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 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.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.
The Economist Programme provides policy and programme support on economic, development and social issues at the country office level in alignment with the 2030 development agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Economists play an important role in the Country Office by conducting research and producing analytical reports that inform decision making on inclusive economic development growth, the design of Programme and projects, and assessment of UNDP impact.
Under the strategic guidance of the Resident Representative (RR) and direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative (DRR), the Economist advises Senior Management on economic policies, trends and relevant linkages to UNDP programmes and provides analysis for formulation of strategies and senior level briefings. The Economist works with Government counterparts to identify alternative economic policy options and to enhance the policy impact of UNDP projects and programmes. The Economist advocates for and represents UNDP in his/her area of expertise as requested by the RR or DRR.
The Economist may supervise and lead a team of UNDP experts, international and national consultants and project staff. The Economist interacts collaboratively with colleagues from UNDP, UN Agencies, IFIs, Government officials, partners and civil society to maintain networks and exchange information.
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.
Duties and Responsibilities
1) Provide policy advice and support to UNDP and CO management, programmes and projects on economic and development issues.
- Compile, analyze and interpret economic and statistical data, conduct thorough research of the economic and development issues in the country and prepare top quality analysis and reports aimed at promoting equitable economic growth and human development;
- Provide top quality analysis and substantive inputs to Common Country Assessments (CCA), UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), Country Programme Document (CPD), and other strategic documents;
- Lead the drafting of the Country Programme Document as well as key sections of ROAR;
- Provide advice on possible areas for UNDP support and adjustment of on-going programmes to ensure that UNDP programmes are in line with national policies and priorities;
- Produce and launch economic reports, including National Human Development Reports;
- Represent UNDP in different working groups.
2) Provide advice to Government counterparts and facilitate knowledge building on economic and development issues.
- Provide policy options, particularly from pro-poor and sustainability perspectives, on economic and development issues to governments and other development actors;
- Make contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
- Contribute to the assessment of the country’s economic policies and strategies in their impact on poverty reduction, and inclusive and sustainable growth, etc;
- Provide training and capacity building support for UNDP staff, Government officials, and public institutions on economic issues.
3) Participate in the building of strategic partnerships and programme design and implementation of the Country Office resource mobilization strategy.
- Develop partnerships with the UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, private sector, civil society and development partners based on strategic goals of UNDP and country’s priorities;
- Research and analyze information on donors and prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation;
- Produce periodic updates and briefs on country development situation to be used by stakeholders, CO and HQ;
- Undertake selected studies/research on emerging development concerns that feed into UNDP Programme, national policies and strategies.
4) Promote awareness of and support advocacy for UNDP mandate and mission.
- Contribute to policy advocacy for Human Development and inclusive sustainable economic growth by participating in relevant forums, UNCT, GoK, conferences and trainings;
- Provide support to monitoring progress and formulation of strategies towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals;
- Produce high-quality research papers for UNDP presentation at national and international workshops and conferences;
- Produce blogs, op-eds, articles, etc on development issues and UNDP Programmes and projects activities.
- Manage events and publications on economic issues and act as UNDP focal point to the UNCT economists group.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangements
The Economics Specialist works under the general supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative (Programmes & Operations) and collaborates closely with the Communications Specialist.
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.
Functional/Technical competencies
Business Direction & Strategy
- Systems 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 Development
- Knowledge Facilitation: Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally.
Business Management: Portfolio Management
- Ability to select, prioritize 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 optimizing return on investment.
Digital & Innovation: Data literacy
- Understand the potential as well as the limitations of using data driven innovation.
- Ability to use a mix of data sources (quantitative, qualitative or real-time techniques) to develop understanding, identify patterns to inform decision making or identify opportunities for further exploration.
Programme & Policy
- Crisis and Fragility Policy and Engagement: Data/Analytics for early warning and crisis management.
Programme & Policy: SDG Integration
- Economy-wide analysis
- Engagement with South-South Global Thinkers.
Digital & Innovation: Co-creation
- Ability to design and facilitate a process that enables a diverse group of stakeholders to solve a common problem, develop a practice, or create knowledge together.
- Ability to embrace diversity, work with a diverse group of stakeholders, understand their interests, perspectives and views and tap into them as a source for creativity.
- Ability to facilitate processes and create conditions that are open for diverse inputs, stimulate collaboration and sharing.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Economics or relevant related field is required.
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level that includes extensive experience in research and policy-level analysis, and some experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects.
Required skills:
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge web-based management systems such as ERP and advanced programmes for statistical analysis of data;
- Knowledge and experience in Economics.
Desired additional skills:
- Experience in working, liaising, and collaborating with UN agencies, governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and public international organizations;
- Proven knowledge of capacity building theory and capacity building/assessment methodologies.
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in English is required.
- Fluency in Swahili is required.
- Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.
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 UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
