Background Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories. 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.
The Asia-Pacific region is not on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On current trends, none of the goals are within reach and merely 33% of the targets are expected to be achieved by 2030. Meanwhile, human insecurity is at all-time highs, with more than half of people in most countries worried about their jobs. Looking ahead, the development landscape is likely to become more turbulent as existential threats from climate change combine with fresh headwinds to growth and job creation amidst rising governance risks.
It is against this backdrop—a large unfinished agenda, elevated levels of insecurity, and a more turbulent development landscape—that UNDP supports countries to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda and beyond. As the UN’s global development network, UNDP advocates for change, and connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP is on the ground in over 170 countries and territories. Combining local presence with global expertise, it aspires to eradicate poverty, accelerate structural transformation, build resilience, and contribute to lasting sustainable development.
The Economist Network of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific (RBAP) is one of the region’s most valuable initiatives to enhance policy support and capacity. The Network has gained additional relevance in light of the significantly more challenging context described above. In this respect, the Country Economist plays an important role at the country but also regional and global levels in contributing to renewed development momentum in an era of turbulence and uncertainty.
Position Purpose
The Country Economist works under the direct guidance of the Resident Representative and Deputy Resident Representative in the Country Office, in close collaboration with programme and operations teams, and has a dotted line to the RBAP Chief Economist. S/he is an ambassador of the Economist Network and is expected to contribute about 20% of her/his time to activities across the Network (in other countries, the subregion or the region).
The Country Economist integrates the activities UNDP delivers in the region and ensures these contribute the greatest development impact possible. S/he makes a difference by being keenly aware of the changing development landscape, embedding a sharp strategic focus on the development interventions that matter the most, and connecting diagnostics and solutions to the politics of change and the art of delivery.
UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.
In this respect, the Country Economist works closely with colleagues of RBAP as well as the Global Policy Network (GPN), based in Bangkok, New York, and other locations. S/he develops and maintains a professional network across development partner agencies, government institutions, the private sector, and civil society at the country level.
Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: None
Competencies Core Competencies:Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:Business Direction & Strategy-System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
Business Management-Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment
Business Management-Partnerships management: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies
2030 Agenda: Prosperity-Inclusive Growth: Economic Transformation, Policy, and Planning
2030 Agenda: Prosperity-Inclusive Growth: Economic Diversification
2030 Agenda: Prosperity-Inclusive Growth: Poverty and Human Development
2030 Agenda: Prosperity-Inclusive Growth: SDGs/National Development Strategy, Planning and Budgeting Required Skills and Experience Education:
Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics or related field is required; Or A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in Economics or related field in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree Experience: Minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of experience at the national or international level in relevant areas of economic research and policy and implementation support is required. Extensive experience in research and policy-level analysis is required. Proven Experience on developing and managing blue economy/prosperity initiatives and portfolios is required. Proven policy, advisory, and advocacy experience is required. Demonstrated understanding of climate finance and SDG finance instruments is required. Experience in preparing high-quality policy briefs and guidance notes for use by senior policymakers is required. Experience in strategic visioning with strong technical and highly developed analytical capabilities is desired. Knowledge of the SDGs and their application at the national level, politically astute with demonstrated experience in stakeholder analysis and engagement is an asset. Experience in handling data and software programmes for statistical analysis is desired. Previous work experience in Asia and the Pacific region and cross-country experience would be an asset.Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language is an asset. Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.