Economist

The violent conflict that erupted in Sudan on April 15th, 2023, has profoundly impacted all facets of the Sudanese economy. This crisis has resulted in the internal displacement of over 8.5 million people, while an additional 2 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries. The extensive violence and destruction have had detrimental effects on poverty, food security, employment, and livelihoods. In collaboration with other international agencies, the UNDP is currently conducting an in-depth analysis to gain a better understanding of the socio-economic impact of the war on Sudan. The aim is to generate insights that can inform policy and programmatic recommendations. The ongoing work involves quantitative analysis using primary data obtained from surveys conducted in rural, urban, and MSME settings following the outbreak of the conflict. Furthermore, this collaborative research effort employs economywide analysis tools to estimate both economywide and regional implications of Sudan’s conflict.

The UNDP Country Office (CO) is seeking to engage a full-time Economist to help the CO and colleagues in the regional Hub in Amman conduct in-depth economic analysis and policy dialogue, utilizing cutting-edge methodologies. The work will explore the multifaceted and complex effects of the conflict on various aspects, including poverty, food security, coping and livelihood strategies, income sources, employment dynamics, household demographics, migration patterns, and the role of the social protection system in mitigating the shocks..

Institutional Arrangement

The Economist will report to the CO RR and the Regional Chief Economist at the UNDP Regional Hub.

The Economist’s role involves providing essential support to Sudan CO and the regional team through quantitative data analysis and data visualization. In tandem with delivering a comprehensive literature review, the Economistis expected to guide the selection of the most suitable econometric techniques. This includes a clear and insightful discussion of the chosen techniques’ advantages and limitations, offering crucial support to the analytical work in Sudan.

The Economist will be directly accountable to the CO Resident Representative and have a matrix reporting to the Regional Chief Economist at the Amman Regional Hub. Furthermore, the Economist is encouraged to proactively engage with the project team to ensure alignment with the broader objectives and to refine the analytical framework, as needed.

Specific key areas of focus:

• Provide strategic advises to  COs and the regional team in the implementation of programmatic work in the field of economic livelihoods and recovery solutions, value chains, access to finance/microfinance/innovative finance, and MSME support including displaced populations and migrants;
• Provide technical advises to the CO and counterparts in the design of national policies, strategies, and programmes to progress the above-mentioned solutions and support;
• Provide policy advises in the country on how to create an enabling environment for the above-mentioned solutions and support and identify and help remove existing policy constraints;
• Develop knowledge and learning products in the above-mentioned fields including dimensions related to women, youth and vulnerable categories;
• Lead efforts in building and maintaining strategic partnerships with major multilateral, bilateral organizations, and the private sector;
• Substantively contribute to regional level and country office resource mobilization efforts;
• Offer close advises to other UNDP CO and the regional team to build and develop the country portfolio.
• The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient  functioning of the Office and the Organization