Consultant - Economist - Health Financing Project - MFGPD

The ultimate result of the service is the strengthened analytical and technical capacity of ECA to support African member States in developing evidence-based macroeconomic and health financing policies through high-quality research, econometric analysis, macroeconomic modelling, and policy-oriented analytical outputs that contribute to resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development planning.

Addis Ababa

6 Months

Background The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is implementing a project aimed at transforming health financing in Africa by unlocking fiscal space, fostering innovative financing approaches, and strengthening resilient, inclusive, and equitable health systems. The initiative seeks to support African countries in addressing persistent health financing gaps while strengthening the integration of health financing into broader macroeconomic, fiscal, and development planning frameworks. The project responds to growing recognition that health is not only a social sector priority, but also an important driver of human capital development, economic productivity, and structural transformation. Many African countries continue to face major challenges related to limited fiscal space, high out-of-pocket expenditures, rising debt pressures, fragmented financing systems, and vulnerability to external shocks. These pressures have been compounded by the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, tightening global financial conditions, inflationary pressures, climate-related risks, and geopolitical disruptions. In this context, ECA is supporting selected member States in strengthening analytical capacities and developing evidence-based policy tools to assess the macroeconomic implications of health financing and broader development policies. Particular emphasis is placed on embedding health financing considerations within economy-wide analytical frameworks. This includes the development and application of Social Accounting Matrices (SAMs), the integration of the System of Health Accounts (SHA) with the System of National Accounts (SNA), and the incorporation of detailed health sector disaggregation within SAM structures. The work further involves the use of macro-fiscal frameworks and economy-wide modelling approaches, including Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) and Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) models, complemented by other econometric and policy simulation tools. The project also aims to strengthen the evidence base through background studies, literature reviews, empirical assessments, policy simulations, and analytical reports to support policy dialogue and sustainable development planning across African countries. Objective of the Assignment The overall objective of the assignment is to support ECA’s analytical and research work related to macroeconomic modelling, health financing, and development policy analysis in selected African countries. The Consultant will contribute to background research, literature reviews, data analysis, econometric assessments, and the preparation of analytical outputs supporting the development and application of macroeconomic and economy-wide modelling frameworks. Duties and Responsibilities Under the supervision of the relevant officers within the Macroeconomics, Finance, Governance and Planning Division (MFGPD), the consultant will perform the following: 1. Research and Analytical Support • Conduct background research and literature reviews on health financing, macroeconomic policy, fiscal sustainability, public expenditure, structural transformation, and related development issues. • Prepare analytical summaries, briefing notes, background papers, and technical inputs for reports, policy briefs, presentations, and other knowledge products. • Review international experiences, policy frameworks, and best practices relevant to health financing, macroeconomic management, and sustainable development. 2. Data Collection and Economic Analysis • Support the collection, cleaning, and harmonization of socio-economic, fiscal, health, and macroeconomic data from national and international sources. • Assist in the compilation and management of databases for macroeconomic analysis and modelling. • Perform descriptive statistical analysis and contribute to the interpretation of economic and social trends across selected African countries. 3. Econometric and Modelling Support • Support econometric analysis and empirical assessments related to health financing, macroeconomic performance, fiscal policy, poverty, employment, and structural transformation. • Assist in applying econometric techniques using statistical software (e.g., Stata, EViews, R, or Python). • Contribute to modelling exercises involving Social Accounting Matrices (SAMs), Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) models, Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) models, and macro-fiscal frameworks. • Support scenario analysis and policy simulations under the guidance of senior economists. 4. Technical and Institutional Support • Assist in organizing technical workshops, stakeholder consultations, and capacity-building activities. • Support coordination with ministries, national statistical offices, research institutions, and development partners. • Contribute to the preparation of meeting reports, mission reports, and technical documentation. 5. Other Responsibilities • Prepare graphs, charts, tables, and data visualizations for analytical outputs and presentations. • Perform other related research, analytical, and technical support tasks as required.

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in Economics, Econometrics, Statistics, Development Economics or a related field is required. A PhD in a relevant field is desirable. A maximum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in socio-economic research, policy analysis, econometrics, or macroeconomic modelling is required. Demonstrated ability to conduct quantitative economic analysis and apply analytical methods to policy-relevant issues is required. Knowledge of econometric techniques and macroeconomic modelling frameworks (e.g., DSGE, CGE, or macro-fiscal models) is desirable. Proficiency in statistical and econometric software such as Stata, R, Python, or EViews is desirable. Experience working on development issues in African countries is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.. Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French (both oral and written) is required; Knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Not available.

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.