Background Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: 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 ‘leave no one behind’ 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. 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.Lebanon experiences an unprecedented multi-layered crisis, culminated in devastating implications that shaped the social and economic landscape marked by significant challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beirut Port explosions in August 2020, and a persistent financial and economic downturn. The cumulative impact of these crises has led to a multi-faceted downturn. GDP was estimated to have contracted by approximately 40% from 2018 to 2022, with an additional 0.5% contraction expected in 2023. The Lebanese pound has depreciated by over 98% since 2019, triggering massive losses in purchasing power, a triple-digit inflation, and the collapse of the banking sector.
Within this context, UNDP works towards supporting the Lebanese institutions to recover from the ongoing crisis, by formulating and implementing responsive strategies, policies, and programmatic interventions. The aim is to maintain and improve Lebanon’s institutional capacity in tackling the implications of the consecutive crises, to improve the country’s resilience against future social and economic shocks, and to protect against emerging vulnerabilities. at a critical time, series of multiple crises: a political impasse, economic and public service deterioration, and the erosion of the social contract and cohesion.
To this end, UNDP is running several initiatives to reactivate core government functions and to support the design and implementation of a longer-term public administrative reform vision. Two flagship initiatives are currently implemented by UNDP: 1) the Tax4SDGs initiative: which aims to reactivate core revenue functions and to support the tax administration in mobilizing domestic resources, while aligning tax policies to development objective. 2) The Lebanon Public Administrative Reform and Digitalization Project (L-PARDP): L-PARDP is a newly developed initiative by UNDP to support the Government in implementing priority reforms, while linking traditional public administration, civil service and policy reforms, with a digital transformation process that will revitalize the social contract between the Government and citizens in terms of rights and obligations. L-PARDP is positioned to re-activate core government functions and public services, and support key decision-making and reform processes while leveraging digital transformation.
To support the above role, UNDP Lebanon seeks to recruit a Economist (Economics Analyst)to support the implementation of activities and initiatives planned under the L-PARD and tax for SDGs projects.
Duties and Responsibilities UNDP Lebanon seeks to recruit a Economist (Economics Analyst)to support the implementation of activities under the L-PARDP and Tax for SDGs project. The role of the Economist (Economics Analyst) is key in driving support to improve economic governance, and help reactivating core government functions within selected administration within the short term. The support will include, but not limited to, institutional and capacity building in several areas such as economic and fiscal modelling for effective planning decision-making, Policy formulation and coordination, aid management, public financial management, tax policies and development targets, digital transformation, in addition to improving private sector operating environment. The Economist (Economics Analyst)will also support in developing the necessary economic analysis, research, and policy advice to UNDP senior management in consultation with the Economic Specialist to guide future programmatic work. In specific, the Economist (Economics Analyst)will:Follow up on the implementation of existing initiatives, joint programmes and technical support activities provided by UNDP in the areas of economic governance, economic development, institutional building, public administrative reform, digitalization, data and statistics. public financial management, and tax policies. Particularly, he/she will support various initiatives planned under the L-PARDP Project and Tax for SDGs project. The support will include:
- Follow up on the implementation of ongoing and planned activities, while closely working with relevant counterparts including government agencies, other UNDP programmes and projects, UN partners, consultants and others.
- Participate in the design of strategies and workplans and ensure timely and good-quality implementation of activities under the different initiatives.
- Participate in the mobilization of personnel, goods, and services and ensure that deliverables follow the pre-set requirements, including the preparation of high-quality terms of reference.
- Support in monitoring progress on the activities and report on projects’ progress, implementation issues, emerging risks/challenges, and put forth proposals for necessary mitigation and remedial actions.
- Perform financial transactions related to the implemented activities, ensuring compliance with UNDP rules and procedures, and maintaining accuracy and reliability of financial reports; monitor budget implementation and participate in the preparation of budget re-alignment and revisions as necessary.
- Support in in the preparation of reviews and evaluations related to the implemented activities and programmes.
Support in the production of high-quality socio-economic analysis that would feed into the design and development of policy initiatives and implementation of UNDP programmatic interventions focusing on the following:
- Develop, update, and maintain macro-economic, social, fiscal, and financial datasets to be used for tracking socio-economic developments and preparation of regular economic briefs.
- Perform data crunching and data analysis when needed.
- Contribute to the preparation of policy briefs, background papers, concept notes, reports, proposals, talking points, presentation materials and factsheets.
- Contribute to research initiatives in various economic domains including poverty, productive sectors, public finance, socio-economic impact assessments, SDG -related analysis and strategies, and others.
- Participate in the analysis of economic context and synthesis of proposals on possible areas for UNDP support to ensure that UNDP programmes are in line with national policies and that UNDP priorities are strategically positioned and aligned with the emerging developments.
Support in maintaining and fostering UNDP strategic partnerships by focusing on the following
- Participate in relevant forums, conferences and trainings.
- Support in formulation of initiatives and monitoring progress towards the achievement of the SDGs.
- Contribute to policy dialogue on socio-economic issues with the Government, donors, civil society, private sector.
- Contribute to the review of documents and papers, prepared within UNDP and/or UN agencies, and provide feedback whenever requested.
- Ensure regular sharing of information among relevant UNDP programmes, UN agencies and other development partners.
- Represent UNDP in working groups and meetings when requested and prepare and share the minutes of meetings.
Institutional Arrangement
The selected incumbent will be working under the overall guidance and under the direct supervision of Economic Specialist (Economist).
Competencies Core Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Thematic Area Name Definition Digital & Innovation Data analysis Ability to extract, analyze and visualize data including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision making 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 Digital & Innovation Data storytelling and communications Skilled in building a narrative around a set of data and its accompanying visualizations to help convey the meaning of that data in a powerful and compelling fashion Partnership management Multi-stakeholder engagement and funding Knowledge and ability to forge multi-stakeholder partnerships, and remove any obstacles to resource mobilization and multi-stakeholder funding platforms 2030 Agenda: Prosperity Inclusive growth Fiscal and SDG financing policy support in view of the socio-economic impact of COVID 19 2030 Agenda: People 2030 Agenda: People Gender Issues & Analysis
Gender Mainstreaming
Women's Economic Empowerment, including labor issues
2030 Agenda: Peace Governance Civil Service Reform Required Skills and Experience Min. Education requirements - Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in, economics, finance, public policy; or related field or
- A first-level university degree (bachelor's degree) in the related fields with additional 2 years of relevant experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Min. years of relevant work experience - Up to 2 years (with master’s degree) or minimum 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressive relevant experience in economic development, economic models, public finance management for a government or international organization.
Required skills - Domestic resource mobilization with involvement in technical work such as producing policy proposals, medium term fiscal frameworks including revenue mobilization and expenditure rationalization measures.
- Extensive experience in research and policy-level analysis.
- Experience performing analysis of socio-economic situations and scenarios with an understanding of the national context in terms of economic and social challenges.
- Experience with advanced aspects of macro-economic policies as well as the fundamental concepts of socio-economic impact.
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling web-based management (ERP) systems and advanced programmes for statistical analysis of data.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section - Previous work with international development agencies is highly desirable.
- Experience of working with UNDP or UN Development System on matters related to economic development.
- Working knowledge of the context in Lebanon is desired
Required Language(s) Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic. French is a plus Disclaimer Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. 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
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.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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