National Economist (Open to internal and external 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.

I. Background and Organizational Context

Somalia is emerging from one of the world’s most complex and protracted conflicts, social and political instability that caused tremendous loss of human and physical capital. Somalia is at a critical juncture as the country progresses towards sustainable transformation, determined to break away from prolonged crises and fragility. Somalia wants to transform fast, make up for decades of stagnation and catch up with the rest of the world.

In the past two years, Somalia has made considerable progress and has undergone significant political, security and socioeconomic improvements, including (i) significant debt relief package with graduation from the Highly Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (HIPC), (ii) joining to the East Africa Community, (iii) the lifting of the UN arms embargo, (iv) increase of the domestic revenue and (v) membership in the UN Security Council. Similarly, after three decades, Somalia was included in the Human Development Report (2023-2024) and for the first time in the global Human Development Index.

The UNDP Somalia has several projects and programmes which work through a joint approach with the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) and the UN Country Team to strengthen collaboration, focus and coherence in the implementation of the Somalia national priorities. Given the ongoing UNTMIS drawdown, as mandated by UN SCR 2753 (2024), and the recognition that stems from UNDP’s extensive joint programs which underscore UNDP’s critical contribution to ensuring a smooth and effective transition, it is envisaged that a number of UNTMIS led functions will be handed over to UNDP. In preparation for the envisaged handover, UNDP is positioning its presence in relevant programmatic areas, and scaling up its capacities and expertise, including for critical policy advisory, in anticipation of increased responsibilities in supporting the economic, development and social agenda in Somalia.

Somalia aspires to become a prosperous and peaceful country with a thriving, sustainable economy that can provide high-quality services and contribute to the well-being of its citizens, with stable and inclusive governance, anchored on the rule of law. This collective aspiration is encapsulated into Somalia’s National Transformation Plan (NTP) centered around four key pillars: Transformational Governance; Sustainable Economic Transformation; Social and Human Capital Transformation and Environment and Climate Resilience. To achieve its ambitious transformative agenda and inspiring vision of the future, the country is determined to tackle root causes of long-standing issues and address structural and systemic challenges.

II. Position Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative - Programme, with a matrix reporting line to the Portfolio Manager, Economic recovery and Institutional Development, the National Economist advises Senior Management on macroeconomic policies, trends, and their linkages to UNDP programmes, providing analysis for strategy formulation and briefings.

In anticipation of the planned handover of key UNTMIS-led functions to UNDP, the organization is strengthening its programmatic presence and scaling up capacities across critical areas. As part of this strategic transition, UNDP seeks to recruit an Economist to provide high-quality policy advice, analytical support, and thought leadership. The Economist will play a pivotal role in advancing UNDP’s expanding responsibilities in Somalia’s economic, development, and social sectors, ensuring the organization is well-positioned to support national priorities and drive impactful, evidence-based programming. Furthermore, the recruitment of an Economist will provide the Somalia Country Office with the necessary flexibility and agility to respond to emerging policy and programmatic demands, strategically position UNDP within the evolving UN landscape, and enhance collaboration with UNTMIS and other UN agencies. This role is critical to maintaining operational continuity, offering timely economic analysis, and informing the implementation of ongoing programmes with evidence-based insights that support Somalia’s development priorities.

Working closely with Government counterparts, the National Economist identifies alternative economic and development policy options to enhance the policy impact of UNDP projects and programmes. The National Economist advocates for and represents UNDP in his/her area of expertise as requested by his/her supervisor.

The National Economist collaborates with programme and operations teams to integrate UNDP’s regional activities for maximum development impact. The National Economist works closely with other Country Office units: Inclusive Politics; Rule of Law and Security; Resilience and Climate Change; Economic recovery and institutional development; Gender; Programme Oversight and Quality Assurance Unit; Accelerator Lab; Partnerships; Communications; and Operations units. The Economist maintains a network with colleagues from UNDP, UN Agencies, IFIs, Government officials, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors, and civil society.

In alignment with UNDP’s portfolio approach, which fosters horizontal collaboration across units and projects, the National Economist works within multidisciplinary teams and engages closely with colleagues from the Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) and the Global Policy Network (GPN) based in Amman, New York, and other locations.

III. Key Duties and Accountabilities

1.) Provide policy advice and support to UNDP and CO management, programmes and projects on economic and development issues.

Example of Duties:

• 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.
• 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.