National Economist Careers at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Job Title: National Economist

Employer: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

Application Deadline: 14th Oct 2013


Duties and Responsibilities:

• Offers advice and support to UNDP management, programmes and projects focusing on achieving the following results:
• Compilation, analysis and interpretation of economic and statistical data; thorough research of economic and development issues in the country; and preparation of high quality analysis and reports;
• Provision of high quality analysis and substantive inputs to CCA, UNDAF, CPD, CPAP and other strategic documents of the UN;
• Support to the implementation of UNDP’s country programme in Uganda, providing advice on how to ensure alignment of UNDP’s country programme with national policies and priorities, and contributing to the management of UNDP’s programme in the area of strategic policy and economics;
• Contribution to sub-regional, regional and inter-agency initiatives related to economic and development issues;
• Representation of UNDP in relevant working groups and task forces.

Provides policy advice and options to national counterparts, including government, and facilitates knowledge building and management focusing on achieving the following results:

• Assessment of the country’s economic development policies and their impact on poverty reduction, growth, environmental sustainability, equity and human development;
• Provision of policy options that promote broad-based socioeconomic development; based on a sound, evidence-based understanding of these issues;
• Contribution to knowledge networks and communities of practice through the identification of best practices and lessons learned;
• Training and capacity building support for UNDP staff and Government officials, public institutions on economic issues.
• Promotes the establishment of strategic partnerships and support to resource mobilization, focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Development of partnerships with other UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society, academia and research institutions based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donors’ priorities;
• Analysis and research of information on donor practices and performance, including the preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation;
• Production of periodic updates and briefs on 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;
• Representation of UNDP in relevant working groups and task forces.

Advocacy and promotion of awareness of UNDP’s 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, as well as sustainable human development, through the active participation in relevant forums, conferences and trainings;
• Support to the monitoring progress of the Millennium Development Goals in Uganda, and the formulation of strategies that contribute to the achievement of these goals;
• Management of events and publications on economic issues.



Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• The candidate should possess a Master’s Degree in Economics. A PhD in economics or related fields would be an asset.
• Five (5) years of relevant work experience at the national or international level;
• Extensive experience in research and policy-related analysis;
• Demonstrated experience of working in development and aid environments with government agencies, national researchers and development partners;
• Experience in the design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects;
• Publications and active participation in international conferences on development issues would be an asset;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, including advanced software programmes for statistical analysis of data.
• Language:
• Fluency in written and spoken English;
• Excellent written and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of UN and national language of the duty station is an asset.



Personal 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;
• Comprehensive 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 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.



How to Apply:

If you believe you are one of the ideal candidates for this opportunity in working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), then visit the web link below for full job details



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NB: UNDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified Women are encouraged to apply.