Senior Economist

Result of Service1. Strengthened analytical and strategic foundation for the economic track of the political process. 2. Clear, evidence-based policy recommendations supporting institutional unification and governance reform. 3. Enhanced alignment between Libyan reform priorities and international technical support. 4. Enhanced UN Libya capacity to integrate economic governance issues within the broader UNSMIL-facilitated political process as well as development initiatives. All deliverables must be in English, of publication quality, and ready for official circulation. Work LocationThe consultant will work remotely, with travel to Libya (minimum 10 working days/2 weeks per month) as required. Travel and related expenses will be covered in accordance with UNSMIL policy Expected duration5 months (renewable) Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe consultant will report to the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator (DSRSG/RC) for Libya, while maintaining daily coordination with the Economic Unit under the Political Affairs Section of UNSMIL and the Economic Hub, as well as other UNSMIL section chiefs and the UN Country Team. 1. Policy Advice and Economic Track of the Political Process • Provide concrete and politically viable policy options on economic governance, including budget unification, monetary and banking reform, oversight institutions, resource management, fiscal transparency, anti-corruption and diversification of the economy. • Develop operationally implementable recommendations in a highly complex and opaque environment • Advise UNSMIL leadership on steps to unify the national budget, harmonize monetary policy and build confidence toward the unification of CBL functions and tasks. • Support efforts to structure and effective public investment management system to guide the transparent selection of investment projects and ensure their economic and social feasibility across Libya’s regions. • Advise UNSMIL leadership on how economic incentives can be leveraged to advance institutional unification and support the broader political process. • Identify and frame entry points for dialogue among Libyan financial and economic institutions to foster convergence, confidence-building and mutual accountability. • Support the Mission’s engagement with IFIs and bilateral partners to align reform initiatives with political priorities and promote policy coherence. • Develop targeted policy briefs and recommendations to guide and inform UNSMIL’s engagement and high-level discussions under the structured dialogue and promote policy coherence. 2. Political Economy Analysis and Reporting • Conduct in-depth, continuous analysis of the Libyan political economy, focusing on the interaction between economic structures, political actors and conflict dynamics. • Identify and assess triggers and incentives in the oil, gas, and banking sectors that influence political alignment, institutional fragmentation and/or opportunities for reform. • Map formal and informal networks and their influence on economic governance, fiscal flows and decision-making. • Support the Economic Hub in producing periodic analytical updates and political-economy briefings for Mission leadership, highlighting openings for reform and early warnings on emerging risks. 3. Multistakeholder Engagement • Identify and articulate incentives that could encourage alignment around national financial governance, transparency and fiscal accountability. • Facilitate consultations and dialogues with Libyan authorities, economic institutions, and international partners on reform priorities and sequencing. • Lead and strengthen coordination between the UN Economic Hub and UN and partners, providing strategic guidance and policy coherence across various initiatives. • Support UNSMIL leadership in engaging diplomatically with all relevant national and international interlocutors to promote convergence between the economic, political, and security tracks. Qualifications/special skills• Advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in macroeconomics, economic development, political economy, public policy, development studies or a related field. • At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in political economy analysis and policy design related to economic and fiscal reform and governance is required. • Strong political economy understanding of the Arab States and North Africa, with expertise in macro-fiscal policy, public financial management and governance reform. is required. • Proven experience engaging with IFIs, Member States, and national institutions on reform, stabilization and institutional strengthening in fragile and conflict-affected settings is required. • Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality, strategic and actionable analysis for senior leadership and policymaking audiences, under tight deadlines is required. • Excellent communication, negotiation and facilitation skills, with a track record of effectively engaging diverse national and international stakeholders is required. • Ability to bridge political, technical and institutional dimensions, ensuring coherent advice and coordination across multidisciplinary teams is required. LanguagesFluency in English required, Arabic highly desirable. 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.