Economic Research Associate

Host entity: ESCAP

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Economics, poverty reduction, livelihoods

Application deadline: 24/11/2026

Mission and objectives

The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) secretariat supports inclusive, resilient and sustainable development in the region by generating action-oriented knowledge, and by providing technical assistance and capacity-building services in support of national development objectives, regional agreements and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. ESCAP also provides support to partners at the national level. ESCAP’s national offer is rooted in and linked with the implementation of global and regional intergovernmental frameworks, agreements, and other instruments.

The ESCAP Subregional Office for the Pacific (which will host the Volunteer) enables more effective collaboration with regional partners. In 2025, the office will focus on the following priority areas (amongst others), as mandated by the ESCAP Commission:

Climate change and disaster risk reduction
Sustainable Management and Use of the Oceans
Regional Integration and Connectivity
Social Inclusion
Data and Policy Coherence

Assignment context

The assignment supports research on sustainable tourism taxation through a gender-responsive lens, aligned with the forthcoming Gender Tourism Action Plan (expected June, developed by the Pacific Tourism Organization with Asian Development Bank support). The Economic Research Associate will support the study on how tourism taxes and related fiscal policies affect women and marginalized groups, guided by three core questions:

(1) Who bears the costs?
(2) Who benefits from revenues?
(3) Whose voices shape decisions?

The work will identify key gender blind spots, including compliance burdens on small enterprises, unequal access to tax-funded benefits, and lack of sex-disaggregated data. Drawing on emerging literature, it will highlight that tax incidence is not gender-neutral, administrative practices shape outcomes and impacts depend on the broader fiscal system. The assignment will also integrate gender-responsive spending and inclusive revenue governance, including community benefit-sharing, participatory decision-making and a gender policy checklist to support equitable tourism finance.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy-Head Subregional Office in the Pacific, the Economic Research Associate will undertake the following tasks (as discussed in detail above):

1. Research and Knowledge Management
• Conduct desk-based research on sustainable tourism taxation through a gender lens, including literature reviews and policy analysis, and prepare a well-substantiated analytical report.
• Apply a gender-responsive framework to assess tourism fiscal policies, guided by the questions: who bears the costs, who benefits from revenues, and whose voices are reflected in decision-making.
• Identify key gender blind spots, including compliance burdens on small enterprises, unequal access to tax-funded benefits, and gaps in sex-disaggregated data.
• Compile, organize, and maintain relevant background documents, datasets, and research materials to support report development and knowledge sharing.
• Support engagement with Ministries of Finance and other relevant government agencies to obtain information and data on gender-linked aspects of tourism taxation, including tax structures, exemptions and incentives, revenue allocation, compliance burdens, and the availability of sex-disaggregated data, to inform the gender-responsive analysis of tourism fiscal policies.

2. Programme Support
• Support the development of policy recommendations integrating gender-responsive public spending and inclusive revenue governance, including community benefit-sharing approaches.
• Assist in tracking activities, timelines, and deliverables related to the report and inputs to the Gender Tourism Action Plan.
• Contribute to drafting reports, briefs, and a gender policy checklist for tourism taxation.

3. Stakeholder Engagement
• Present key findings to UNESCAP and regional partners, including the Pacific Tourism Organisation, facilitating discussion and feedback to refine the report.

4. Communications and Visibility
• Help prepare content for newsletters, social media, and web updates to promote visibility of the report.

Skills and experience

Demonstrated interest and/or experience in:

Foundational knowledge of economic, development or gender analysis, with understanding of macroeconomics and sustainable development concepts gained through academic training.
Ability to conduct basic research, including literature reviews, data collection, and synthesis of information into clear written outputs.
Strong writing skills, with experience preparing academic papers, policy-style briefs, or structured reports.
Analytical thinking and attention to detail, with the ability to interpret information and present findings logically.
Basic organizational and coordination skills, including supporting meetings, group projects, or academic events.
Communication skills, including drafting content for presentations, reports or digital platforms (e.g., social media or student initiatives).
Willingness to learn, adaptability, and ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.


Skills in:

Research and Analysis – both qualitative and quantitative

Competencies and values

Accountability
Adaptability and Flexibility
Commitment and Motivation
Communication
Ethics and Values
Integrity
Judgement and Decision-making
Planning and Organizing
Professionalism
Respect for Diversity
Working in Teams

Living conditions

Fiji is renowned for its amiable and hospitable populace, who take pride in their cultural heritage and derive pleasure from sharing it with visitors. Based on your lifestyle and the location of your residence, the cost of living in Fiji can fluctuate significantly. Even though Fijian living standards remain high relative to their Pacific neighbours, housing, consumables, and transportation are generally more affordable than in various developed countries, resulting in lower living expenses. Nevertheless, the cost of living in Suva and other tourist hotspots may be greater as a result of the increased demand for goods and services.

The rental market in Fiji is highly competitive, with prices that vary based on the type of property, location, and size. The average rent prices in the capital city of Suva are generally higher than those in other regions. Particularly in tourist destinations and prominent expat communities, there is an increasing demand for real estate in Fiji.

Basic necessities, such as electricity and water, are relatively inexpensive and accessible.

Transportation in Fiji can be difficult, particularly if you intend to reside outside of the city. Locals frequently depend on buses and minivans for transportation due to the scarcity of public transportation. Taxis are accessible; however, they may be costly.

A diverse array of services is provided by numerous medical facilities, clinics, and hospitals in Fiji. The government of Fiji is dedicated to enhancing the welfare of its citizens. It has invested a significant amount of money in the healthcare system in recent years, which has included the construction of new hospitals and the training of physicians and nurses. Both public and private health care options are available. Private facilities provide a more exhaustive range of services and more personalised care, whereas public facilities are more affordable and accessible to the majority of the population. You should ensure that you have a supply of any medication that you are prescribed or that you can obtain it while in Fiji. Fiji may not have access to specific medications.

Security - Opportunistic crime constitutes the majority of criminal activity in Fiji. At night and in urban areas, the risk is at its maximum. Exercise caution in areas that are frequently visited by tourists and expatriates. Cyclone season is typically observed from November to April; however, they may also occur at other times. Extreme weather conditions have the potential to disrupt essential services and cause disruptions to essential services. Familiarise yourself with the evacuation protocol of your accommodation and office. When a cyclone is approaching, locate the nearest refuge and adhere to the guidance of local authorities.

It is imperative that all local laws be adhered to.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.