Background
The Human Development and Economics Unit (HDEU) of UNDP Somalia focuses on empowering ordinary citizens of Somalia by enhancing their capacity to shape their own destiny and advance towards peace, progress and prosperity. Through the Inclusive Growth and Development programme, the unit works towards enhancing planning in Somalia, to ensure that all citizens, particularly the poorest of the poor and the marginalized groups are reached and benefit equally from development interventions. The programme further works towards strengthening institutions to make them work for the vulnerable communities of Somalia through effective delivery of services and better access to opportunities.
Building on past UNDP achievements and existing initiatives of UNDP and UN agencies working in Somalia, in pro-poor policies, planning and programming, capacity development and institution building, this programme aims to consolidate past efforts and successes and expand further to influence policy debates and provide upstream policy advice, strengthen national ownership of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), provide capacity building support in the areas of pro-poor planning, policy design, programming and poverty monitoring, and strengthen macro-micro linkages for poverty reduction and accelerated human development. This programme will serve as the catalyst and enabling platform to influence the recovery and development assistance provided to Somalia through better planning, prioritization and sequencing of interventions in alignment with national plans and priorities and guided by thorough analysis. The programme will influence, work with and guide relevant portions of the United Nations Transitional Plan, in particular outcomes one (Key Federal, Somaliland and Puntland institutions administer and manage core government functions more effectively), two (Local governance contributes to peace and equitable priority service delivery in selected locations), four (Children, youth and vulnerable groups have increased, more equitable access to quality education and health services) and five (Vulnerable and marginalized groups have improved sustainable food security and economic opportunities). Thus, this project will provide the leverage for many UNDP, UN and NGO programmes to set clear numerical goals and targets and coordinate among themselves and work together for better development results.
The Inclusive Growth and Development programme uses a three-pronged approach to achieve its objectives: human development; MDG initiatives; and poverty monitoring and analysis. Each of these components is further divided into interventions that require substantial support to ensure quality and timely delivery. It is in this context that UNDP would like to recruit a Research Officer, to assist all the senior management and Inclusive Growth and Development projects with substantive background qualitative as well as quantitative research.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the guidance of and reporting directly to the Senior Economist, UNDP Somalia, the Research Officer will be responsible for the following:
- Performing background research (qualitative and quantitative) on project activities.
- Provision of support and strategic advice on key project interventions, which includes overseeing the research processes of the national and sub-national Human Development Reports and MDG reports.
Functions / Key Results Expected
The Research Officer will provide strategic advice to all project interventions after conducting extensive research on a variety of crucial issues.
The incumbent will:
- Present thoroughly researched information for background research; implementation of the projects; preparation of project documents’ drafts, work plans, budgets, progress reports, policy briefs, position papers and proposals on implementation arrangements.
- Compile the researched material in a systematic way and prepare background briefs/briefing notes as and when required.
- Provide effective support to management of the programme (and projects).
- Provide guidance to consultants/executing agencies on routine implementation of the projects and monitor quality of work of consultants.
- Work with the Human Development Report (HDR) research institutions and the HDR team on the preparation of research products relevant to the national and sub-national Human Development Reports. In particular, she/he will liaise with the research institutions to ensure they conduct relevant and timely research, interviews and focus group discussions.
- Support assessment on MDGs and HDRs.
- Organize national and sub-national consultative meetings or workshops on the HDR, MDGs or other issues, as may be required.
- Support the Senior Economist on national needs’ assessments and MDG-based planning and management.
- Advise on quality of publications produced on behalf of or by local administrations in Somalia.
- Review the background and thematic papers that have already been commissioned and assess them in view of the research results.
- Compile, analyze and synthesize information for the Senior Economist.
- Perform any other tasks assigned by the Senior Economist.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modelling 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 favouritism.
Functional Competencies:
- Highly developed qualitative and quantitative research skills;
- Strong analytical skills, and ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources;
- Computer literate; must be able to use the Internet and other research tools effectively.
- Identifies priority activities and assignments;
- Teamwork - excellent interpersonal, organizational and management skills and ability to work within multi-disciplinary teams.
Development and Operational Effectiveness:
- Builds strong relationships with partners, focusing on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
- Able to manage complex problems proactively and effectively, including responses to field based emergencies;
- Ability to operate effectively in a changing and complex environment, and to produce results under stress;
- Consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
- Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills;
- Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills;
- Remain calm, in control and relatively good humoured even under pressure;
- Demonstrate openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
- Strong analytical capabilities.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Master’s degree in Economics or related development field.
Experience:
- Minimum 2 years of relevant post masters work experience, preferably with at least three years’ experience in a crisis or post-conflict country.
- Prior knowledge and experience in research and research methodology.
- Knowledge of local conditions and developments in Somalia; previous working experience in Somalia is desirable
- Knowledge of UN operational procedures and common UN programming tools is desirable.
Language requirements:
- Excellent English writing and oral skills.
- Knowledge of Somali language is desirable but is not a requirement