Economist

Background

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.

Since 1951, UNDP has supported the Government and people of India to advance sustainable human development working towards eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, strengthening local governance, enhancing community resilience, protecting the environment, supporting policy initiatives and institutional reforms, and accelerating sustainable development for all. In every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities.

As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to supporting the Government of India’s national development vision and priorities and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet.

UNDP India’s new Country Programme (2023-2027) builds on our prior work and aims to provide an integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios :

• Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs.
• Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the marginalized.
• Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability.

South-South cooperation, gender equality and social inclusion are promoted across the pillars. The programme is supported by a framework of renewed partnerships and blended finance solutions, strategic innovation and accelerator labs, and data and digital architecture.

Position Purpose

The Country Economist works under the direct guidance of the Resident Representative and Deputy Resident Representative in the Country Office India, 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 Responsibilities

Summary of key functions :

Advise and provide analysis to UNDP Country Office management and programme teams to strengthen foresight and portfolio design

Provide policy advice and technical expertise to (sub-) national government counterparts and other partners, especially in support of the 2030 Agenda and (sub-) national development priorities, with regard to sustainable and inclusive economic policies;

Advocate and engage with partners, including to support UNDP’s role and advance its mandate, when directed by the Resident Representative .

Contribute to UNDP’s work across the Asia-Pacific region, including collaboration with RBAP’s Economist Network, sub-regional and other Country Offices, and analytical work on priority regional thematic areas.

The 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

This position is subject to administrative clearance and approval from the Government of India.

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

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, prioritise 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 optimising return on investment.

Business Management & Partnerships Management : 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

2030 Agenda : Prosperity & Inclusive Growth : Economic Diversification

2030 Agenda : Prosperity & Inclusive Growth :  Multidimensional poverty and human development

2030 Agenda : Prosperity & Inclusive Growth :  SDGs / National Development Strategy, Planning and Budgeting

Required Skills and Experience

Education :

Experience :

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process.