Background
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While graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status is a testament to Bangladesh’s developmental progress, it will bring various challenges, requiring adroit policy responses to manage the transition and prepare, especially for the loss of LDC-specific trade preferences. If Bangladesh can successfully navigate and mitigate any adverse implications for its export trade following its graduation from the LDC status, the transition should not precipitate major economic consequences, but will rather represent a natural progression in economic development. However, to navigate the transition effectively, Bangladesh must adopt a dual approach: securing extended LDC-type trade preferences as a transitional buffer and bolstering export competitiveness.
The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) will play a crucial role in the post-LDC scenario, despite facing limited resources—encompassing human, financial, and technical capacities—and programmatic support. The IP Transformative Economic Policy Programme (TEPP) – II project, funded by the UK government, aims to bridge these gaps, aligning closely with national priorities for a smooth LDC graduation, particularly on Bangladesh’s trade policy and trade negotiation skills, inter-ministerial coordination on compliance issues, private sector’s competitiveness, and evidence-based policy initiatives.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will also play a crucial role in supporting ongoing growth and economic development and reaping potential benefits from the LDC graduation. In an evolving context, Bangladesh will need to improve investment facilitation, retention, and aftercare services to attract more FDI. The IP TEPP-II project, through its Research and Analytics Unit (RAU), anchored in the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) of the Prime Minister’s Office will also support evidence-based policy reforms for improved investment climate in Bangladesh.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Economist will work under the supervision of the Project Manager. However, s/he will take technical guidance from the Senior Economic Adviser of UNDP Bangladesh. The Project Manager will be responsible for the performance evaluation of the Economist.
The key responsibilities of the Economist are outlined below:
Policy Advice on Economic and Development Issues
- Provide expert advice and analysis on key economic and development issues, particularly in relation to Bangladesh’s transition from LDC status.
- Support MoC, BIDA and other stakeholders with policy recommendations, focusing on trade policy, export competitiveness, investment diversification, and post-graduation strategies.
- Contribute to the development and refinement of policy frameworks to enhance Bangladesh’s trade negotiation skills, inter-ministerial coordination, and compliance issues.
- Offer evidence-based insights to shape long-term economic strategies, especially in the context of securing trade preferences and strengthening the competitiveness of the private sector.
Research and Analysis Support
- Assist in the design and execution of research studies related to project goals.
- Conduct research on global and regional economic trends, trade agreements, and investment climate reforms to strengthen Bangladesh’s policy capabilities.
- Analyse data and findings to extract relevant insights for policy recommendations.
- Prepare reports summarizing research outcomes, methodologies, and implications for policy.
Peer Review Process Oversight
- Develop and implement a structured peer review process for studies conducted within the project.
- Identify and engage qualified reviewers to evaluate the analytical rigour and relevance of project studies.
- Provide guidance to authors on incorporating feedback and improving the quality of their work.
Knowledge-Building Initiatives
- Facilitate capacity-building workshops, seminars, and other knowledge-sharing platforms to enhance stakeholders’ understanding of critical development challenges, especially related to trade and investment.
- Develop and disseminate knowledge products such as policy briefs, reports, and research papers that support the project’s objectives.
Inputs for Strategic Partnerships
- Support the creation and maintenance of strategic partnerships with local, regional, and international stakeholders, including government agencies, development partners, the private sector, and academic institutions.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration with other organizations and institutions that can help advance the project’s goals.
- Assist in engaging with foreign investors, development agencies, and trade organizations to strengthen Bangladesh’s economic standing.
Promoting Awareness and Advocacy for the Project’s Mission
- Advocate for the importance of the LDC graduation process and its implications on Bangladesh’s trade and economic development at various forums.
- Raise awareness about the project’s mandate and objectives among key stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and international organizations.
- Work closely with the project’s communications team to develop content and strategies that enhance public and private sector understanding and support for the project’s mission.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
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:
- Data: Data Analysis: Ability to extract, analyse and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision-making
- 2030 Agenda Prosperity: Inclusive Growth: Economic Transformation
- Business Direction and Strategy: Effective Decision Making: Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications.
- Business Development: Knowledge Generation: Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.
- Business Management: Result -based Management: Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.
- Business Direction & Strategy: Systems 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.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (master´s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy or related field is required, or
- A first-level university degree (bachelor´s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree.
Experience:
- Minimum 2 years (with master´s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor´s degree) of relevant experience in economic policy research and analysis.
- Demonstrated experience in producing research papers, policy briefs, etc. based on quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis is required.
- Working experience on economic development issues including trade, investment, and LDC graduation, economic data analysis, and drafting development content is an asset.
- Expert knowledge of research techniques and data collection and analysis methods.
- Experience working in/with the UN agencies/development sector/academia/think tanks/donor organizations, etc.
- Strong ability to aggregate and synthesize research literature and extract key messages and arguments.
- Proficiency in statistical analysis software and data visualization tools.
- Working with government institutions on public sector reforms.
Required Languages
- Fluent in English and Bangla is required.
Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
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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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: No requirements