Background
On the ground in about 170 countries and territories, UNDP works to eradicate poverty and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion while protecting the planet. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results. With about US$5 billion in voluntary contributions annually, UNDP remains a partner of choice. Next Generation UNDP builds on our existing assets—worldwide presence, thought leadership, and over 50 years of experience—to help countries and communities respond to a fast-changing development landscape.
UNDP is assisting African countries to translate economic growth into long-lasting, inclusive human development. We are creating new solutions, building collaboration platforms, and sparking new partnerships and instruments for to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. We work with African governments, businesses, communities and regional organizations, helping countries to develop capacity, share knowledge and mobilize funds for sustainable development. The UNDP Africa Strategy, Analysis and Research team (SART) in New York provides strategic oversight, guidance and quality assurance, and broader regional analysis, including on global issues.
UNDP Africa is currently seeking qualified candidates with expertise in selected thematic areas for an Individual Consultants Roster for future consultancies to support the SART in the implementation of key flagship research and analytical projects in 2020.
The Vacancy Announcement will be open for a period of six weeks. All applications will be reviewed, and shortlisted candidates will go through a technical evaluation process. Inclusion of an expert on this Roster does not imply any obligation by either UNDP or the candidate on the Roster.
Duties and Responsibilities
The individual consultants will work closely with the Chief Economist and the SART team. They will be available to (a) carry out background research and (b) provide technical inputs to flagship research projects including the preparation of the Sub-Regional Human Development Report and the Africa SDG Progress Report.
General Task:
- Undertaking conceptual research, carry out case studies and surveys and write background papers to help deepen and broaden the analysis and the coverage of the report.
- Generating knowledge products in key thematic areas related to UNDP’s six signature solutions (poverty eradication, governance, energy, nature based solutions, gender equality, resilience), three elevation issues (climate change, migration, inequality) and six Strategic Impact Areas in Africa (natural resource governance, women and youth employment and empowerment, structural transformation, peace and stability, climate change mitigation adaptation, affordable and sustainable energy).
- Providing a clear analysis of economic development, prospects and trends in the region from a human development perspective, relating theoretical aspects of human development with the regional context.
- Investigating root causes of constraints on human development, track development gaps and their impact on population groups, especially the vulnerable.
- Carrying out data analytics and produce infographics using national, sub-national and regional indicators of development, including the Human Development Index.
- Integrating policy analysis related to selected thematic areas including assessing performance and providing policy options.
- Exploring regional and global contexts that broaden or limit government policy choices and alternatives including structured analyses of all policy alternatives, cost-benefit analyses and evaluation of possible micro-level impacts and trade-offs from policy shifts. Identify potential winners and losers.
- Supporting the editing, technical review, development and publication of various knowledge and communication products including working papers, briefs and online publications.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrated commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values including working in a culturally diverse environment;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; and
- Demonstrates ability to function in a team environment and shares knowledge and experience.
Functional Competencies:
- Excellent verbal and writing skills with strong academic and policy experience;
- Cognate experience in academic research with particular focus the nexus between peace, humanitarian and development issues in Africa;
- Outstanding analytical and statistical skills;
- Demonstratable ability to present coherent and convincing positions both in writing and orally;
- Personal organization and ability for multi-tasking, the individual consultant must also possess ability to work under pressure and to accommodate change; and
- Demonstrable networking capability, interpersonal skills and strong ability to promote team work.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Minimum of a Masters in economics, social sciences or relevant field.
Experience:
- At least 5 years of work experience in research, project planning, implementation and reporting.
- Familiarity with the Human Development/capability approach including previous research and analytical work on poverty and inequality analysis and SDGs.
- Preparation and presentation of technical documentation to diverse, high level audiences.
Language:
- Knowledge of English;
- Working knowledge of French is an asset.