Job Vacancy: National ECONOMISTJob Location : Abuja, NIGERIAApplication Deadline : 02-Aug-09Type of Contract : FTA LocalPost Level : NO-C (National Officer)Languages Required :EnglishStarting Date : (date when the selected canditate is expected to start) 31-Aug-2009Duration of Initial Contract : One year (renewable)Expected Duration of Assignment : RenewableBackgroundUnder the overall guidance of RR/RC and direct supervision of EA, the National Economist advises Senior Management on macro-Economic policies and trends and relevant linkages to Undp programmes.

The National Economist provides analysis for formulation of strategies and briefings to Senior Management. The National Economist works with Government and counterparts to identify alternative macro-economic policy options and to enhance the policy impact of UNDP projects and programmes.
The National Economist maintains a network with colleagues from UNDP, UN agencies, IFIs, Government officials (state and federal), multilateral and bilateral donors and civil society organizations.

Job Duties and ResponsibilitiesSummary of key functions:

Advise and support to UNDP management on economic and Development issuesAdvise and facilitate knowledge building on economic and development issuesCreate strategic partnerships and relationship building among UNDP’s clientsAdvocate and promote UNDP’s mandates and missionProvides advice and strategic support to UNDP management, programmes and projects focusing on achievement of the following results:

Compilation, periodic analysis and interpretation of economic and statistical data, thorough research of the economic and development issues in the country and production of relevant reports aimed at promoting pro poor economic growth and sustainable human development.Provision of analysis and substantive inputs to CCA, UNDAF, CPD, CPAP, AWP and other strategic documents.Provision of economic inputs to all relevant Undp Programmes and projects for aligning UNDP programmes with national policies and priorities.Analysis of economic environment and synthesis of proposals on possible areas for UNDP support to ensure that UNDP programmes are in line with national policies and priorities and are strategically positioned.Production and launch of economic reports, UNDP analytical and advocacy reports such as National Human Development Reports (NHDRs) and the Millennium Development Goals Reports (MDGRs).

Provides advice to UNDP and counterparts and facilitation of knowledge building focusing on achievement of the following results:

Analysis of the country’s macro-economic policies and their impact on poverty reduction, growth, equity, etc.Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice through identification of best practices and lessons learned.Support to the management of the office in facilitation of policy dialogue on economic issues with the Government, private sector, civil society and donors/development partnersProvision of capacity building support on economic issues to office staffParticipation in fiscal policy management capacity building initiative of the CO.

Ensures creation of strategic partnerships and relationship building among UNDP clients focusing on achievement of the following results:
Supporting UNDP in its aid harmonization and coordination.

Assist UNDP in preparing analytical papers and documentations for donor/development partners and consultative meetings.Analyse information and conduct research on donors; preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation.Assist in creation of strategic partnerships by preparing notes, speeches and statements for UNDP officials and consultative meetings.Facilitating and coordinating strategic missions within and outside the country.Advocacy and promotion of awareness of UNDP’s mandate and mission focusing on achievement of the following results:

Advocacy for the Millennium Development Goals, Human Development and pro poor economic growth by participating in relevant forums, conferences and trainings.Support to monitoring progress and formulation of strategies towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.Contribution to national development planning and national strategic documents.Management of events and publications on economic issues.Impact of Results

The key results of the post are to strengthen UNDP’s contributions to the national policy dialogue and enhance the policy impact of UNDP programmes and projects. In particular, the key results have an impact on the design of programmes and increases visibility of UNDP in the discussion about economic policies and analysis.
CompetenciesCompetencies and Critical Success Factors
Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standardsPromotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDPDisplays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptabilityTreats all people fairly without favoritismFunctional Competencies:
Kowledge Management and Learning

Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to UNDP Practice Areas and actively works towards continuing personal learning and developmentAbility to provide top quality policy advice services on economic issuesIn-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issuesDevelopment and Operational Effectiveness
Good knowledge of economics and current development issues particularly those pertinent to

UNDP’s Practice Areas.Ability to analyze data, apply conceptual models and policy frameworks.Ability to lead formulation and evaluation of development programmes and projectsAbility to apply economic theory to the specific country context, carry out high-quality economic research.Management and Leadership
Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedbackEncourages risk-taking in the pursuit of creativity and innovationLeads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skillsConsistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitudeDemonstrates strong oral and written communication skillsBuilds strong relationships with clients and external actors

Job Required Skills and Experience
Education:A Masters Degree in Economics or a related discpline.
Job Experience:

At least 5 years of relevant experience at the national level.Regional and International experience is an added advantage.

Cognate experience in economic policy research and analysis.Some experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects.Sound macroeconomic and modeling background is also required.Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems and advanced programmes for statistical and data analysis.Language Requirements:

Fluency in English (both written and spoken).Ability to communicate at least one national language.

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