ODS undertakes policy research and analysis on substantive economic and development issues. The mandate of ODS involves scanning the academic and policy debates for new information, data, and thinking on development and global challenges. ODS collects up-to-date information, keeps abreast of relevant literature and policy developments, and produces research relevant to UNDP.

ODS is tasked with:

• Responding quickly to requests on substantive inputs for statements/written pieces by the Administrator, as well as contributing to ensure “quality control” in terms of data and substantive accuracy of information emanating from the Executive Office, as well as that included in important UNDP publications;
• Ensuring that the UNDP Administrator receives analysis to enable her to stay abreast of current thinking in development policy; this includes both the intellectual/academic debate, as well as significant economic and policy developments with implications for developing countries and development policy;
• Consolidating information on the impact of development outcomes of UNDP’s work and preparing well-argued and substantiated analysis of UNDP’s role in advancing development.
• Reporting to under the guidance of the Chief of Staff of the Executive Office and in coordination with the Special Advisor to the Administrator, the Chief of ODS leads a team of 6 to 7 analysts to ensure that the office delivers on four key set of outputs:

Provider of Support and Advice:

• The Chief mobilizes ODS to respond to short-term requests by the Administrator and senior management of UNDP on issues related to development policy analysis and research. Typical activities and outputs include reviewing papers, speeches, internal documents, analytical papers; helping draft speeches and short articles; backstopping some of the substantive activities of the Administrator, including making presentations and preparing talking points, as requested by the Administrator and the ExO;
• Producer of Analytical Research: The Chief undertakes and guides the team in developing in-house policy analysis on topics of strategic relevance to UNDP. This involves longer-term analysis/research projects that are forward-looking and policy relevant. Typical outputs include writing working papers, compiling edited volumes, publishing booklets on key development issues, and publications in professional journals;
• Facilitator: The Chief of ODS facilitates UNDP’s active involvement in on-going development debates. Typical activities include organizing an advisory group with experts in the development field to support the Administrator in her role as development expert, organizing speaker series with invited experts in development, and monitoring and identifying global networks of policy makers that may be of interest to the Administrator and UNDP;
• Consolidator of Information: The Chief of ODS consolidates information on the impact of UNDP’s work on development. Typical outputs include organization of workshops/work studies, working papers, edited volumes, published booklets on key development issues, and publications in professional journals.

UNDP's corporate priorities.

More specifically, he/she will be responsible for the following.  To:

• Develop and implement a strategy for building bridges between policy researchers and policy-makers;
• Support and manage an interdisciplinary team of policy analysts, ensuring state-of-the-art knowledge of development issues and ensuring quality;
• Network with policy researchers and practitioners, working with concerned inter-governmental bodies and other UN system agencies as well as with partners in the private sector and civil society;
• Follow the debate in intergovernmental bodies and liaise with country delegations, civil society and the business community;
• Follow, and contribute to, the debates and events in the international donor community.  
• Manage administrative, personnel and financial matters for ODS, including fund raising initiatives;
• Represent ODS at meetings and seminars;
• Respond to any other requests, as and if necessary. 
   

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:

Development and Operational Effectiveness

•  Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
•  Ability to lead and manage corporate strategic initiatives
•  Strong IT skills
•  Ability to lead and effect staff behavioural/ attitudinal change

Management and Leadership

•  Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
•  Contribute effectively to teamwork and shows conflict resolution skills
•  Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
•  Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
•  Demonstrates strong team management skills
•  Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
•  Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure
•  Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Education:

• Completion of studies at an advanced academic level (Masters), and preferably, hold a Ph.D. degree in economics or related field.

Experience:

• He/she should have research experience, a proven academic publications record and at least 10 years of professional experience in international economic development. 

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in both spoken and written English. Knowledge of another UN languages is an asset.