Consultant – Upgrade of the World Economic Forecast Model (WEFM) for Cambodia

Result of Service

A customized WEFM Scenario Lab and validated macroeconomic scenarios for Cambodia are developed, relevant government officials are trained in their application, and a country scenario study is completed to support evidence-based macroeconomic policy analysis and decision-making.

Work Location

Remote work or office-based, as agreed. The consultant should be available for regular coordina-tion and, where relevant, travel to Cambodia for engagement activities.

Expected duration

4 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), through its Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD), is implementing a capacity development activity under the Regular Programme of Technical Cooperation (RPTC) to strengthen Cambodia's capacity for macroeconomic policy analysis and evidence-based policymaking.

Background and objectives:

This project aims to help policymakers examine policy options, assess exposure to external shocks, and trace their transmission channels and likely trade-offs using clearly documented scenarios. The project combines qualitative and quantitative analysis, capacity building, and a country scenario study, supported by a country-customized version of the WEFM Scenario Lab.

The assignment is expected to contribute to the following outputs:

1. An understanding of relevant evidence, and inputs and assumptions for the scenarios.
2. A customized Scenario Lab dashboard, developed in collaboration with UN DESA.
3. A capacity-building workshop to support use of the Scenario Lab and interpretation of scenario results.
4. A country scenario study based on the collected evidence.

The consultant will support the project by collecting and organizing data and inputs for policy-relevant scenarios; facilitating scenario design with policymakers; contributing to the design and configuration of a customized WEFM Scenario Lab dashboard; delivering the workshop; and pre-paring a country scenario study.

The WEFM Scenario Lab is an interactive, R-based dashboard used to explore country-specific scenarios. UN DESA will provide guidance on the WEFM Scenario Lab's technical framework and collaborate on dashboard design and configuration as appropriate. The precise division of tasks will be agreed during inception, taking account of the consultant's expertise, country priorities, and available data.

Work assignment:

In close coordination with the project manager and the UN DESA technical team, and drawing on inputs from policymakers, the consultant will contribute to the following activities:

A. Inception, stakeholder engagement and input gathering

1. Prepare an inception note and workplan setting out the proposed engagement, consultation approach and key milestones.
2. Review and assess the R-based WEFM modelling system as the analytical foundation for Cambodia customisation and expansion.
3. Engage relevant government institutions, technical focal points, researchers and other stakeholders to identify priority policy questions, data needs, model inputs and expected uses of the scenario results.
4. Produce a record of key inputs, assumptions, gaps, and issues for follow-up.

B. Scenario formulation, validation and dashboard design

1. Translate stakeholder priorities into an agreed scenario approach covering policy questions, base-line assumptions, key indicators, and model specification and calibration.
2. Lead the design of a customized scenario dashboard, building on the generic WEFM Scenario Lab app.
3. Review preliminary results with policymakers and refine scenario narratives and assumptions.

C. Capacity building workshop

1. Lead workshop planning and preparation of materials.
2. Facilitate workshop sessions on macroeconomic policy questions, economic modeling, and scenario design.
3. Facilitate structured exercises on scenario design, results interpretation, and policy implications.
4. Prepare a concise record of workshop discussions, key decisions and agreed next steps.

D. Country scenario study and policy communication

1. Prepare a country scenario study drawing on the WEFM Scenario Lab outputs and analysis of other qualitative and quantitative country data. Present assumptions, results, uncertainties and limitations in clear, policy-relevant language.
2. Discuss draft findings with policymakers and incorporate feedback. Support policymakers in vali-dating the country context, institutional mechanisms and practical feasibility of proposed interventions.

Qualifications/special skills

1. A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in macroeconomic analysis, economic modelling, policy research, or related fields is required. Experience in macroeconomic scenario analysis and the development of analytical tools for evidence-based policymaking is highly desirable.
2. Advanced university degree in economics, public policy, development studies, statistics, environ-mental economics or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted.
3. Demonstrated experience facilitating stakeholder consultations and delivering training or work-shops for government, research or development partners, or related capacity-development work.
4. Strong analytical and writing skills, including demonstrated experience preparing policy reports, technical studies and concise decision-maker materials for development planning or macroeconomic policy.
5. Demonstrated experience with macroeconomic modeling and economic scenario analysis, especially using WEFM-style structural macro-econometric models.
6. Experience with R and Shiny, including the design of interactive dashboards or analytical applications, is highly desirable.
7. Familiarity with the country and relevant national institutions is highly desirable.

Languages

Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official UN Language is an advantage.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

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.