The UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this reform, the UN Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator - the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level - supports countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs. The position of Development Coordination Officer- Economist is located in the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Trinidad and Tobago also covering Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten and works closely with the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team. The position reports to the Development Coordination Officer, Head of RCO and Strategic Planner. As part of a dynamic team in the RCO, this position calls for professionals who are pro-active, driven by results and intellectually curious to strengthen economic resilience and promote sustainable development in middle and high-income small island developing States.ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Development Coordination Officer /Economist will be responsible for the following duties: Summary of Functions 1. Plans, facilitates and consolidates evidence-based analysis of the status of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), providing substantive advice to the Resident Coordinator (RC) and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), particularly on elements pertaining to SDG Acceleration, economic transformation agenda (including green and just transition, digital transformation and the future of work) and SDG financing. 2. Advocates and supports RC’s and UNCT’s advocacy efforts for the creation of strong partnerships within the UN System, with national counterparts in government and other relevant partners, including International Financial Institutions (IFIs), to support the reframing of economic policies and practices for SDG acceleration, economic transformation and leveraging SDG financing. 3. Coordinates the development by the UNCT of a new generation of an integrated SDG programming cycle (including development of roadmaps, Common Country Analysis (CCA) and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), UN Joint Programmes, as well as Annual Reports and others) that promoted SDG acceleration, advances the economic transformation agenda and outlines a clear approach to SDG financing in programming countries. 4. Plans and directs knowledge generation and management around the SDG acceleration, economic transformation and SDG financing agendas, in support of a shared understanding by the UNCT of sustainable development trends, challenges and opportunities in programme countries. Description of Functions: Plans, facilitates, and consolidates evidence-based analysis of the status of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing substantive advice to the RC and UNCT, particularly on elements pertaining to SDG acceleration, the economic transformation agenda (including green and just transition, digital transformation and the future of work) and leveraging SDG financing.Researches, analyzes, consolidates, and presents information and data on emerging best practices in SDG acceleration, economic transformation for sustainable development, including green and just transition, digital transformation and the future of work, among others; paying special attention to gender and leave no one behind (LNOB) principles.Guides substantive support to the RC/UNCT on SDG-related issues, particularly on policies to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs, through incorporating a systems approach, and evaluates and highlights potential synergies and trade-offs between SDGs;Provides advice on global/corporate guidelines, tools and other materials related to SDG acceleration, economic transformation and SDG financing.Works with UNCT counterparts to create common, convergent and coherent key advocacy topics related to SDG acceleration, sustainable economic transformation and SDG financing, helping identify and analyze entry points for catalytic and consolidated UN policy support options, to enable the transition to more efficient, low-carbon and resilient production and consumption patterns, maximizing social, environmental and economic outcomes that impact the implementation of multiple SDGs and their targets, with proposed ‘accelerator interventions' that can help unlock and accelerate progress towards sustainable development;Collects and analyzes data on UN country level operations in support of SDG acceleration and the implementation of the economic transformation agenda and SDG financing, identifies gaps and proposes follow-up actions;Working in close collaboration with the UNCT, researches, develops and presents policy papers, guidance notes and other knowledge based-tools, and supports discussion in country-level forums to help influence and advance policy dialogue and advocate to reframe economic policies and practices around economic transformation to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs;Coordinates the preparation of UN flagship reports on SDG acceleration, economic transformation and leveraging SDG financing, including the analysis of data and the provision of evidence to build the case for policies and interventions to advance multiple SDGs at a time;Monitors regional and global economic trends and issues, analyzes their implications for SDG acceleration at the country level and recommends additional issues for consideration.Conducts and consolidates analytical work to strengthen the understanding of the catalytic role of innovative SDG Financing in the context of SDG accleration and the green economic transformation; identifying opportunities to align key SDG Financing stakeholders in the context of economic transformation and green growth.Analyzes trends and provides advice and support on new and innovative mechanisms to leverage SDG financing, including on global initiatives by the UN and other development institutions(e.g. IFIs).Provides inputs for briefing papers and discussion/talking points on issues related to SDG financing for consideration by the RC/ the UNCT.Supports UNCT initiatives to advance SDG financing, including in the context of an Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFF).Provides economic analysis and advice as inputs into the cross-pillar (humanitarian-development-peace) nexus approaches in country. Supports RC’s and UNCT’s, advocacy efforts for the creation of strong partnerships with the UN system, with national counterparts in government and other relevant partners, including International Financial Institutions (IFIs), to support the reframing of economic policies and practices around SDG acceleration, economic transformation and SDG financing.Fosters peer-exchanges and opens a consistent channel of communication and strong partnerships with economists within the UN System at country level to create and consolidate common, convergent and coherent advocacy opportunities on topics related to SDG acceleration, economic transformation and SDG financing. eTMH3hZ Dep8sRWorking in close collaboration with the RCO Partnerships Officer, ensures effective engagement of all relevant counterparts to develop collaboration and partnerships around SDG acceleration, economic transformation and SDG financing, for example with national planning or economic offices, IFIs, the private sector, etc.Stays abreast and follows latest developments in analytical work, policy, financial and capacity development support provided by other relevant development partners (including IFIs, bilateral and multilateral partners, academia, the private sector, and others) on topics related to SDG acceleration, economic transformation and SDG financing and identifies opportunities for collaboration.Engages with the private sector to strengthen understanding of its potential contribution to SDG acceleration, the green economic transformation agenda, and to identify private and/or public-private catalytic SDG financing opportunities for the achievement of the SDGs. Coordinates the development by the UNCT of a new generation of an integrated SDG programming cycle (including the development of roadmaps, CCA, UNSDCF, UN joint programmes as well as Annual Reports and others) that advances the economic transformation agenda and outlines a clear approach to SDG financing in programme countries.Supports the RC/UNCT in ensuring a strong SDG acceleration and SDG financing analysis through an integrated lens in the preparation of the Common Country Analyses and other analytical exercises;Identifies issues and proposes recommendations for the UNCT on how UN country-level programming around SDG acceleration, economic transformation and integrated policy responses can be optimized and better respond to sustainable development needs and emerging trends in country;Guides the development and implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks, ensuring a strong and integrated UNCT engagement on SDG accleration, the economic transformation and SDG financing agendas in the country;Contributes to the UN joint programming to strengthen the formulation of a new generation of UN joint programmes to promote SDG acceleration (including those that are supported by the Joint SDG Fund) ensuring that they are oriented towards investment, and have impact at the national level;Assists UNCT Results Groups in the implementation of joint workplans to ensure SDG-relevant and SDG-responsive UN operational activities for development;Proposes recommendations to enhance UN support to governmental and multi-stakeholder processes on policy development and capacity development for SDG acceleration. Plans and directs knowledge management around SDG acceleration, the economic transformation and SDG financing agendas, in support of a shared understanding by the UNCT of sustainable development trends, challenges and opportunities in programme countries.Promotes collaboration, peer support, innovation, good practices, lessons learned, needs, and opportunities through active facilitation and/or participation to local, regional and global communities of practice and knowledge networks within the Resident Coordinator System, across the UN (including the UN Economist Network) and beyond.Researches, analyzes and presents best practices and lessons learned from implementation of UN policy initiatives and programming for SDG acceleration and economic transformation, with a view to advising the RC and UNCT on actions to strengthen the policy orientation of the UN;Monitors and analyzes good practices and successful models to leverage SDG financing implemented by the UN in country and elsewhere, and suggests options for developing these into bankable national SDG investment policies and programmes;Keeps abreast of emerging innovative approaches in the areas of SDG acceleration, economic transformation and SDG financing, and proposes new ways of working, where relevant;Reflects on processes of his/ her work area at key milestones and generates knowledge valuable to others in the RC system/ UN Country Teams. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Ability to apply sustainable development theories, concepts and approaches. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic resources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in economics, development studies, public policy or public finance. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.Work Experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable development policy, economic research and analysis in the context of development cooperation or related area is required. Knowledge of economics is essential; familiarity with development economics and relevant development experience at the national or international level is desired. Ability to apply development economics theory and specific global agendas/processes to the specific country context and carry out high-quality economic development research is desired. Knowledge of the SDGs and the UN Normative agenda and their application at the national level is desired. Demonstrated understanding of issues related to SDG financing is desired. Proven experience coordinating multi-stakeholder spaces and participatory assessment processes; ability to collaborate with others, to give his/her own perspective, and to be open to diverse perspectives is desired. Outstanding analytical and writing skills with an ability to convey complex ideas in a simple, clear, and lively style is desired. Experience using computers and office software packages, including programmes for statistical analysis of data is desired.Languages: Fluency in English is required; Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. Note: "Fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and "Knowledge of' equals a rating of "confident in two of the four areas.Assessment: Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.Appointment against this post is open for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension subject to legislative body funding availability. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. Individual contractors and consultants (Non-Staff Personnel) who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link.For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 May 2024, are strongly encouraged to apply: Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.United Nations ConsiderationsAccording to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, Inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.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.

Visually-impaired citizens in Trinidad and Tobago are now better equipped to stay informed and protected, thanks to a significant initiative led by the Office of the Prime Minister - Gender and Child Affairs Division and UNFPA. On July 25th, 2024, during a ceremony at the Parliament’s Cabildo Building, Minister Ayanna Webster-Roy unveiled Braille copies of the National Strategic Action Plan (NSAP) on Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Violence (2023-2027). This initiative ensures that critical information reaches everyone, demonstrating the government's commitment to inclusivity and equal access to essential resources. Minister Webster-Roy highlighted the significance of ensuring that the visually impaired community has access to the NSAP, which covers critical areas such as prevention, protection, prosecution, punishment, and the effective provision of redress for victims and survivors of gender-based and sexual violence."An effective NSAP means that critical information on policies and services is in the hands of citizens with visual impairments," she stated.The NSAP is meticulously organized around key pillars including prevention, protection, prosecution, punishment, and the provision of redress. It is designed to serve diverse populations, including children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, with specialized services and localized programming.Minister Webster-Roy extended her gratitude to the United Nations system, particularly the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), for its continuous support in capacity building, research, and financial and technical assistance.Ms. Tisa Grant, Liaison Officer, Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago Liaison Office, UNFPA, reaffirmed the UNFPA's commitment to collaboration, emphasising, "Together, we can deliver a world free from violence, leaving no one behind and reaching the furthest behind."Mr. Kenneth Surratt, Executive Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association (TTBWA), and Mr. Bhawani Persad, First Vice President of Persons Associated with Visual Impairment (PAVI), received the Braille NSAP copies, acknowledging the government's efforts to ensure accessibility.Minister Webster-Roy further encouraged all citizens to be more caring towards women, children, and differently-abled individuals, urging a collective effort to combat gender-based and sexual violence and reiterated the ministry's commitment to coordinating with stakeholders, policymakers, and the citizenry to lead concerted efforts, supported by necessary human and financial resources, towards ending GBV & SV.The handover of Braille copies of the NSAP GBV & SV marks a significant step towards inclusivity and accessibility in Trinidad and Tobago’s efforts to combat gender-based and sexual violence. Minister Webster-Roy's initiative underscores the importance of ensuring that all citizens, including those with visual impairments, have access to critical information and services.

July 9, 2024: Trinidad and Tobago stands out as a leader among Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in marshalling robust institutional capacity and strong cross-sectoral cooperation to advance the sustainable development agenda. This was a frontrunner theme in discussions held during the annual Joint National Steering Committee (JNSC) Meeting, convened by the Ministry of Planning – on behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago – and UN System representatives. The meeting took place today at the Brix Hotel in Port-of-Spain.  The JNSC oversees the implementation of the UN’s development cooperation with the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to support the country’s development priorities, the overarching objectives of the Vision 2030 National Development Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The JNSC comprises high-level representatives from Government ministries and public sector entities alongside the UN Resident Coordinator and Representatives of UN entities working in Trinidad and Tobago.During the meeting, the JNSC reviewed the UN’s 2023 Annual Results Report and the progress of key development initiatives, including success in supporting Government’s digital transformation thrust, the transition to clean energy, national strategies and action plans for Gender-Based Violence prevention and response and support for vulnerable populations - among other projects. The JNSC also identified new priorities for the UN’s work in 2024-2025, including follow-up actions from the recently-concluded United Nations Fourth Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS-4) in Antigua and Barbuda.During her remarks, The Honourable Minister of Planning, Pennelope Beckles, credited the close collaboration between Government and the UN for significant progress on  national development priorities.“Your presence calls attention to the importance of partnership as a powerful tool towards ensuring the prosperous and sustainable future of Trinidad and Tobago,” Minister Beckles said. “Gathering here today, we have the opportunity to capitalise on our diverse expertise reflecting on the fact that together, indeed, more can be accomplished.” UN Resident Coordinator, Joanna Kazana, noted that Trinidad and Tobago is seen as a leader among Caribbean SIDS for its strong technical expertise and experience in leveraging complex, cross-sectoral cooperation with international partners. She said these skills remain an important foundation for the progress the country is making in achieving the SDGs.“Trinidad and Tobago is poised to help shine a light for other SIDS because of its success in generating significant, concrete results in its development trajectory,” Ms. Kazana said. “The capacity within the Government to build partnerships for development – not only across the public sector but also with international development actors, regional institutions, civil society and the private sector – is a stellar example that should be promoted across the Caribbean for other countries to benefit from.” The UN System reported a total expenditure of US $15.80 million delivered in 2023 – an increase of more than US $5 million compared to the previous year. The 2023 total is more than double the UN’s annual average expenditure from 2019 to 2021. Ms. Kazana attributed this increase in expenditure to the strong technical cooperation and coordination between Government and the UN, as well as the recognition among  international partners that SIDS priorities matter. She said Trinidad and Tobago’s cooperation with the UN has produced demonstrable results in policy formulation, institutional capacity-building and other aspects of the national development agenda.For additional information on the UN’s work in Trinidad and Tobago over the last year and its priorities for 2024-2025, read the 2023 Annual Results Report.     

Youth advocates in Trinidad and Tobago are keen to see more digital literacy and technological skills be incorporated into the education system to better equip young people to enter the modern workforce. The advocates shared their views during a Youth Dialogue convened as part of the first visit of DCO LAC Regional Director, Mr. Roberto Valent, to Trinidad and Tobago in May. Trinbagonian youths joined youngsters from the refugee and migrant community to share their views on education curriculum reform, better access to employment opportunities and support for adolescent mental health. They also identified coding and machine learning as essential skills which should be integrated into classroom learning.   The dialogue, which took place on 21 May 2024, was co-hosted by the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator for Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten and the Heroes Foundation, a youth-focused NGO that aligns its work with the Sustainable Development Goals. The exchange allowed youth delegates from Trinidad and Tobago to carry youth perspectives from home into the global conversation that took place at the SIDS Global Children and Youth Action Summit hosted by UNICEF from 24 - 26 May in Antigua and Barbuda.