Location : Phnom Penh, CAMBODIA
Application Deadline : 10-Jun-10
Additional Category Poverty Reduction
Type of Contract : Service Contract
Post Level : SB-4
Languages Required : English
Starting Date : (date when the selected canditate is expected to start) 18-Jul-2010
Duration of Initial Contract : one year with possible extension
Background
The UNDP Insights for Action (UNDP/IFA) Initiative was created to undertake critical and timely policy research to facilitate policy dialogue on key development issues between the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC), Cambodian society and Cambodia’s development partners. IFA’s research focuses on accelerating progress toward Cambodia’s Millennium Development Goals (CMDGs) and human development in Cambodia.
UNDP/IFA generates innovative ideas, creative approaches and practical knowledge in support of the implementation of the RGC’s National Strategic Development Plan, 2006-2010 (NSDP). The dissemination of the main recommendations derived from this research supports an open dialogue between government and key development stakeholders and catalyzes informed debate as well as action in critical areas where breakthroughs are needed, enriching the analysis and policy making process.
UNDP/IFA has three mutually reinforcing components: knowledge generation, knowledge sharing and knowledge management. The first focuses on practical research, and the second focuses on dissemination of the results of that research through a well planned communications strategy. The third focuses on advocacy and capacity development to ensure that national counterparts and development partners (multilateral banks, donors, NGOs/CSOs and the private sector) use these results for policy and programming purposes.
The National Senior Economist will strengthen IFA’s ongoing efforts to support the development of Cambodia’s socio-economic related matter. The National Senior economist works in close collaboration with UNDP/IFA research team under general guidelines of the UNDP Senior Management, IFA Advisory Group ensuring successful implementation of UNDP/IFA Annual Work Plan, UNDP Country Programme Action Plan.
Duties and Responsibilities
The National Senior Economist performs under the direct supervision of the Senior National Project Manager in assisting UNDP Senior Management on macro-and micro- economic policy analysis and trends and relevant linkages to UNDP programs. S/he is accountable to UNDP for the timely research management, delivery and quality of research outputs and policy brief paper as agreed in the Annual Work Plan.
Summary of Key Functions:
* Advice and support to UNDP/Insights for Action Initiative on economic and high priority development issues.
* Manage, conduct and facilitate high quality targeted policy-based research.
* Ensure effective facilitation of knowledge sharing and management.
* Communication and Advocacy and promotion of UNDP/IFA strategy-based.
1. Advice and support to UNDP/Insights for Action Initiative on economic and high priority development issues.
* Provision of periodic analysis of economic and development issues and production of relevant reports and policy-based research publications on poverty reduction, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), human development, and other high priority development issues in Cambodia, related to IFA projects.
* Provision of analytical and programmatic support to design of strategic research proposals including TORs, concept note, work plans and budgets.
* Preparation of substantive economic briefing notes on demand for the Senior National Project Manager and/or UNDP management,
* Analysis of the latest socio-economic developments relevant to Cambodia, and preparation of brief policy issues papers and other relevant socio-economic reports to ensure that UNDP/IFA priorities are in line with national policies and priorities and are strategically positioned..
* Preparation of necessary correspondence to relevant Government counterpart authorities, UNDP Headquarters, implementing and executing agencies on the design, implementation and substantive results of IFA/UNDP research and other substantive initiatives.
* Develops and maintains an up-to-date user friendly socio-economic data base on Cambodia to facilitate the on demand preparation of IFA/UNDP briefings, reports, official statements, presentations, etc.
2. Managing, conducting and facilitation of top quality policy-based researches focusing on achievement of the following results:
* Effectively manage the formulation and implementation of any needed follow-up research projects and/or capacity development to help implement the policy or program implications generated by IFA.
* Coordinate and manage other selected research initiatives and research missions.
* Reviewing and improving to ensure the quality of substantive research drafts.
* Prepare field based case studies for various research initiatives and policy brief paper.
* Analyze the country’s macro-economic policies and their impact on poverty reduction, growth, equity, etc.
3. Ensure effective facilitation of knowledge sharing and management focusing on achievement of the following results:
* Advice and identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues.
* Identification and synthesis of best practices and lesson learnt linked to programme country policy goals.
* Continuously identify relevant knowledge, experience and best practices and facilitate their sharing within the Country Office, with the Government counterpart and other stakeholders
* Regular consultation with other development partners, academic and research institutes, and other stakeholders when needed to help achieve IFA outputs and objectives.
* Coordination of the production and launch of economic reports.
* Facilitate and collaborate with UNDP, UN Country Team, other donors and civil society knowledge network in sharing information on UNDP policy research.
4. Advocacy, communication and promotion of UNDP/IFA strategy-based focusing on achievement of the following results:
* Advise and facilitate policy dialogues on socio-economic, and poverty reduction issues with the Government, donors, civil society and private sector and contribute towards the overall advocacy work to support the achievement of CMDGs in the country
* Contribute to formulation and implementation of advocacy and communication strategies towards the achievement of the UNDP/IFA project outputs and UNDP country programme outcomes.
* In close collaboration with the communication team prepare response to the queries of media/other as need.
* Contribute to the preparation of UNDP Discussion Paper series and IFA related publication
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
* Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
* Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
* Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
* Treats all people fairly without favoritism
Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning
* Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
* In-depth knowledge of development issues
* Ability to advocate and provide policy analysis and recommendations
* Ability to actively work towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, as well as to act on a learning plan and to apply newly acquired skills
Development and Operational Effectiveness
* Knowledge of strategic planning, results-based management and reporting.
* Knowledge of formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programs and projects.
* Strong presentation skills.
* Adept at participating in sectoral knowledge networks for public and private sectors and development partners.
* Ability to apply development theory to the specific country context, carry out high-quality research, including data analysis, application of conceptual models, and institutional and policy frameworks relating to socio-economic issues.
* Ability to work effectively in a team, under frequent pressure to meet deadlines with high-quality results
Management and Leadership
* Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
* Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
* Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
* Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
* Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
* Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
* Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Master’s Degree in a development-related field, i.e Economics, Development Economics or Political Science;
Experience:
* At least 5 years of relevant work experience as an economist at a practical and applied level, at the national or international level;
* Expertise and proven track record in formulating inclusive policies , in conducting and leading socio-economic researches;
* Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with various partners including the government, academia, civil society, private sector, UN and other development donors.
* Substantial knowledge on high sound liaison, negotiation and representational skills in local and national levels
* Strong commitment to and skills of knowledge management and capacity development.
Languages:
Proficiency in written and spoken in English.