Job Vacancies United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), June 2012

Job Vacancies United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Position: Economics Specialist, Regional Strategy and Policy Unit, RBAP-NY (DPF)
Location: United States of America ( The ), New York
Closing Date: Thursday, 05 July 2012

Background
UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific (RBAP) provides strategic direction and corporate guidance to UNDP Country Offices in a region marked by huge diversity amongst its countries. The Asia-Pacific region includes the world’s two largest populations– India and China, as well as 14 LDCs (accounting for almost 40 % of the global population in LDCs) of which 5 are landlocked countries and several are small island developing states. The region includes countries recovering from prolonged conflict or undergoing political transition, as well as countries that are moving into the middle-income status or are advanced OECD members. Despite this heterogeneity, there are generic and specific challenges that these countries confront in their development trajectory.
UNDP’s strategic goal in the Asia-Pacific region in the medium term is to ensure that the region harnesses its potential for inclusive development in the context of the recovery from the global economic crises and accelerates progress towards achieving the MDGs. Achieving this strategic goal requires a refocusing of UNDP’s resources in the region on its myriad challenges: of ensuring inclusive growth by reducing vulnerability to sudden downturns through employment generation and social protection, building in responses to climate change and redressing gender inequality. RBAP is enhancing its internal capacity in required substantive and strategic agenda-setting areas, in a number of key functions including: i) innovative region-wide strategic thinking, advocacy and partnerships; ii) translation of UNDP corporate and RBAP strategies for coherent development results on the ground
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Chief, Regional Strategy and Policy Unit, RBAP, the Economics Specialist advises RBAP on macroeconomic policies and trends and relevant linkages to UNDP programs. The Economics Specialist provides analysis for formulation of strategies and briefings to RBAP management. The Economics Specialist works with the Chief, Regional Strategy and Policy Unit to identify emerging issues and trends in the region and to identify alternative policy options so the impact of UNDP’s work in the region can be enhanced. The Economics Specialist represents UNDP in his/her area of expertise as requested by his/her supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities
Key Functions:
Advice and support to RBAP management on economic and development issue.
Advice to RBAP Country Divisions and Regional Centres and facilitation of knowledge building on economic and development issues.
Creation of strategic partnerships and support to resource mobilization.
Advocacy and promotion of UNDP’s mandate and mission.

Provides advice and support to RBAP management and regional programs focusing on achievement of the following results:
Compilation, analysis and interpretation of economic and statistical data, thorough research of the economic and development issues in the country and preparation of top quality analysis and reports.
Advice on possible areas for UNDP support and adjustment of on-going programs to ensure that UNDP programs are in line with national policies and priorities.
Production and launch of economic reports on key issues facing the region and review and making inputs on key regional reports such as the Asia Pacific Human Development Report.
Contribution to sub-regional, regional and inter-agency initiatives related to development/economic issues.
Representation of RBAP in different working groups.

Facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:
Provision of policy options, particularly from pro-poor perspectives, on macroeconomic and development.
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice through identification of best practices and lessons learned.
Assessment of macro-economic policies in the region and their impact on poverty reduction, growth, equity, etc
. Training and capacity building support for UNDP staff and Government officials, public institutions on economic issues.

Ensures creation of strategic partnerships and support to resource mobilization focusing on achievement of the following results:
Development of partnerships with the UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society areas based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donors’ priorities.
Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation.
Production of periodic updates and briefs on regional and country development situation to be used by stakeholders, CO and HQ.
Undertaking of selected studies/research on emerging development concerns that feed into government/development partners processes.

Advocacy and promotion of awareness of UNDP mandate and mission focusing on achievement of the following results:
Public and policy advocacy for the Millennium Development Goals, pro-poor and equitable economic growth by participating in relevant forums, conferences and trainings.
Support to monitoring progress and formulation of strategies towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
Management of events and publications on economic issues.

Impact of Results:
The key results of the post strengthen UNDP’s contributions to the regional policy dialogue and enhance the policy impact of UNDP’s regional programs and projects. In particular, the key results have an impact on the design of programs, and creation of strategic partnerships as well as reaching resource mobilization targets. The post increases visibility on UNDP in the discussion about 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 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.
Capacity to adapt policies, approaches and models to meet emerging needs.
Ability to lead formulation and evaluation of development programs 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.

Experience:
5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level. Extensive experience in research and policy-level analysis.
Some experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems and advanced programs for statistical analysis of data.

Language Requirements:
Fluency in written and spoken English.

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.

United Nations Development Programme
304 East 45th Street
New York




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