Economics Specialist

Position Purpose

Under the supervision of the Economic Advisor, the National Economist will work on and contribute to the development and application of economic principles and theories for the formulation of strategies, projects and studies related to economic green growth, especially regarding poverty reduction, job creation, including strengthening trade and investment opportunities.  

S/he will support research and analysis related to the country’s macroeconomic policies and identify micro-economic economic development issues and their relevant links with UNDP interventions, with a view to strengthening the impact of UNDP projects and programmes.

Under the supervision of the Economic Advisor, the National Economist will work with the Government, the UNCT, IFIs, development partners, Private Sector, CSOs and other relevant stakeholders, as well as engage closely with the wider Economic and Social Protection team and its projects.

Key Duties and Accountabilities

Provide policy advice and support to UNDP and CO Economic team, programmes and projects on economic and development issues.

Example of Duties:   

• Compile, analyze and interpret economic and statistical data, conduct thorough research of the economic and development issues in the country and prepare top quality analysis and 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 advice on possible areas for UNDP support and adjustment of on-going programmes to ensure that UNDP programmes are in line with national policies and priorities.
• Produce and launch economic reports, including National Human Development Reports.
• Represent UNDP in different working groups.

Provide advice to Government counterparts and facilitate knowledge building on economic and development issues.

Example of Duties:   

• Provide policy options and support to government and other development actors, particularly sustainability perspectives on economic and development issues.
• Make contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Contribute to the assessment of the country’s economic policies and strategies in 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 issues.

Participate in the building of strategic partnerships and programme design and implementation of the Country Office and Economic team resource mobilization strategy.

Example of Duties:   

• 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 related to economic growth.
• Produce periodic updates and briefs on the country economic development situations to be used by CO and other relevant stakeholders.
• Undertake selected studies/research on emerging economic development concerns that feed into UNDP Economic team programming, policies, and strategies.

Promote awareness of and support advocacy for UNDP mandate and mission.

Example of Duties:   

• 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, and the Country Programme Document
• Produce high quality research papers for UNDP presentation at national and international workshops and conferences.
• Produce blogs, op-eds, articles, papers, etc. on economic development issues and UNDP programmes and projects activities.
• Manage events and publications on economic issues.

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

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: This role may be responsible for supervising consultants and therefore requires demonstration of UNDP People Management competencies.

Requirements:

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, public finances, international development, commerce, business administration, or any other relevant related discipline is required
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• Minimum of 5 years (with Master’s Degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s Degree) of relevant experience in research, policy analysis, or design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP, and advanced familiarity of statistical analysis software such as Stata or Eviews.
• Experience working in an international organization would be an advantage.
• Experience working in Guinea-Bissau would be an advantage.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English and Portuguese is required. Knowledge of French is desired. Knowledge of Creole would be an asset.
• Expected Demonstration of Competencies

Source: https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/requisitions/job/19558