Result of Service

The consultant will deliver the following: a) Update of two single-country models and econometric software code. b) Conduct in-depth training on macro-econometric modelling and policy simulation in one country (Tunisia). c) Produce a draft of the user-friendly manuals for policymakers on how to use the model for the ex-ante simulations of fiscal policy reforms.

Work Location

Remotely

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background: UN ESCWA is the leading institution in the Arab region in providing training and capacity development to member states on macroeconomic modelling and policy simulations. ESCWA has adopted and tailored the single-country UN World Economic Forecasting Model, extending its scope to support growth and fiscal forecasts and policy simulations, with focus on enhancing social expenditures and fiscal sustainability. The extended single-country WEFM was used to train participants from the finance and planning ministries as well as national think-tanks working closely with governments. Based on lesson learnt ESCWA has develop a user-friendly web interface to allow policymakers to simulate the impact of different policies or shocks on growth and fiscal forecasts without needing to solve complex equations. There is high demand from MSs for such interface. Extending this partnership, DESA-ESCWA has embarked on a partnership project entitled Capacity development of Arab States on macroeconomic forecasts and policy simulations to inform better decisions on financing social expenditures and the SDGs. The pilot countries are Jordan and Tunisia who are part of the project participating countries of social expenditure monitor and including fiscal policy. The Training and capacity development effort aims to improve decision-making by officials from various ministries and think-tanks, particularly in assessing macroeconomic forecasts and policy simulations, including debt and fiscal policy options. The project aligns with ESCWA’s goal of promoting fiscal policies that support economic diversification, debt sustainability, social development and the SDGs while ensuring macroeconomic stability (A/77/6/Sec22). The objective of this consultancy is to produce macro econometric modelling and simulation tools to improve macroeconomic and social policy coherence for improved equity and efficiency in public social expenditure in selected Arab countries through enhancing capacity of policymakers in the region, specifically in selected countries, by providing them access to extended single-country WEFM through user-friendly interface as well as conducting training (in Tunisia) to expand their capacities. Duties and Responsibilities: The consultancy is an extension to the on-going work on updating extended single country WEFM models. The senior modelling expert consultant will produce updates of the models for and Jordan, Tunisia, prepare the user-friendly manuals of the model for the ex-ante simulations of fiscal policy reforms, and conduct a training workshop on macroeconomic modelling and policy simulations in Tunisia. In this context, the consultant will be required to: • Update the single country macro-economic model forecasts and simulations for Jordan and Tunisia, in discussion with ESCWA staff. • Conduct the in-depth training on macro-econometric modelling and policy simulations in Tunisia. • Prepare the draft of the user-friendly manuals for policymakers on how to use the model for the ex-ante simulations of fiscal policy reforms.

Qualifications/special skills

A Master’s degree or equivalent in Economics, Econometrics or related area is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 15 years of professional work experience in analyzing macroeconomic policy issues, particularly macro econometric modeling, and forecasting exercises, is required. Knowledge of economic development issues of Arab countries is desirable. Publication in reputed journals in this field is desirable. Familiarity with the World Economic and Forecasting Model is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English is required. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.