Inclusive Growth Analyst

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.

Organizational Context: 

Situated in the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA), the Inclusive Growth and Extractives Team (IGET) serves as a cornerstone in advancing the objectives outlined in UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2022- 25 and its Renewed Strategic Offer for Africa. Tasked with accelerating the structural transformation of economies to alleviate poverty and reduce inequalities, IGET channels its efforts towards a range of strategic priorities. These priorities include supporting African countries to 1) strengthen social protection systems; 2) improve livelihoods and generate productive employment and business opportunities (for MSMEs with a particular focus on youth and women in the informal economy); 3) support the AfCFTA; 4) enhance the governance of extractives industries; 5) support structural transformation especially through local development/transformation models; 5) support acceleration of Agendas 2030 and 2063 and 6) Harness the potential of African Green and Blue Economies for Inclusive Growth and Prosperity.

To achieve these goals, IGET employs a multifaceted approach, addressing key thematic areas listed above, with precision and innovation. Central to its operations is the empowerment of marginalized groups, particularly youth and women in the informal economy. Through targeted initiatives, the team aims to improve livelihoods, generate productive employment opportunities, and foster the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Additionally, IGET focuses on enhancing the productivity and diversity of production systems, while exploring the untapped potential for trade within and beyond the region.

Offering an integrated package of solutions, IGET also works in partnership with the African Union, UNDP Hubs, UNDP RSCA thematic teams, and other external stakeholders to reinforce its commitment to inclusive, resilient, and equitable structural transformation on the continent.

Scope of Work

1.Research, policy analysis and technical advisory

• Carry out research and undertake policy analysis in relation to community-based social protection (CBSP) and social protection specific development areas, including, climate change, migration and disability inclusion;
• Support technical advisory in response to the COs’ requests and opportunities for engagement by preparing context analyses, research briefs with comparative practices and other background materials as required;
• Provide and solicit technical inputs for the AfCFTA and upcoming Community Based Social Protection Regional projects;
• Support research project on Special Economic Zones, regional integration through the AfCFTA and Human rights;
• Stay abreast with the current policy literature, tools, approaches, and methodologies in relation to social protection, trade, informality and multidimensional poverty in Africa.

2. Project management and logistical support

• Provide required support to ensure smooth implementation of the IGET Portfolio Document;
• Serve as the focal point to assigned IGET project activities at the regional level, and coordinate and liaise with UNDP Country Offices;
• Provide management, administrative and logistical support to the evolving AUC/UNDP Inclusive Blue Economy Programme.

3. Data and Knowledge Management

• Support qualitative and quantitative data harmonization and analysis for the CBSP regional report;
• Provide technical and operational support during the development of the CBSP report;
• Organize webinars and trainings for Poverty and Inequality, as well as Social Protection Communities of Practice;
• Work to contribute to the development of COs’ staff capacities in social protection by knowledge sharing initiatives.

4. Advocacy, Outreach and Communications

• Support communications and advocacy efforts for the CBSP regional report;
• Support publication, dissemination and outreach to promote IGET knowledge products outputs (reports, case studies, briefs) in different fora;
• Assist with preparation of advocacy materials for the CBSP and AfCFTA initiatives;
• Support advocacy and outreach efforts by developing brief and compelling communications materials around the AUC/UNDP  Inclusive Blue Economy event expected to be held in late July 2024.

5. Partnerships

• Collaborate with UNDP partners (African Union, AfCFTA Secretariat, UN agencies) and relevant stakeholders (including academia, civil society, development partners, bilateral actors, etc.).

Perform other tasks as required.

Institutional Arrangement

The Inclusive Growth Analyst will work under the supervision of the Team Leader/IGET and the Social Protection and Inclusive Growth Specialist/IGET.

Expected Demonstration of Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve Results:  LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively:  LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously:  LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility:  LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible  

Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner:  LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion  LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination  

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies

Knowledge Generation: Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need.

Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals

Working with Evidence and Data: Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform, and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions, and supporting decision- making.

Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience; Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels.

Inclusive Growth: Multidimensional poverty and Human development

Inclusive Growth: Social protection systems

Inclusive Growth: Local Economic Development

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, social science, international development, or related field is required, or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above related fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

Up to 2 years (with master’s degree) or 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in economics, social science, international Development or related field is required.

Required Skills and competencies:

• 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;
• Knowledge of Multidimensional Poverty theory and application.

Desired additional skills and competencies:

• Background in Inclusive Growth/Social Protection systems, particularly in the context of Africa; with some experience in inequality and exclusion;
• Understanding of and previous research on issues related to social protection, inequality, multidimensional poverty, and sustainable development, particularly in the context of Africa;
• Excellent drafting and editing skills and attention to detail;
• Experience in supporting project management functions (logistics, work plans, workshops, etc.);
• Data analysis skills using Excel or statistical software;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and experience working collaboratively in small  and large multi-cultural teams within and across organizations;
• Previous experience with the United Nations is desirable.

Languages:

• English is a requirement. French is an added advantage.

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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