Consultant to develop a tailored trade focused dynamic CGE model for Saudi Arabia

Result of ServiceTo build an updated and tailored trade dynamic computable CGE model for Saudi Arabia (TDCGE). Work LocationRemotely Expected duration8 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesScope and Objectives Decision-makers require advanced tools that provide real-time, data-driven insights to effectively design optimal economic policies. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge simulation tools to support Arab countries in aligning their trade policies with broader economic objectives and long-term national visions. One such tool is a user-friendly trade simulator that enables non-specialist trade experts and negotiators in trade ministries to utilize different types of customized Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) models covering global to regional to national levels. At the request of the Ministry of Economy and Planning (MEP) of Saudi Arabia to enhance the capacity of the national team in better negotiating trade agreements in the context of vision 2030, UNESCWA is recruiting a senior consultant that will build an updated and tailored trade dynamic computable CGE model for Saudi Arabia (TDCGE). Duties and Responsibilities The consultant is expected to undertake the following tasks: 1. Define with ESCW’s focal point the specific features of the Saudi TDCGE model in terms of policy instruments, behavioral functions, covered sectors and commodities, and institutions. 2. Perform any required development and adjustment to the Micro Trade SAM developed by ESCWA for the Saudi economy to match with the specific features of the trade dynamic CGE model of Saudi Arabia 3. Calibrate the tailored trade dynamic CGE model using the Micro SAM Saudi Arabia for the period 2023-2035. 4. Extend the standard model to integrate rents, non-tariff barriers and market power generated by restrictive trade and economic policies. 5. Implement the most plausible baseline scenario for the Saudi economy using the up-to-date economic projections. 6. Conduct robustness checks by adopting alternative values for key elasticities (trade, consumption, and production) and recalibrate the model to generate the most plausible baseline scenario. 7. Prepare sim file with the list of policy instruments to be uploaded on the interface. 8. Prepare a technical report on the structure of the Trade Dynamic CGE model for Saudi Arabia. Qualifications/special skillsA Master's in applied economics or related area is required. A PhD in applied economics or related area is desirable. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 10 years of experience in developing and applying dynamic CGE models on trade analysis is required A proven expertise in using GAMS and GAMS-MIRO is required A proven expertise in developing and using SAMs for trade analysis is required. Experience in modeling non-tariff barriers and economic rents and in modeling labor market and household heterogeneity in a CGE framework is required. Experience in developing and applying simulation tools for Saudi economy is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations secretariat and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in Arabic and English is required. Notes: “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 InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.