UNDP - National Economist - Sector Economics & Sustainable Development

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Economics Advisor, the Economist (Sectoral Economics and Sustainable Development) advises UNDP Senior Management on policies and institutional issues related to sustainable economic development, combating poverty and overall achievement of MDGs. His/Her principal areas of thematic focus include agricultural economics and rural development, environment and climate change, trade and industry, urban and development, and informal economy. Within these thematic areas, the Economist (Sector Economics and Sustainable Development) works with Government and non-Government counterparts (including other UN agencies, IFIs, multilateral and bilateral donors and civil society) to identify issues, develop collaborative analytical work, and generate advice on alternative sector economic policy interventions to promote eth achievement of national development goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions: Advice and support to UNDP management on economic, policy and institutional issues pertaining to sustainable economic development with focus on agricultural sector and rural development, environment and climate change, trade and industry, urban and development, and informal economy. Advice and facilitation of knowledge building on economic and development issues Ensuring that UNDP programmes are based on a deeper understanding of the role and ways in which the various sectors can interact to bring about diversified and inclusive economic growth and sustainable human development, and support the advocacy advocate for policies and institutions that can assist this process. Advice and facilitation of collaborative knowledge building initiatives on the above thematic areas with government and non-government counterparts Creation of strategic partnerships for advocacy and resource mobilization to support UNDP and Government programmes to achieve accelerated and sustainable human development Advocacy and promotion of UNDP’s mandate and mission 1. Provides advice and support to UNDP management, programmes and projects focusing on achievement of the following results: Periodic reports and policy briefs aimed at promoting equitable economic growth and human development through policies and strategies aimed at promoting sustainable increases in agricultural and industrial productivity and diversification, environmental protection, equitable access to resources and opportunities for Zambians to improve their livelihoods including through a greater integration of the informal sector in the economy and promotion.. Analytical inputs to CCA, UNDAF, CPD, CPAP and other strategic documents, and advice on the needed reviews and adaptations during implementation and as circumstances change. Analytical inputs to UNDP programmes and projects to ensure their alignment with national policies and priorities in the specific thematic areas of agriculture and rural development, environmental protection and adaptation to climatic change, and development of industry and trade strategies and policies to promote economic diversification and technological upgrading, and promotion of the integration of the informal sector in the erst of the economy and as a viable source of livelihoods, Analysis of economic environment and identification of possible areas for UNDP support to government and other stakeholders to enhance the development impacts of their programmes towards poverty reduction through policies and programmes in the areas of agricultural and rural development, environmental protection and adaptation to climatic change, technological upgrading and industrial and trade diversification; Provision of analytical input and collaboration in the coordination of the production and launch of economic reports, including the national Millennium Development Goals and National Human Development Reports. 2. Address cross cutting themes in the above analysis, focusing on the following: Gender equity and empowerment; and women in business Macro-economics of HIV and AIDS, including vulnerability and response issues; Youth empowerment and development. 3. Provides advice to UNDP and counterparts, and facilitation of knowledge building focusing on achievement of the following results: Enhanced capacity for the analysis of the country’s challenges and opportunities for the promotion of inclusive growth based on a diversified economy and appropriate deployment of national natural and human resources Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice through identification of best practices and lessons learned in the country and elsewhere. Support to the management of the office in facilitation of policy dialogue on economic issues with the Government, private sector, civil society and donors, with focus on issues related to agriculture and rural development, trade and industry diversification and technological upgrading, environmental protection and climatic change, informal sector and urban development. g and diversification, poverty reduction, social policies, labor and micro-finance market policies and development Provision of capacity building support on economic issues to office staff. 4. Ensures creation of strategic partnerships and support to resource mobilization focusing on achievement of the following results: Assistance to UNDP in resource mobilization by preparing analytical papers, concept notes and project documents to elicit bilateral and multilateral donor funding to UNDP activities focused on enhancing development outcomes in Zambia. Analysis and research of information on donor activities in Zambia and preparation of substantive briefs exploring potential areas of cooperation with the country office. Assistance in creation of strategic partnerships by preparing policy briefs, notes, speeches and statements for UNDP officials. 5. Advocacy and promotion of awareness of UNDP’s mandate and mission focusing on achievement of the following results: Advocacy for the Millennium Development Goals, Human Development 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 national policy dialogue and enhance the policy impact of UNDP and Government programmes and projects to assist Zambia to attain sustainable agriculture and rural development, trade and industry diversification and technological upgrading, environmental protection and resilience and adaptation to climatic change.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modelling 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 favouritism 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 Good knowledge of economics and current development issues particularly those pertinent to UNDP’s Practice Areas. Ability to analyze data, apply conceptual models, policy frameworks 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

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications A Master’s Degree in Economics Master’s Degree in Economics with focus on Development Economics or one area of sectoral economics, specifically any of the following: agricultural economics, environmental economics, trade and industry. A minimum of three (3) years of post Masters degree relevant experience at the national or international level in policy relevant research and advice. Experience in the statistical analysis large datasets using computers and modern statistical software as well as standard Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Power Point) packages. Fluent in English. ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE. Long listed candidates will be requested to submit written samples of their research work, covering issues related to the thematic area defined in the Description of Responsibilities above. A written technical test will be administered prior to the interview.

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.

National Economist - Sector Economics & Sustainable Development