Economist

The position is located in the Research Department (RESEARCH) of the ILO, which conducts research on labour and employment issues to contribute to policy formulation for ILO constituents at the global level. The main purpose of the Department is to assess major trends, including new technologies, demographic change, the scarcity of natural resources, the evolving role of finance and emerging patterns in development and globalization in relation to their socio-economic impact. Core research issues also include the assessment of “what works”, in terms of decent work outcomes.

RESEARCH produces a number of high profile reports, which include the World Employment and Social Outlook (WESO) and the WESO Trends, and is the Department responsible for the ILO’s peer-reviewed journal, the International Labour Review. It carries out research that examines the inter-linkages between economic growth and social equity. RESEARCH publishes widely in different formats, including ILO major reports, research briefings, academic journal papers, working papers, collaborative reports with academics and other policy organisations and is present in social media.

The position will report to the Senior Technical Specialist and Team Leader of the Work Income and Equity unit of RESEARCH.
 

1. Collect and organize data on the environment and labour markets, and/or supervise collection and analysis undertaken by external collaborators or more junior staff, including data cleaning and overseeing quality assurance. Carry out econometric and statistical analyses related to the analysis of labour market and environmental issues for social policies.  Draft papers and chapters of reports, and other publications, based on this analysis.
2. Use econometric analysis to examine issues such as the impact of achieving environmental sustainability on labour markets. This would include building scenarios to compute employment projections, for example, through input/output data and estimated calculations of environmental sustainability variables. 
3. Undertake analysis of the policies to ensure a just transition to environmentally sustainable economies and societies. Review labour market and macroeconomic policy, sectoral policy, and social and labour policies that can be conducive to decent work and better environmental outcomes.
4. Provide inputs to research briefs, flagship reports, blogs, other special reports and other publications.
5. Provide input to the formulation of policy advice for ILO constituents based on econometric and statistical analysis related to the assessment of labour market, environmental and social policies and their impact on labour market outcomes and dynamics.
6. Initiate and maintain collaboration, including on environmental sustainability and decent work, with other technical departments of the ILO, ILO Regional and Country Offices, ILO constituents, other international organizations and academic institutions.
7. Provide support to resource mobilization for development cooperation projects covering thematic research at the regional or global levels, taking into account ILO constituents' views, in consultation with concerned ILO programmes at headquarters and in the field.
8. Contribute to the preparation and delivery of presentations on key policy conclusions and recommendations of the research carried out in the Department and participate in meetings. 
9. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

These specific duties are aligned with the relevant ILO generic job description, which includes the following generic duties:

1. Undertake research and prepare analytical reports on selected subjects within the area of technical competence.
2. Assess country experience (on selected topics) with a view to identifying best practices in finding solutions to problems identified.
3. Provide technical inputs (articles, reports) for regional, country or related sectoral analyses, ILO reports and publications.
4. Provide technical backstopping, project implementation and monitoring.
5. Undertake missions for the purpose of providing technical recommendations on selected topics following ILO established guidelines, manuals and standards.
6. Monitor and coordinate research carried out by external collaborators.
7. Act as focal point on a specific field of specialization.
8. Participate in training seminars and workshops as resource person.
9. Represent the technical unit at international, regional and national fora.

Advanced university degree in economics.   A specialization in environmental studies, development studies or labour economics would be an advantage.

Three years’ experience at the national level and two years at the international level. Experience in undertaking research on environmental issues including handling complex datasets and econometric techniques.

Excellent command of English.  Working knowledge of a second official language (French or Spanish) of the Organization would be an advantage.

In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:

Ability to carry out assignments in accordance with instructions and guidelines; ability to use analytical tools and qualitative and quantitative techniques; ability to conceptualise, plan, coordinate and conduct straightforward research work; ability to draft press releases, discussion papers, reports; good computer skills. Ability to participate effectively in technical missions and multi-disciplinary teams; capacity to provide first-line technical advice in the area of specialization; the ability to conceptualise and design research techniques and analyse complex cross-national practices and data sets covering a wide range of issues in the specialized technical field; capability to guide and co-ordinate the work of external collaborators, general service staff or young professionals; ability to prepare reports and publications of a high quality, technically sound with conclusions leading to an action plan and programme development and ability to provide credible implementation assistance to senior specialists in carrying out research, project formulation and implementation.  Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.