Background

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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 leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP

UNDP invests in improving access to rights and services through strengthening effective, inclusive and accountable governing institutions, promoting a transparent, gender-sensitive and digitalized public administration with innovative solutions. UNDP focuses on the advancement rule of law and access to justice and facilitates people’s meaningful participation – in particular, women, indigenous peoples and youth – in decision-making to promote equality and social cohesion at local level.

It serves as the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels offers a spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy.

Under the broader framework of the SDGs and in line with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), UNDP Guyana continues to deliver on its key strategic priorities within its Country Programme for the period 2022-2026, namely: (i) Economic Resilience and shared prosperity, (ii) Safety and Security, (iii) Natural Resource Management and Resilience to Climate Change, (iv) Equality and Well-being.

This strategic approach by UNDP to Guyana’s to national development priorities aims to advance human development based on economic, social and gender inequalities; supporting effective governance and social protection; and enabling sustainable low-carbon trajectories (including climate change adaptation,) all supported by digital transformation and strengthened data.

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 the Country Office by 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.

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 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.
• 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.
• Assess the country’s economic policies and strategies for their impact on poverty reduction, and inclusive and sustainable growth, etc.

·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.
• 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.

Competencies

Required Skills and Experience