasks
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of the UNESCWA single dynamic CGE models and the single country CGE models for member countries
• Update and construct Social Accounting Matrices (SAM) for UNESCWA models in member countries
• Monitor economic developments in a defined area and identify recurring and emerging issues of concern to the UN
• Design and run studies on economic development issues and draft reports
• Interpret econometric modelling results to analyse economic prospects and policies, and draft policy recommendations
• Formulate proposals for development strategies, policies and measures for intergovernmental bodies
• Attend international, regional and national meetings and organize expert group meetings and seminars
• Prepare speeches and inputs for senior staff presentations

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in economics or a related field; a first-level degree plus qualifying experience may be accepted
• A PhD in applied economics or econometrics is desirable
• Minimum seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic research, analysis, policy formulation or development programmes
• Minimum three years of experience in developing, maintaining and applying single-country CGE modelling
• Demonstrated experience with global CGE tools and GAMS programming is desirable
• English at UN Level II reading, writing, listening and speaking; Arabic at UN Level II is desirable

Required skills

• GAMS programming
• CGE modelling and SAM construction
• Econometric modelling