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 works to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and protect the planet through the sustainable development of nations, in more than 170 countries and territories. We help countries develop strong policies, skills, partnerships and institutions so they can sustain their progress. In Zimbabwe, UNDP is working for a Zimbabwe that is empowered and more resilient to create and sustain growth that will improve people’s lives. We focus on areas that have multiplier effects through a targeted build-up of capacities, policies, the creation of dialogue space, and scalable downstream interventions.
Against this background, the UNDP Zimbabwe Country Office is seeking a Policy Research and Data Specialist to join our growing, dynamic team and provide substantive inputs to key strategic and policy documents, which direct and guide UNDP interventions on inclusive growth and prosperity. As an integral member of the UNDP Economic Governance Unit, the Policy Research and Data Specialist will be expected to bring the highest degree of quality, work ethic, and consistency to deliver tasks at the UNDP Zimbabwe Country Office. The position will provide support to the Resident Representative and Economic Governance Unit’s policy research and data analysis activities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of Key Functions:
- Macroeconomic data collection, analysis, and interpretation which will be used for designing appropriate economic growth policies and strategies for the country.
- Design and implement targeted policy research using both primary and secondary data for UNDP Zimbabwe.
- Advice and support to Resident Representative, senior management and staff on economic and development issues including the authoring of evidence-led economic publications.
- Write and present high-quality evidence-led policy briefs, reports and summary documents that will be shared both internally and externally, including to key donors and government counterparts.
- Participate in the development of new and novel concepts related to relevant policy discourse and the national development agenda.
- Advocacy and promotion of UNDP’s mandate and mission.
- Creation of strategic partnerships and support for resource mobilization for the Country Office.
Conduct economic research focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Compilation, analysis and interpretation of economic and statistical data, thorough research of the economic and development issues in the country and preparation of analyses and reports;
- 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;
- Facilitate to the implementation of UNDP’s country programme in Zimbabwe, providing advice on how to ensure alignment of UNDP’s country programme with national policies and priorities, and contributing to the management of UNDP’s Programme in strategic policy and economics;
- Encourage the contributions of academic and research think tanks to the country’s economic development by promoting their active engagement in policy dialogue and debate;
- Contributions to sub-regional, regional, and inter-agency initiatives related to economic and development issues including UNDPs lead role in the roll out of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA);
- Contributions to projects and activities in Economics, Inclusive Growth, and related areas;
- Effective contribution to learning and knowledge sharing in poverty analysis;
- Any other duties assigned by the supervisor.
Provide overall economic policy technical advice.
- Assessment of the country’s macro-economic policies and their impact on poverty reduction, growth, equity, etc;
- Generate data and statistics on major macroeconomic variables on a regular basis;
- Provision of policy options, particularly from pro-poor perspectives, on macroeconomic and development;
- Facilitate in the socio-economic impact assessments data analysis, interpretation, visual representation etc;
- Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice through identification of best practices and lessons learned;
- Maintain documents according to required standards and perform any other tasks relevant to the duties and responsibilities of the position;
- Organizing and attending internal meetings, consultations, workshops, conferences, brainstorming sessions as required.
Ensure provision of relevant technical support to SDGs and National Development Strategy (NDS) processes.
- Make inputs into SDGs and National Development Strategy reports;
- Public and policy advocacy for SDGs, pro-poor and equitable economic growth, as well as sustainable human development, through the active participation in relevant forums, conferences, and trainings;
- Maintain regular contact with both the SDG and NDS theme networks, working closely with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion and the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare.
Ensure creation of strategic partnerships and support to resource mobilization focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Development of partnerships with the UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society areas based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donors’ priorities;
- Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation;
- Production of periodic updates and briefs on the country’s development situation to be used by stakeholders, Country Office, and Headquarters;
- Undertaking studies/research on emerging and topical development and economic issues.
Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.
- Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues;
- Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to the thematic areas;
- Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
- Organization of training on the thematic area;
- Professional growth through active learning.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional arrangement:
The Policy Research and Data Specialist will have a matrix reporting arrangement to the Resident Representative and directly to the UNDP Senior Economic Advisor and will closely work with Government economic line ministries and departments as well as research institutions.
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
Technical and Cross-functional Competencies
Business Management: Results-based Management: Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results
Business Management: Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
Business Management: Risk Management: Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks
Business Direction and 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: 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
Business Development: Knowledge Generation: Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for content, or responsive to a stated need
2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness: Effectiveness: Project Quality Assurance
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration, Social Sciences or related field related field is required. Or
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above-mentioned fields 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 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience and proven expertise and proficiency with macroeconomic research and data analysis.
Required Skills:
- Demonstrated sound knowledge and experience of development issues in Zimbabwe;
- Demonstrated excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
- Demonstrated accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.
Desired Skills:
- Experience and knowledge of Macroeconomics analysis;
- Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
- Prior experience in UN/ UNDP is a distinct advantage.
Required Language(s): Fluency in written and spoken English and Shona and /or Ndebele is required.
Professional Certificates: Certification in Project Management
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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