Consultant, Climate-Responsive Macroeconomic and Debt Sustainability Assessment

Result of Service A high-quality analytical study for Fiji (approximately 8,000-10,000 words) that applies a climate-risk lens to Fiji’s public finances and debt position, examining how climate-related risks and climate-related policy responses may affect macroeconomic performance, fiscal outcomes, financing needs and public debt sustainability. The study will combine baseline debt diagnostics, fiscal-risk screening and climate-scenario analysis, and propose climate risk-informed policy options and financing strategies to support macroeconomic resilience. The findings will be presented at a national capacity-building workshop to support the integration of climate-related risks into fiscal and economic planning. Work Location Home-based Expected duration 15 August 2026 - 28 February 2027 Duties and Responsibilities This consultancy is located in the Macroeconomic Policy and Analysis Section (MPAS) of the Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division (MPFD) of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Economic Affairs Officer, MPAS/MPFD. ESCAP is implementing a Development Account project on catalyzing finance and investments for climate action while ensuring debt sustainability in developing Asia-Pacific countries. Under this project, the consultant will undertake analytical work examining the implications of climate-related risks and climate-related policy responses for macroeconomic performance, fiscal sustainability, financing needs and public debt sustainability in Fiji. The consultant will be responsible for the following: • Reviewing Fiji’s macroeconomic, fiscal and public debt landscape and assessing key climate-related physical and transition risks. • Developing and applying an analytical framework linking climate-related risks and policy responses to macroeconomic outcomes, fiscal performance, financing needs and public debt sustainability. • Designing and analysing policy-relevant climate scenarios, drawing on the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) framework and other relevant national and international analytical inputs as appropriate, adapted to Fiji’s context. • Assessing climate-related fiscal risks, financing requirements and public debt implications under alternative scenarios. • Identifying policy options relating to fiscal resilience, public debt management, sustainable financing instruments and climate-responsive investment strategies. • Preparing an analytical study and associated technical materials, and supporting policy dialogue and capacity-building activities related to the study, including preparation of presentation materials and participation in a national capacity-building workshop. The core analytical work is expected to be substantially completed by end-December 2026, with the final period of the assignment reserved for dissemination activities, including preparation for and participation in the national capacity-building workshop in early 2027. The consultant is expected to deliver the following, on a deliverable-based basis: • Annotated outline, including proposed methodology and data sources (by 31 August 2026). • First draft of the analytical study (by 31 October 2026). • Final study incorporating comments and revisions (by 31 December 2026). • Presentation materials and participation in a national capacity-building workshop (by 28 February 2027). Qualifications/special skills An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, finance, public policy, development economics or a related field is required. A PhD in a relevant field is desirable. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in macroeconomic policy analysis, fiscal policy, public finance, debt sustainability analysis, climate-related economic analysis or related fields is required. Specialized knowledge of macroeconomic policy, fiscal policy, public finance, debt sustainability analysis, climate risk analysis, climate-integrated debt diagnostics, disaster-risk financing, climate finance or sustainable finance is required. Demonstrated experience in quantitative macroeconomic analysis, macro-fiscal assessment, debt sustainability analysis, climate-related fiscal risk assessment, scenario analysis or related analytical methodologies is highly desirable. Experience working with governments, international financial institutions, central banks or international development organizations is highly desirable. Experience relating to Fiji or Pacific small island developing States is highly desirable. Experience in developing or applying analytical frameworks for macro-fiscal, debt sustainability or climate-risk assessment in developing countries or small island developing States would be an advantage. Ability to undertake high-quality quantitative and policy-oriented economic analysis, to apply analytical frameworks to complex macroeconomic, fiscal and public policy issues, and to produce clear and concise written outputs and policy recommendations is required. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. Additional Information This is a home-based, deliverable-based consultancy. Payment of USD 15,000 will be made upon satisfactory completion and acceptance of the deliverables. The consultant is expected to use their own equipment. Travel is not anticipated under this assignment. Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a desk review of applications and an interview. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for further consideration. No Fee