Economics Specialist (Open to all applicants)

The Economics Specialist provides policy advice and support on economic and development issues to UNDP and government counterparts in Kenya. The role involves conducting research, producing analytical reports, advising on economic policies, and supporting programme design aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Perform other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Experience in working, liaising, and collaborating with UN agencies, governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and public international organizations (desired).
• Proven knowledge of capacity building theory and capacity building/assessment methodologies (desired).
• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in Swahili is required.
• Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.

Skills

• Economic Research
• Policy Analysis
• Project Design
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Statistical Analysis
• ERP Systems
• MS Word
• Excel
• Capacity-building Methodologies
• Liaising with United Nations agencies
• Collaboration with NGOs
• Economic Policy Advice

Languages

English, Swahili