UNDP Jobs - 53101- Senior Economic and Labour Expert

Senior Economic and Labour Expert

Location :

Dili, Timor Leste

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Feb-2015

Application Deadline :

26-Jan-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

132 working days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

132 working days

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. 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.

Background

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have been accepted worldwide as an important engine of economic growth and promoting inclusive growth. Improvement of business opportunities through strengthening MSMEs could serve as a catalyst for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). To accelerate the achievement of the MDGs, the Government of Timor-Leste and UNDP are collaborating to explore innovative ways to mobilize the private sector to contribute proactively to development. This will be done by setting up social businesses and through partnership agreements, providing them with much needed business development services.

Financed by the Korea-UNDP MDG Trust Fund, the Government of Timor Leste and UNDP Timor-Leste officially launched a new project entitled “Mobilize Social Business to Accelerate Achievement of Timor-Leste MDGs”, in April 2012. The overall objective of this 3-year project is to promote social businesses that will contribute to private sector development as well as attainment of MDGs. As a result of this project, social businesses are expected to contribute to the reduction of poverty in rural areas of the country and generate rural employment opportunities and income.

In order to achieve this objective, the project will focus on four key outputs: (1) Enabling environment for Social Business development in Timor-Leste; (2) A Social Business Fund is established for financing to viable Social Business; (3) Improved capacity of service providers to provide accessible needs-based technical support to Social Businesses; and (4) Improved coordination and networking of investors, service providers, regulatory bodies and Social Businesses.

As the social business project is progressing steadily in its third and final year of implementation, UNDP Timor-Leste seeks to recruit a Senior Economic and Labour Expert to enhance the project implementation and support the project impact sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities

Manage the Social Business project outputs for first two months of the assignment. (During this time the consultant will be under the direct supervision of UNDP TL Country Director);
Support to the economic and employment impact enhancement of the current social business models supported by the project; namely plastic bottle recycling and waste management, salt farming and connecting farmers to agro-industries markets:
Assess and review the current impact and economic model of the social business pilots;
Develop economic sustainability models of the businesses supported project;
Support to the establishment of the Social business fund: UNDP conducted demand and supply analysis of access to finance, the international expert is expected to:
Provide strategic inputs into the design of the Social Business Fund and stakeholder consultations prior to the Launch of the Social business Fund.
Develop the financing model and the financial sustainability for the social business fund.
Support the development of the National Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy to mobilize finances for social enterprise and business activities;
Support to enhance UNDP role in promoting dialogue and good practices on economic sector, poverty reduction, labour and small and medium enterprise development among different stakeholders in the private sector and with interfacing sectors;
Support the advocacy for social business as a model to accelerate the economic growth and human development in Timor-Leste;
Design a strategy to enhance the capacity of the economic planning unit in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Environment. Analysis of Trade and Invest policies and activities of Timor-Leste and provision of technical support from SME and Social Business development perspectives;
Provision of other advice as needed to UNDP concerning the evolution and role of the organization in poverty reduction and sustainable development in Timor Leste.

Competencies

Familiarity with theory and proactive of development economy, poverty reduction and sustainable socio-economic development;
Demonstrated capacity and expertise in doing policy research;
Ability to work under pressure;
Effectively coordinate and advise a research team; and
Meet tight deadlines without compromising on the quality of work, and being flexible;
Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communications skills;
Excellent presentation skills;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master degree in economics, economic development, public policy, business or public administration, finance and law or related field from recognized institutions.

Years of Experience:

A minimum 7 years of relevant experience in conducting research and policy work related to economic and labour sector ; .
Experience working with Governments and providing policy advisory services;
Strong analytical, writing and documentation skills proved through minimum 3-5 reports or publications produced
Experience facilitating meetings with multiple stakeholders and presenting policy research at high-level forums.
Experience in UNDP as technical advisor and programme manager is an assets.
Experience in Timor-Leste or other Asia Pacific countries is considered as an asset.

Language Requirements:

Proficiency in written and spoken English.

For more information please go to this link.