Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:ย we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a โleave no one behindโ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories. ย 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.
Globally, UNDP has a mandate to support SDG Integration to ensure faster progress on sustainable development and offers support in four areas, (1) integrated policy and programming solutions, (2) SDG metrics, data and analysis using state-of-the-art tools for modelling and forecasting, (3) knowledge and innovation and (4) SDG Financing options to help countries identify innovative ways to expand public and private contributions to reach the 2030 agenda.
The Economic Specialist works under the guidance of the UNDP Resident Representative in the country and collaborates closely with the programme and operations teams in the Country Office, Accelerator Lab, and Regional Bureau of Asia and the Pacific, including the Asia-Pacific regional network of country economists. S/he will develop and maintain a professional network across development partner agencies, government institutions, the private sector, academic institutions and civil society at the country level.
At COP 26, Vietnam pledged net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and to phase out coal power generation in the 2040s. These commitments represent an historic challenge for a country that has pursued an energy-intensive strategy of development, integrating into global production systems especially in manufacturing. Moreover, Viet Nam is among the countries in the region most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The energy transition and adaptation to climate change therefore constitute a major focus of the work of the Economic Specialist. The impact of the energy transition and climate change on vulnerable people and communities is a central concern of UNDP. UNDP also works closely with government and other partners on sustainable financing for the energy transition, energy security and carbon markets.ย Other policy priorities relating to sustainability in the promotion of circular economy approaches, biodiversity conservation and the blue economy.
Vietnam has achieved great success in reducing extreme and multidimensional poverty. While official measures of inequality have been relatively stable, specific groups of Vietnamese citizens have benefited less from growth and are at risk of marginalization. Reform of the social protection system to improve coverage of vulnerable people, including ethnic minorities and people living in remote, rural locations, migrants, people living with disabilities, and the elderly. As the rate of migration accelerates, the issue of access to affordable housing and essential services in cities will become more important. Although women and girls have equal access to education, progress in other dimensions of gender equality has stalled. UNDP is a leading voice advocating a more creative, active role for youth in development policy and programming.ย
Under the strategic guidance of the Resident Representative (RR), the Economic Specialist advises Senior Management, other members of UNDP and its partners on economic policies, trends and relevant linkages to UNDP programmes. The Economic Specialist monitors economic policy developments and provides analysis and reports for formulation of strategies and senior level briefings. The Economic Specialist works closely with Government counterparts to identify alternative economic policy options and to enhance the policy impact of UNDP projects and programmes.
UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages acrossย interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions,ย teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.
Duties and ResponsibilitiesยAdvise Country Office management and programme team to strengthen programme development and implementation:
ย Provision of technical advice to national government counterparts and other partnersย
Work closely with programme teams to identify strategic development opportunities, needs, gaps, and challenges, promote and facilitate dialogue with government officials, development partners, civil society, and the private sector; at the national, provincial and regional levels; Contribute to the identification and analysis of interventions that can impact multiple development goals and targets at the same time;ย Facilitate the programme teams in consolidating and providing inputs to the development of the Government policy framework and regulations.ย Advise leveraging UNDPโs regional and global programmes, to provide holistic and effective support to theย country. Leverage support and expertise from the UNDPโs global/regional economist networks to assist in strengthening UNDP support on economic analysis and policy development to Government and the UN Country Team. Facilitate monitoring and reporting of progress related to SDGs and other national development frameworks relating to UN treaties, conventions and agreement to which Viet Nam is the signatory, including to help strengthen national and local level data collection and statistical capacity.Representation, advocacy, and partner engagement to support UNDPโs institutional positioning andย advance its mandate:
Contribute, in close collaboration with senior management, to the development and/or strengthening ofย partnerships with UN agencies, IFIs, bilateral development agencies, private sector entities, financial institutions and civil society. When delegated, represent UNDP country office in relevant forums, conferences or workshops, including toย present research or programmatic results. Contribute to national, regional, and global knowledge networks and communities of practice.Contribution to UNDPโs work across the Asia-Pacific region, including collaboration with the regional economist network and analysis of priority regional thematic areas:
Participate actively in the UNDP Asia-Pacific regional network of economists, through attending regionalย meetings (in-person and/or virtual), sharing relevant experiences, and conducting peer reviews. Collaborate and contribute to regional publications, practice notes, and Regional Human Developmentย Reports. Substantively contribute as possible to UNDP regional knowledge products and development of programmingย offers in regional priority areas (e.g., inequality, future of work, innovative financing); Enhance UNDPโs understanding and design of new approaches to sustainable development across the regionย by acting as a regional thematic lead where possible.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: None Competencies
Core Competency
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 inclusivityCross-Functional & Technical competenciesย
Business Direction & Strategy - System 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 Management - Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritise and control the organizationโs 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 optimising return on investment Business Management - Human-centered Design: Ability to develop solutions to problems by involving the human perspective in all steps of the problem-solving process 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 and policy - SDG Integration: Economy-wide analysis ยท Engagement with South-South Global Thinkers Digital & Innovation - Co-creation:ย 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 Experienceย Education: Advanced university degree (masterโs degree or equivalent) in Economics is required, or A first-level university degree (bachelorโs degree) in the above-mentioned field of study, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. A PhD will be an asset.ย Experience: Minimum of 7 years (with masterโs degree) or 9 years (with bachelorโs 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 research and publications in Development, Environmental or Energy Economics, or related fields is required. Extensive experience in research and policy-level analysis is desired.ย Demonstrated experience in policy, advisory and advocacy is required.ย Experience in preparing high quality policy briefs and guidance notes for use by senior policy makers is desired.ย Experience and knowledge of the SDGs and their application at the national level, politically astute with demonstrated experience in stakeholder analysis and engagement is desired. Demonstrated capacity in statistical analysis, especially the presentation of statistical and econometric results in a manner accessible to policy makers and the public is desired. Senior level relevant work experience in Vietnam or Asia and the Pacific Region will be preferred. Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP and advanced programmes for statistical analysis of data is required. Language Requirements: ย Fluency in English and Vietnamese is required.ย Expected Demonstration of Competencies Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period. ย Please upload copies of your academic qualifications and 3 latest Performance Evaluations (if applicable) ย Disclaimer
ย Applicant information about UNDP rosters ย Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย 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.
Non-discrimination ย UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.ย ย
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