Economist – Development Strategy [Open to Tier 0, 1 & 2 applicants]

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments whose posts will be abolished or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) personnel on regular PSA contracts and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title if any and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

UNDP operates as the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development within the UN development system helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through evidence-based policy advice and integrated development solutions. Through the Global Policy Network (GPN) UNDP connects global expertise with local priorities to strengthen institutional capabilities and deliver impactful development results.

The Inclusive Growth Team (IGT) at the Bangkok Regional Hub supports governments and UNDP Country Offices across Asia and the Pacific in analysing economic challenges improving development strategies and strengthening institutional capacities for inclusive sustainable growth. Key areas of work include analytical diagnostics on growth productivity job creation inequality structural transformation social protection and inclusive economic policies.

A major component of the teams work is Building Opportunities for Leadership in Development (BOLD) UNDPs high-level advisory initiative that supports governments to translate evidence diagnostics and foresight into strategically prioritized forward-leaning reform pathways.

To support this expanding portfolio the Inclusive Growth team seeks an Economist (IPSA-11) with strong technical skills in economic analysis labour markets growth diagnostics and inclusive development.

Duties and Responsibilities

A. Conduct Technical Analysis and Research (BOLD)

• Conduct analytical assessments on economic growth structural transformation jobs and labour market trends productivity and inequality;
• Apply quantitative and qualitative methods to produce diagnostics that inform government strategy processes;
• Support the development of growth and inclusion models microdata analysis and sectoral assessments;
• Prepare technical papers data-driven policy briefs and background notes for senior economists and government counterparts;
• Contribute to regional knowledge products on economic transformation and inclusive growth.

B. Support to Government Advisory and Country Engagement

• Provide technical inputs to high-level policy dialogues led by the IPSA-12 Senior Economist and Inclusive Growth team experts;
• Support Country Offices in delivering BOLD analytical work including country capability assessments and economic diagnostics;
• Assist in preparing presentations data visualizations and evidence packs for government engagements;
• Participate in technical missions consultations and workshops as required.

C. Contribute to the Programme Implementation and Coordination

• Contribute to planning monitoring and delivery of BOLD activities at regional and country levels;
• Provide analytical and reporting inputs to donor updates internal quality assurance and project documentation;
• Coordinate with Country Offices external research partners and internal teams to ensure analytic consistency and quality;
• Support knowledge codification and documentation of methodologies tools and country experiences.

D. Facilitate Knowledge Management and Learning

• Maintain and update datasets analytical tools and templates used across the BOLD programme;
• Synthesize lessons learned from country implementation to inform regional guidance;
• Prepare technical guidance notes on inclusive growth analysis job creation diagnostics and related topics.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation

Institutional Arrangement

The Economist will report directly to the UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and Pacific Chief Economist (and head of the Inclusive Growth GPN Team) and will work closely with:

• The Inclusive Growth Team Regional Advisor economists. and policy specialists
• The BOLD Project Manager
• Country Office economists and programme teams
• Government counterparts and external partners

Regular engagement with the Global Policy Network (GPN) and other Regional Hubs may be required.

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:

2030 Agenda: Prosperity

• Inclusive Growth: Development Planning
• Inclusive Growth: Growth strategies
• Inclusive Growth: Structural Transformation
• Inclusive Growth: Jobs and Livelihoods
• Inclusive Growth: Poverty and Inequality Metrics

Data

• Data analysis: Ability to extract analyses and visualize data to form meaningful insights and aid effective business decision making

Business Direction and 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

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (masters degree or equivalent) in Economics Applied Economics Statistics Public Policy or a related field is required. OR
• A first-level university degree (bachelors degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A PhD in Economics or related field is desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years (with masters degree) or 9 years (with bachelors degree) of relevant professional experience in applied economic analysis economic research or development policy.

Required Skills:

• Experience conducting or supporting growth diagnostics labour market analysis or inclusion/inequality assessments;
• Experience with quantitative analysis microeconomic datasets or macroeconomic modelling;
• Experience working with governments international organizations research institutes or development partners.

Desired Skills:

• Previous UNDP or UN system experience is an asset;
• Familiarity with development challenges and policy contexts in Asia and the Pacific is highly desirable;
• Experience in preparing technical guidance notes on inclusive growth analysis job creation diagnostics and related topics is 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.

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDPs guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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