Economist

Introduction

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 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 organizations and is present in social media.
The position will contribute to the work of the Labour Market Trends and Policy Evaluation team of RESEARCH, in particular to the research and analysis of labour market policies and to the modelling and analysis necessary for the preparation of the flagship publication of the ILO “World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends” which is published annually.
The position will report to the Senior Economist of the Labour Market Trends and Policy Evaluation team in RESEARCH.
 

Specific Duties

1. Conduct research on specific behaviour of individuals, households, firms and countries on issues related to the labour market by applying econometric techniques including, on the one hand, quasi-experimental and experimental methods, and on the other hand, time series econometric and projection methods underlying the ILO modelled estimates.
2. Carry out empirical analyses to examine the effects of labour market policies and institutions and/or establish casual relationships between a wide range of employment and social variables, with a view to widening the understanding of ‘what works’ and presenting policy advice based on evidence.
3. Conduct analysis using different types of databases at the macroeconomic (e.g. cross-country databases) and microeconomic levels (e.g. labour force surveys, administrative data, big data) of both a cross-sectional and longitudinal nature.
4. Conceptualise and design research techniques and analyse complex cross-national practices and data sets covering a wide range of issues in the labour market and social fields. Interpret and present complex findings in a user-friendly manner. 
5. Identify gaps in the area of labour market polices from a research and policy perspective and prepare work plans and proposals to address these gaps, taking into account, for example, data needs, the use of novel forms of data and estimation strategies, potential partners, etc.
6. Provide timely and relevant contributions on a regular basis to publications produced by RESEARCH, in particular WESO Trends. This involves developing and drafting high quality research documents, contributing to data analysis, critically engaging with literature across a range of disciplines and subjects, consolidating and organizing contributions across the Organization, and preparing press releases.
7. Draft documents such as policy briefs and country notes that present technical findings in a policy-oriented, non-technical manner, for both internal audiences and international fora such as the ILO Governing Body.
8. Contribute to the design of projects and/ or provide technical inputs to joint projects and activities.  Liaise with technical specialists at the national and regional levels in this regard.
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:

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.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree in the field of economics. Specialization in labour-related or development economics would be considered an asset.

Experience

Three years’ experience at the national level and two years at the international level. Experience in drafting high-quality research papers and reports in subjects related to labour market and social issues. Experience handling large micro-datasets and using micro-econometric and impact evaluation techniques required. Specific research experience related to developing countries, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and experience working with big data, will be considered an advantage.

Languages

Excellent command of English and a working knowledge of another official language (French, Spanish) of the Organization.

Competencies

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

Ability to participate effectively in technical missions and multi-disciplinary teams; capacity to provide first-line technical advice in the area of specialisation; 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 specialised 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 use analytical tools and quantitative techniques. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.