UNDP Jobs - 85665- Development Economist (for Lao nationality only)

Development Economist (for Lao nationality only)

Location :

Vientiane, LAO PDR

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

02-Aug-2021

Application Deadline :

21-Jun-19 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

August 2019 - July 2020

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

12 months

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

UNDP supports countries around the world to formulate strategies and policies that promote human development, reduce inequality and poverty, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To advance these aims, UNDP provides technical policy advice and tools, especially to help address critical sustainable development challenges such as inequality, climate change, and natural disaster.

UNDP country offices also work closely with government counterparts and other national stakeholders to support the introduction of inclusive and sustainable development policies that are aligned with the national context and priorities. National economists based in country offices across the Asia-Pacific region contribute to this work, including through support to policy dialogue with government officials and other partners, assistance in programme development, and production of research and analysis. These colleagues also collaborate and share experiences and practices across and outside the Asia-Pacific region.

UNDP Lao PDR is recruiting a Development Economist to help contribute to its work programme. The Development Economist will support the country office by providing economic analysis and policy advice to management and government counterparts that favor inclusive development and enhance the integration of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, including SDG 18, into national plans and activities. S/he will also be responsible for helping develop activities aimed at enhancing UNDP’s programmatic support. The Development Economist is also expected to contribute to knowledge creation through research and analysis and to represent UNDP as required in policy discussions.

The Development Economist will be based full-time in the UNDP country office. Domestic and international travel may be required. S/he will work closely with the programme and operations teams in the country office, the acceleration lab, and colleagues in the Bangkok Regional Hub (BRH). S/he will also collaborate with the Asia-Pacific regional network of country economists. This will include systematic engagement with and oversight from the lead regional economic advisors based in Bangkok and Beijing. S/he is also expected to develop and maintain a network of colleagues across development partner agencies, government institutions, the private sector, and civil society.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Resident Representative, the Development Economist will be primarily responsible for the following work streams:

• Provision of support to UNDP country office management, including to help strengthen programme development and implementation.

• Provision of technical policy advice, on request, to national government counterparts, especially in support of the 2030 Agenda and the introduction of sustainable and inclusive economic policies.

• Representation, advocacy, and partner engagement to support UNDP’s institutional positioning and advance its mandate.

• Contribution to UNDP’s integrator role in the context of the Lao PDR – UN Partnership Framework (2017-2021).

· Contribution to UNDP’s work across the Asia-Pacific region, including collaboration with the regional economist network and analysis of priority regional thematic areas.

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 contributes to UNDP Practice Areas and actively works towards continuing personal learning and development;

• Ability to provide top quality policy advice services on economic issues;

• In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;

• Ability to lead formulation and evaluation of development programmes and projects;

• Ability to apply economic theory to the specific country context, carry out high-quality economic research.

Management and Leadership:

• Focuses on impact and result 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

Required Skills and Experience

Education
- Master’s Degree in Economics, Econometrics, Statistics or equivalent.
Experiences

· 7 years of relevant experience at the national or international level;

· Extensive experience in research and policy-level analysis;

· Direct experience providing technical policy advice to government officials;

· Some experience in designing, monitoring and evaluating development projects preferred;

· Experience using computers and office software packages, including programmes for statistical analysis of data;

· Knowledge of the SDGs and their application at the national level.

3. Languages: Fluency in English & Lao