Economic Specialist

Background

As the United Nations' lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, and institutional capabilities, and build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated on three focus areas: inclusive sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate change and disaster resilience.

UNDP connects countries to the knowledge, resources, and networks they need to achieve development breakthroughs. Our work is summarized in our six signature solutions, adapted to context and powered by three potent enablers for greater impact. Responding in an integrated and coherent manner, we are determined to end poverty and hunger, protect the planet from degradation, ensure that all people have prosperous lives, with growth that occurs in harmony with nature, and to foster peaceful and inclusive societies. We are committed to mobilizing the means to implement the 2030 Agenda through a revitalized Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, based on a spirit of strengthened global solidarity.

UNDP supports countries around the world to formulate strategies, policies, and programme interventions that promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To advance these aims, UNDP provides technical policy advice and programming tools, especially to help address critical sustainable development challenges. The UNDP country office works closely with government counterparts and other national stakeholders to support the introduction of inclusive and sustainable development policies that are aligned with the national context. Economic Specialist based in country offices across the Regional Bureau for Africa region contribute to this work, including through support to policy dialogue with government officials and other partners, assistance in programme development, and production of research and analysis, and knowledge products. These colleagues also collaborate and share experiences and practices across countries inside and outside the Regional Bureau for Africa. 

UNDP Liberia is recruiting an Economic Specialist to help contribute to its overall work programme. The Economic Specialist will support the country office by providing economic analysis and policy advice to management and government counterparts that favor inclusive development, including the integration of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs into the Government’s Medium Term Development Plan, the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development  (AAID), and the County Development Plan ( CDA).S/he will also work closely with all programme teams and be responsible for helping develop large-scale development solutions and activities aimed at enhancing UNDP’s programmatic support to Liberia The Economic Specialist is expected to contribute to knowledge generation through research and analysis, represent UNDP as required in policy discussions, and work closely with the country programme teams and the regional network on SDG integration, acceleration, and innovation. The Economic Specialist (ES)will be based full-time in the UNDP Liberia country office. Domestic and international travel may be required. S/he will work closely with the programme and operations teams in the country office and collaborate with UNCT in furtherance of UNDP’s support to achieving the SDGs in Liberia and colleagues' Regional Service Centres and SART at the UNDP RBA Headquarters. S/he will also collaborate with the regional network of country economists. This will include systematic engagement with and oversight from the Economic Advisor (where applicable) and the RBA Chief Economist based in New York.  S/he is also expected to develop and maintain a network of colleagues across development partner agencies, government institutions, the private sector, and civil society.  The Economic Specialist will play a crucial role in the implementation of the AAID, the development UN’s Cooperation Framework, and the development of both Governance and Inclusive Growth Portfolios in connection with the new UNDP Liberia Country Programme Document (CPD) due for Executive Board Approval.  The Economic Specialist will also support the development of national plans, Common Country Analysis, the formulation of the successor to the current CPDs, and CF when they expire.  The Economic Specialist will support and organize Development Dialogues, the launch of the Global Human Development Reports, the Production of National Human Development Reports, support the development Integrated National Financing Frameworks and support Domestic Resource Mobilization efforts.

UNDP has supported the Government and people of Liberia in their efforts to reduce poverty and inequality in a bid to attain sustainable development since 1977. This has been done by, among other things, strengthening and reforming governance institutions to be inclusive and participatory, developing the necessary regulatory frameworks, upholding human rights, and supporting the growth of the private sector and civil society. Our United Nations identity ensures neutrality and respect for people’s choices. Transparency and accountability in operations make us a trusted partner for national and international development stakeholders.

UNDP encourages and enables collective intelligence, collaboration, integration, critical thinking and thought leadership. We mainstream innovation, digitalization opportunities, gender equity and diversity/inclusion principles in all aspects of our work. Our staff consistently strive for excellence, effectiveness, efficiency and inclusion across all areas of work.

In close cooperation with the UNDP Programme and Operations teams and other Country Office units, Strategy and Policy Unit supports the strategic positioning of the UNDP in delivering support to Liberia’s national development plan, and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, in furtherance of the UNDP Strategic Plan (2026-2029), the UNDP Liberia CPD (2026-2030), and the UN Cooperation Framework (2026-2030). 

Position Purpose

Under the overall guidance of the Resident Representative (RR) and direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative, Programme (DRR-P) the Economic Specialist advises Senior Management on macroeconomic policies and trends and relevant linkages to UNDP programmes. The Economic Specialist provides analysis for formulation of strategies and briefings to Senior management. The Economic Specialist works closely with Government counterparts to identify alternative macroeconomic policy options and to enhance the policy impact of UNDP projects and programmes. The Economic Specialist advocates for and represents UNDP in his/her area of expertise as requested by his/her supervisor.

The Economic Specialist may supervise and lead a team of UNDP experts, international and national consultants and project staff. The Economic Specialist maintains a network with colleagues from UNDP, UN Agencies, IFIs, Government officials, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide advice and support UNDP Management, programmes and project focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Compilation, analysis and interpretation of economic and statistical data, through research of the economic and development issues in the country and preparation of top-quality analysis and report;
• Advice on possible areas for UNDP support and/or adjustment of ongoing programmes to ensure that UNDP programmes are in line with national policies and priorities;
• Assist UNDP country office management with preparation and implementation of country programmes and strategies, including the Country Programme Document (CPD);
• Support UNDP country office teams to develop and manage relevant thematic portfolios, such as activities to support inclusive growth and progress towards the SDGs;
• Provide analysis and research in priority thematic areas at the country level, including through the publication of policy briefs or other analytical outputs; 
• Compile and analyze statistical data as required in support of country strategies and activities;
• Collaborate across UNDP teams, especially to ensure linkages to the work emerging from the network of acceleration labs;
• Support the creation of large-scale development solutions to help address complex development challenges.

Provide advice and options to Government counterparts and facilitation of knowledge building and management, especially in support of the 2030 Agenda and the introduction of sustainable and inclusive economic policies, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Support and facilitate dialogue on sustainable development issues with government officials, development partners, civil society, and the private sector;
• Provide policy and programming advice and support for development planning and policy formulation at the national, sub-national and local levels;
• Support the identification and analysis of interventions that can impact multiple development goals and targets at the same time; 
• Support monitoring and reporting of progress related to SDGs and other national development frameworks;
• Facilitation of policy dialogue on economic issues with the Government, donors, civil society, private sector; contributions to the development of policies as relevant;
• Provision of policy options, particularly from pro-poor perspectives, on macroeconomic and development issues to governments and other development actors;
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practices through identification of best practices and lessons learned;
• Training and capacity building support for UNDP staff and Government officials on economic issues.

Provide technical and advisory support in the preparation of national development frameworks /strategies and other flagship productions like the SDGs, NHDRs, etc.:

• Participate in the preparation of national development strategies like the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, Subnational National Development plans, like the County Development Agenda, and the production of the National Vision);
• Provide technical and advisory support in the preparation of the Sustainable Development Goals Reports;
• Lead and technically support the preparation of the NHDR. 

Ensures creation of strategic partnerships and support to resource mobilization, representation, advocacy, and partner engagement to support UNDP’s institutional positioning and advance its mandate focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Development and partnership with the UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors’ private sector, civil society areas based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donor priorities;
• Development of Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF);
• Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation;
• Represent UNDP country office in relevant forums, conferences, or workshops, including to present research or programmatic results;
• Assistance to the government and UNDP in resource mobilization by preparing documentation for donor and consultative meetings;
• Support UNDP resource mobilization and future growth strategies through project pipeline development and design of large-scale programme and development solutions; 
• Contribute to national, regional, and global knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Advocacy and promotion of awareness of UNDP’s mandate and mission, and contribution to UNDP’s work across the RBA, including collaboration with the regional economist network and analysis of priority regional thematic areas, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Public and policy advocacy for SDGs, and sustainable and Inclusive economic growth by participating in relevant national forums, conferences and training;
• Support for monitoring progress and formulation of strategies towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal;
• Participate actively in the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa’s network of economists, including through attending regional meetings (in-person and/or virtual), sharing relevant experiences, and conducting peer reviews; 
• Substantively contribute as much as possible to UNDP regional knowledge products and development of programming offers in regional priority areas (e.g., inequality, future of work, innovative financing);
• Enhance UNDP’s understanding and design of new approaches to sustainable development across the region by acting as a regional thematic lead where possible;
• Management of events and publications on economic issues. 

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: Supervision and management of the Strategy and Policy Unit, serving as OIC, and supervision of the Sustainable Development Associate, and consultants that may be procured. 

Competencies

2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness

• Strategic Policy Engagement: Strategic policy advice in the context of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF).

2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness

• Strategic Policy Engagement: Strategic policy advice in the context of the G20.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Econometrics, Public Policy, Development Studies, Statistics or a related area is required. 
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration instead of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years (with master’s degree) or seven (7) years (with bachelor’s degree) of substantive experience at the national and/or international level in providing management advisory services is required;
• Extensive experience in senior-level management responsibilities is required;
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Starta, Eviews, etc.), database packages, and web-based management systems such as ERP are required;
• Demonstrated experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development portfolios and projects in the areas of governance and prosperity is desired; 
• Demonstrated experience in establishing inter-relationships among international organizations and national governments is desired;
• Demonstrated experience in building strategic partnerships and network building is desired;
• Extensive experience in strategic partnerships and resource mobilization is desired;
• Demonstrated experience in policy analysis, research, or related advisory roles are desired.

Required Language(s):

• Fluency in English is required.

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.

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