Background

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Economics Advisor, the National Economist advises Senior Management on macro economic policies and trends in Zimbabwe and relevant linkages to UNDP programmes. The Economist provides analysis for formulation of strategies and briefings to Senior Management. The Economist works with Government counterparts to identify alternative macroeconomic policy options and to enhance the policy impact of UNDP projects and programmes. The Economist advocates for represents UNDP in his/her area of expertise as requested by his/her supervisor.

The National Economist works in close liaison with a team of UNDP experts, international and national consultants and project staff. The Economics maintains a network with colleagues from UNDP, UN Agencies, IFIs, Government officials, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides advice and support to UNDP management, programmes and  projects 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 top quality analysis and reports;
  • Provision of top quality analysis and substantive inputs to ZUNDAF, CPD, CPAP and other UN strategic documents.
  • 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;
  • Production and launch of economic reports, including National Human Development Reports;
  • Representation of UNDP in different working groups, including ZUNDAF thematic groups, MTP sector working groups and MDGs;
  • Support 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 the area of strategic policy and economics;
  • Contribution to sub-regional, regional and inter-agency initiatives related to economic and development issues;
  • Contribute to the development of comprehensive national frameworks pertaining to agrarian and land reforms.

Provides policy advice and options to Government counterparts and facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Provision of policy options, particularly from pro-poor perspectives, on macroeconomic and development;
  • Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice through identification of best practices and lessons learned;
  • Assessment of the country’s macro-economic policies and their impact on poverty reduction, growth, equity, etc.;
  • Training and capacity building support for UNDP staff and Government officials, public institutions on economic issues.

Ensures 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 country development situation to be used by stakeholders, CO and HQ;
  • Undertaking of selected studies/research on emerging development concerns that feed into government/development partners processes;
  • Production of periodic updates and briefs on country development situation to be used by stakeholders, CO and HQ;
  • Undertaking of selected studies/research on emerging development concerns that feed into government/development partners processes.

Ensures provision of relevant technical and financial support to the preparation of NHDR, MDGR and National Development Plans including advocacy and promotion of awareness of UNDP mandate and mission  by focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Support the preparation and dissemination of Zimbabwe’s Human Development Report (HDR), including post-launch activities;
  • Make inputs into the reports on MDGs, National Development Plans such as the current Medium Term Plan (MTP) and general human development processes  in Zimbabwe;
  • Support to monitoring progress and formulation of strategies towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals;
  • Public and policy advocacy for the Millennium Development Goals, 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 MDG and HDR theme networks, and share pertinent information, materials, toolkits etc. with the coordinating and/or writing teams as appropriate as well as government counterparts;
  • Facilitate the HDR peer review process;
  • Management of events and publications on economic issues.

Competencies

Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda
Analysis and creation of messages and strategies
  • Performs analysis of political situations and scenarios, and contributes to the formulation of institutional responses;
  • Uses the opportunity to bring forward and disseminate materials for advocacy work.
Building Strategic Partnerships

Identifying and building partnership
  • Effectively networks with partners seizing opportunities to build strategic alliances relevant to UNDP’s mandate and strategic agenda;
  • Develops positive ties with civil society to build/strengthen UNDP’s mandate;
  • Identifies needs and interventions for capacity building of counterparts, clients and potential partners;
  • Promotes UNDP’s agenda in inter-agency meetings.

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Developing tools and mechanics
  • Makes the case for innovative ideas documenting successes and building them into the design of new approaches;
  •  Identifies new approaches and strategies that promote the use of tools and mechanisms.
Conceptual Innovation in the Provision of Technical Expertise

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

In-depth knowledge of the subject-matter

  • Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines;
  • Serves as internal consultant in the area of expertise and shares knowledge with staff;
  • Continues to seeks new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit;
  • Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally;
  • Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments.

Creating Visibility for UNDP/Supporting UNDP’s Capacity to Advocate
Developing promotional projects and organizational messages

  •  Identifies and develops activities to enhance the visibility of UNDP;
  •  Develops promotional activities based on monitoring/evaluation information identifying areas requiring higher visibility;
  • Reviews documents and materials intended for use within and outside the organization in order to ensure consistency and validity of messages.

Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNDP’s Goals

Analysis and creation of messages and strategies

  • Performed analysis of political situations and scenarios, and contributes to the formulation of institutional responses.
Conceptual Innovation in the Provision of Technical Expertise

Developing innovative and creative approaches

  • Develops innovative and creative approaches to meet programme and capacity development objectives;
  • Participates in dialogue about conceptual innovation at the country and regional levels.

Client Orientation

Contributing to positive outcomes for the client

  • Anticipates client needs ;
  • Works towards creating an enabling environment for a smooth relationship between the clients and service provided;
  •  Demonstrates understanding of client’s perspective.

Core Competencies:

  •  Promoting ethics and integrity, creating organizational precedents;
  • Building support and political acumen;
  • Building staff competence,  creating an environment of creativity and innovation ;
  • Building and promoting effective teams;
  • Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication;
  • Creating an emotionally intelligent organization;
  • Leveraging conflict in the interests of UNDP & setting standards; 
  • Sharing knowledge across the organization and building a culture of knowledge sharing; and 
    learning. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member;
  • Fair and transparent  decision making; calculated risk-taking.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Master’s Degree in Economics.

Experience:

  • 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level. Extensive experience in research and policy-level analysis;
  • Experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects;
  • Working knowledge or familiarity of agriculture and land issues;
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems and advanced programmes for statistical analysis of data.

 Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in  English and  a national language of the duty station.