Background

The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, Government of India is responsible for developing India’s policy and strategy for economic development in the Government of India. The department engages in creating research inputs in Economics and financial issues. The department also engages academics and researchers outside the government to study new economic issues that evolve and arise periodically and develop a think tank on these issues. The DEA has entered into a partnership with UNDP India to provide demand-based research and development support and procurement services to the G20 Secretariat in DEA. The partnership aims to support capacity strengthening, improved knowledge, producing original research, and contribute substantially to India’s research and development agenda presented at the multilateral fora with references to countries.     
 
The thematic areas for research work include trends in the global economy and specifically G20 countries, financial sector regulations, public debt management, regional financing arrangements, governance of International Finance Institutions, international development institutions, investment financing, international trade, global energy issues including commodities, climate change financing, food security, and labour policies.  
 
The outcome of the research programme is to a) gain clear and dynamic understanding of ongoing global developments in multiple fora, b) build on the current positions and understanding, including identifying and clarifying issues. Develop Indian perspectives and policy positions, and c) understand issues of importance to other countries
 
To support DEA in the above area of work, UNDP is looking for dynamic individuals for the position of Research Specialists to be located in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance. The incumbent should have a good mix of academic and research expertise, understanding of policy issues, analytical capabilities, documentation and report writing, publication record and familiarity with international debates on concerned issues in the areas, as above.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Specialist will work under the guidance and direct supervision of the Director, Multilateral Relations, Department of Economic Affairs and Programme Analyst, UNDP. The incumbents will primarily be responsible for extending research and analytical support, preparation work for the meetings including documentation and report writing, and coordination and follow up in matters relating to G20 matters. The Research Specialist will support the attainment of the results envisaged to the required standards of quality and within the constraints of time and cost.
 
For this, s/he will support:
  • Collate and analyze all relevant information, document, and data contributing to India’s position on the issues in multilateral fora;
  • Analyse documents produced by International organizations;
  • Prepare reports, statistics , data bases and presentations for the meetings;
  • Plan meetings, prepare minutes and follow up with other Government departments and think tanks in matters related to G20 agenda.
S/he will undertake any other task consistent with the level of the post and/ or assigned by the Director, DEA.
 
Knowledge and Skills: 
  • Clear and dynamic understanding and knowledge of ongoing global  and regional economic and development issues and challenges;
  • Abreast of new developments and challenges in the area of work;
  • Ability to produce high quality research, reports and knowledge products;
  • Ability to build strategic partnerships with a wide array of stakeholders on development cooperation;
  • Focuses on impact and result based management tools and quality assurance of the programme;
  • Ability to prioritize assignments and requirements, and multitask as needed;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work with people and multi sectoral teams to achieve results;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude and responds positively to feedback;
  • Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills;
  • Usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Power Point etc).
Other Responsibilities:
  • Analysis of the global economy and its impact on the economies of G20 countries. Analysis and research of the political, social and economic situation in the G20 countries; 
  • Analysis of the documents received from the G20 secretariat including comments and proposals of various countries on issues under discussion in the G20. Based on the analysis, provide brief policy notes at short notice on critical issues coming up for discussion in G20 meetings;
  • Analysis of documents and reports produced by various international organizations and G20 reports;
  • Identify areas for research within the thematic areas, including as identified in the background above, for DEA review and ensure effective support to the management of the G20 Programme focusing on quality control;
  • Organize and attend internal meetings, consultations, workshops, conferences, brainstorming sessions, meetings as required, and prepare briefing notes, minutes, follow up with other Departments in matters relating to G-20 for necessary action. The researchers may be required to present research papers in these meetings;
  • Regularly interact with those representing India in G20 meetings through face to face meetings, telephone and e-mails;
  • Maintain an established network of contacts for information sharing and to remain up-to-date on economic and development issues and ensure adequate information flow, regular contact and feedback among various stakeholders;
  • Create G20 research library and identify on line sources where research / published materials in areas of G20 concerns are uploaded and properly catalogued and also obtain them for research purposes; 
  • Submit regular updates, progress reports on deliverables to the Director(UN) and UNDP;
  • Possess good knowledge of information technology tools and applies it in work assignments;
  • Perform any other related tasks assigned by the Director, DEA.

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.
Core Competencies: 
  • Demonstrates/safeguards ethics and integrity;  
  • Demonstrates corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
  • Provides information and documentation on specific stages of programme implementation;
  • Acts as a team player and facilitates team work;
  • Facilitates and encourages open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
  • Manages conflict;
  • Approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complex situations.

Functional Competencies: 

  • Generates new ideas and approaches, researches and documents best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things;
  • Capacity to gather comprehensive information on complex problems or situations; evaluates information accurately and identifies key issues for attention and necessary action;
  • Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with the Government Agencies and main constituents, advocate effectively, communicate sensitively across different constituencies;
  • Keeps abreast of new developments in the area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally;
  • Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks;
  • Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning;
  • Demonstrates strong facilitation skills;
  • Outstanding communication, interpersonal and presentation skills management and organizational skills;
  • Focuses on impact and result for the client, builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
  • Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments;
  • Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view;
  • Ability to work independently and under pressure.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 
  • Post graduate / Master’s degree in Economics and familiar in Econometrics, Social Sciences, Development Studies or related field;
  • Specialization in international economy would be an advantage. 
Experience:
  • Minimum 2 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in research, development studies, economic studies;
  • Experience of working with academia / think tanks / research institutions and such will be preferred;
  • Hands on experience on economic and social development issues (policy and strategic) will be preferred;
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, (MS Word, Excel, and Power Point, etc.); Advanced knowledge of spread sheet, database and research packages will be an asset;
  • Familiarity with the working environment and professional standards of international organizations and national and State Governments;
  • High quality reports and knowledge products (samples may be requested as reference);
Language: 
  • Excellent command in spoken and written English;
  • Excellent drafting and verbal communication skills.
Travel:
  • Willingness to travel.