Location:

Thimphu, Bhutan
Salary:

$1,130,316 - $1,740,687 / YEAR
Job type:

FULL_TIME
Posted:

2 months ago
Category:

Economics
Deadline:

23/03/2024

JOB DESCRIPTION

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP is on the ground in about 170 countries and territories, working with national counterparts on solutions to global and national development challenges.

UNDP Bhutan supports governance and development priorities in partnership with the Royal Governments of Bhutan, the United Nations system, the development partners and other partners to help the country to achieve sustainable development by eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, accelerating structural transformations for sustainable development and building resilience to crises and shock. In addition, UNDP now has the mandate to support SDG Integration to ensure faster progress on sustainable development.

In Bhutan, UNDP has established itself as a partner of choice in supporting the Royal Government of Bhutan in economic transformation and SDG finance. These are strategic areas of work that will be further strengthened by the Economist. This will include, especially, supporting UNDP’s portfolio on fiscal policy, innovative finance, and inclusive economic strategies. The economist will also play a critical role in UNDP’s support to Bhutan’s socio-economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and implementation support of the 21^st Economic Transformation Roadmap. The Economist will also support integration of economic analysis into all areas of UNDP Bhutan’s portfolio.

The Economist Programme provides policy and programme support on economic, development and social issues at the country office level in alignment with the 2030 development agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Economists play an important role in conducting research and producing analytical reports that inform decision making on inclusive economic development growth, the design of Programme and projects, and assessment of UNDP impact.

Position Purpose

Under the strategic guidance and direct supervision of the Resident Representative (RR) , the Economist advises Senior Management, other members of UNDP and its partners on economic policies, trends and relevant linkages to UNDP programmes. The Economist monitors economic policy developments and provides analysis and reports for formulation of strategies and senior level briefings. The Economist works closely with Government counterparts to identify alternative economic policy options and to enhance the policy impact of UNDP projects and programmes.

The Economist leads and supervises a team of UNDP experts, international and national consultants and project staff. The Economist interacts collaboratively with colleagues from UNDP, UN Agencies, IFIs, Government officials, partners, and civil society to contribute to UNDP’s policy dialogue and maintain networks.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

Lead policy advice and support to UNDP and CO management, programmes and projects on economic and development issues.

Analyze and interpret economic and statistical data, conduct thorough research of the economic and development issues in the country, and produce relevant reports aimed at promoting equitable economic growth and human development.
Provide top quality analysis and substantive inputs to Common Country Assessments (CCA), UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), Country Programme Document (CPD), and other strategic documents.
Provide authoritative advice on possible areas for UNDP support and adjustment of ongoing programmes to ensure that UNDP programmes are in line with national priorities and policies.
Select strategic research topics, surveys and/or case studies.
Produce and launch economic reports, including National Human Development Reports.
Formulate and facilitate UNDP inputs and CO support to national poverty reduction, and inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development.

Lead policy advice to Government counterparts and knowledge management on economic and development issues.

Facilitate policy dialogue on economic issues with the Government, partners, civil society, private sector; and contribute to development of policies as relevant.
Provide policy options, particularly from pro-poor and sustainability perspectives, on economic and development issues to governments and other development actors.
Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Assess the country’s economic policies and strategies for their impact on poverty reduction, and inclusive and sustainable growth, etc.
Provide training and capacity building support for UNDP staff, Government officials and public institutions on economic and development issues.

Build strategic partnerships, feed into programme design and implementation of the Country Office resource mobilization strategy.

Develop partnerships with the UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, private sector, civil society and development partners based on strategic goals of UNDP and country’s priorities.
Research and analyze information on donors and prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation.
Produce periodic updates and briefs on country development situation to be used by stakeholders, CO and HQ.
Undertake selected studies/research on emerging development concerns that feed into UNDP Programme, and national policies and strategies.

Promote awareness and facilitate advocacy for UNDP’s mandate and mission.

Contribute to policy advocacy for Human Development and inclusive sustainable economic growth by participating in relevant forums, conferences and trainings.
Provide support to monitoring progress and formulation of strategies towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Produce high quality research papers for UNDP presentation at national and international workshops and conferences.
Produce blogs, op-eds, articles, etc on development issues and UNDP Programmes and projects activities.
Manage events and publications on economic issues, including annual Global Human Development Reports launches in the country, and advocacy of the Reports’ findings among relevant Governmental agencies, civil society organizations and donors.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: This role will be responsible for supervising

Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Direction & Strategy – System Thinking
- Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
Business Management – Portfolio Management
- Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimising return on investment
Business Development – Human-centered Design
- Ability to develop solutions to problems by involving the human perspective in all steps of the problem-solving process
Digital & Innovation – Data literacy
- Understand the potential as well as the limitations of using data driven innovation.
- Ability to use a mix of data sources (quantitative, qualitative or real-time techniques) to develop understanding, identify patterns to inform decision making or identify opportunities for further exploration
Programme & Policy – Crisis and Fragility Policy and Engagement
- Data/Analytics for early warning and crisis management
Programme and policy – SDG Integration
- Economy-wide analysis
- Engagement with South-South Global Thinkers
Digital & Innovation – Co-creation
- Ability to design and facilitate a process that enables a diverse group of stakeholders to solve a common problem, develop a practice, or create knowledge together.
- Ability to embrace diversity, work with a diverse group of stakeholders, understand their interests, perspectives and views and tap into them as a source for creativity.
- Ability to facilitate processes and create conditions that are open for diverse inputs, stimulate collaboration and sharing

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics is required, or
A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the above mentioned field of study, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree

Experience:

Minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level that includes extensive experience in research and policy-level analysis, and some experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects.
Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP and advanced programmes for statistical analysis of data is required.
Proven policy, advisory and advocacy experience is desirable.
Extensive experience in research and policy-level analysis is desirable.
Experience in preparing high quality policy briefs and guidance notes for use by senior policy makers is desirable.
Experience of strategic visioning with strong technical and highly developed analytical capabilities is desirable.
Knowledge of the SDGs and their application at the national level, politically astute with demonstrated experience in stakeholder analysis and engagement is desirable.

Language:

Fluency in the English is required.
Fluency in the Dzongkha is required for local staff.
Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Please upload copies of your academic qualifications and 3 latest Performance Evaluations (if applicable)

Disclaimer

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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