Background
Under the guidance & direct supervision of the Economic Advisor, the Research Associate will assist in the analysis of macro-economic policies and trends and their relevant linkages to UNDP programmes. The Research Associate will support significantly the analysis for formulation of strategies and briefings to Senior Management, The Research Associate will support UNDP’s work with Government and counterparts to identify alternative macro-economic policy options and to enhance the policy impact of UNDP projects and programmes.The Research Associate will support the smooth working relationships of UNDP with a network of colleagues from UNDP, UN agencies, IFIs, Government officials, multilateral and bilateral donors and Civil Society Organizations.
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of key functions: Working as part of a team, the Research Associate contributes to the following:- Assist EPU or Imclusive Growth and UNDP management on economic and development issues
- Assist in knowledge building on economic and development issues
- Assist strategic partnerships and support to resource mobilization
- Assist the promotion of UNDP’s mandate and mission
- Assist in the provision of relevant information, reports, tools and other references to facilitate technical preparations and implementation of National, District HDRs, MDGR, Development Plans as well as other papers and products required to promote human development.
Provides assistance to UNDP management, programmes and projects focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Assist in tracking of economic data, provision of periodic analysis of economic and development issues and production of relevant reports aimed at promoting equitable economic growth and human development.
- Contribute to the provision of analysis and substantive inputs to CCA, UNDAF, CPD, CPAP and other strategic documents.
- Contribute to the provision of economic inputs to all relevant UNDP programmes and projects for aligning UNDP programmes with national policies and priorities.
- Assist in the analysis of economic environment and synthesis of proposals on possible areas for UNDP support to ensure that UNDP programmes are in line with national policies and priorities and are strategically positioned.
- Assist in the production and launch of economic reports, including National Human Development Reports.
- Assist in writing of regular briefs on country economic situation.
- Assist in analysis of the country’s macro-economic policies and their impact on poverty reduction, growth, equity, etc.
- Assist in the sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice through identification of best practices and lessons learned.
- Assist in the management of the office in facilitation of policy dialogue on economic issues with the Government, private sector, civil society and donors
- Assist in provision of capacity building support on economic issues to office staff
- Assist UNDP in resource mobilization by preparing analytical papers documentation for donor and consultative meetings.
- Assist in analysis and research of information on donors; preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation.
- Assist in creation of strategic partnerships by preparing notes, speeches and statements for UNDP officials and consultative meetings.
Assist the promotion of awareness of UNDP’s mandate and mission focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Contribute to advocacy for the Millennium Development Goals, Human Development and equitable economic growth by participating in relevant forums, conferences and trainings.
- Assist in monitoring progress and formulation of strategies towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
- Assist in the management of events and publications on economic issues.
- Assist in keeping track and maintain record of all meetings, activities and materials related to the HDR activities and inform UNDP and the Coordinator of pertinent issues
- Assist in keeping track of development trends in Nigeria and bring up pertinent human development issues for attention;
- Assist in the maintenance of up to date work plan for the HDR, as approved or revised by the Coordinator and the UNDP, and inform concerned parties of impending deadlines;
- Assist in the making inputs into the reports on MDGs, Development Plans and general human development issues in Nigeria
Impact of Results
The key results of the post assist in strengthening UNDP’s contributions to the national policy dialogue and enhance the policy impact of UNDP programmes and projects. In particular, the key results have an impact on the design of programmes and the work of the Economic Policy & Inclusive Growth Unit. The post supports the visibility of UNDP in the discussion about economic policies and analysis.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism
Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning
- Shares knowledge and experience and contribution to 'UNDP Country Programme areas' and actively works towards continuing personal learning and development
- Ability to support top quality policy support services on economic issues
- Practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues
Development and Operational Effectiveness
- Good knowledge of economics and current development issues particularly those pertinent to 'UNDP Country Programme areas'.
- Ability to assist in analysis of data, application of conceptual models, policy frameworks
- Ability to assist in formulation and evaluation of development programmes and projects
- Ability to support the Unit apply economic theory to the specific country context, carry out high-quality economic research
Management and Leadership
- Focuses on impact and result and responds positively to critical feedback
- Encourages risk-taking in the pursuit of creativity and innovation
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
- Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
- Builds strong relationships with within and outside UNDP
Required Skills and Experience
Education:- Secondary education required. Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science desirable.
Experience:
- 6 years of working experience in assisting data collection, research and policy-level analysis interpretation and management. Familiarity 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 national language of the duty station.