Background

In order to meet today’s global challenges, UNDP is transforming itself into a knowledge based organization that is more strategically focused on achieving the MDGs with transformational programme interventions, including through the provision of cutting edge policy support and development expertise. Though the Asia–Pacific region has made remarkable progress in economic development in recent decades, the progress on MDGs has been undermined by increasing inequalities across countries and within countries in the region. In this context, UNDP’s strategic goal in Asia and the Pacific is to develop the region’s capacity to promote inclusive growth and policies in the context of accelerating its progress towards the MDGs. This requires a refocusing of UNDP’s resources in the region on upstream policy advisory services, and strengthening its own internal capacity in critical substantive areas.
 
To this end, RBAP established a Regional Policy Unit in New York to enhance the positioning of UNDP/RBAP on substantive policy developments at the regional level and to inform and support upstream policy advice in country offices to advance national efforts to promote human development and progress towards the MDGs. RBAP seeks to add an Economics Specialist in its New York headquarters to further enhance this advisory capacity.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the RBAP Chief Economist, the Economics Specialist monitors the emerging trends and policy debates, undertakes research and policy analysis, and advises senior managers at RBAP and country offices on emerging issues and their linkages to UNDP programmes. The Specialist supports and complements the policy and analytical work of Policy Advisors based at UNDP/RBAP and UNDP Regional Centers in Bangkok and Suva to help ensure corporate priorities and perspectives are reflected in relevant substantive areas. The Specialist contributes to RBAP’s policy dialogue with Government and donors and represents RBAP in his/her area of expertise in the UN and other meetings. She/he will also support the division in maintaining a network of colleagues from UN Agencies, IFIs, and academia in his/her area of expertise. The details of responsibilities are given below:

Function / Expected Results

Provides advice and support to RBAP management and country/regional programmes focused on achievement of the following results:
  • Advice on development issues, possible areas for UNDP support, and adjustment of on-going programmes to ensure that they are effective and in line with regional and national priorities;
  • Provision of policy options, particularly from pro-poor perspectives, on economic and development issues;
  • Review of and inputs to key global, regional and national reports such as the Human Development Reports and MDG reports;
  • Contributions to sub-regional, regional and inter-agency initiatives related to economic/development issues.

Function / Expected Results

Facilitates knowledge building and management focused on achievement of the following results:
  • Compilation, analysis, and interpretation of economic and statistical data, combined with thorough research of the economic and development issues in preparation of high quality analyses and reports;
  • Production and launch of economic reports on key issues facing the region, including serving as a core member of the team responsible for the regional flagship Asia-Pacific Human Development Report;
  • Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice through identification of best practices and lessons learned;
  • Substantive focal point responsibilities as RBAPs main representative within and outside UNDP on two to three selected development themes;
  • Representation of the Bureau, as required, at meetings with other agencies of the UN and in inter-bureau UNDP meetings;
  • Representation of the Bureau, as required, at various in-house and corporate taskforces.

Function / Expected Results

Effective communication and advocacy of RBAP activities focused on achievement of the following results:
  • Public presentation and advocacy of RBAP activities and Policy Unit research findings through participation in relevant forums and conferences;
  • Management and organization of events and publications on economic/development issues;
  • Preparation of speeches, briefing materials and technical presentations for the Bureau Director/Deputy Director/Chief Economist.

The key results of the post strengthen UNDP/RBAP’s contributions to the regional policy dialogue and enhance the policy impact of its regional programmes and projects. In particular, the key results have an impact on the design of programmes, the creation of strategic partnerships, and the attainment of resource mobilization targets. The post also increases the visibility of UNDP in the discussion of 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;
  • Encourages team members to share knowledge and contributes to UNDP Practice Areas;
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, and acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
  • Strong ability to work in teams and create an environment that makes it possible for others to flourish and contribute.
 Development and Operational Effectiveness:
  • Ability to provide top quality policy advice on economic issues;
  • Ability to apply economic theory to the specific country context, and to carry out high-quality economic research.
  • In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
  • Capacity to adapt policies, approaches, and models to meet emerging needs;
  • Strong communications skills, and the ability to interact with governments, donors, UN and UNDP officials, and the media at the highest levels;
  • Ability to engage with country officials and other stakeholders on economic policy issues.
 Management and Leadership:
  • Focuses on impact and results for the client and responds positively to critical feedback;
  • Encourages risk-taking in the pursuit of creativity and innovation;
  • Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; 
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
  • Demonstrates openness to change.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • Advanced university degree in economics, development economics, economic planning, quantitative economics, or equivalent qualifications.
 Experience:
  • Minimum 7 years of post-Master’s relevant experience at the national or international level;
  • Technical assistance and/or policy advisory experience in developing country contexts;
  • Extensive experience in research and policy-level analysis, including in formulation, monitoring and evaluation of strategies and development programmes/projects;
  • Substantive knowledge of macroeconomics issues with good synthesizing skills;
  • Excellent analytical skills as demonstrated, for example, by prior experience in policy-oriented studies;
  • Prior experience in international institutions involved in development cooperation;
  • Previous experience working in the Asia-Pacific region;
  • Demonstrated experience in handling of web-based data systems and advanced programmes for statistical analysis of data.
Language Requirements:
  • Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of a second UN language is desirable.

 FC: 11300