Economist – Development Strategy [Open to Tier 0, 1 & 2 applicants]

Background

UNDP operates as the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development within the UN development system, helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through evidence-based policy advice and integrated development solutions. Through the Global Policy Network (GPN), UNDP connects global expertise with local priorities to strengthen institutional capabilities and deliver impactful development results.

The Inclusive Growth Team (IGT) at the Bangkok Regional Hub supports governments and UNDP Country Offices across Asia and the Pacific in analysing economic challenges, improving development strategies, and strengthening institutional capacities for inclusive, sustainable growth. Key areas of work include analytical diagnostics on growth, productivity, job creation, inequality, structural transformation, social protection, and inclusive economic policies.

A major component of the team’s work is Building Opportunities for Leadership in Development (BOLD), UNDP’s high-level advisory initiative that supports governments to translate evidence, diagnostics, and foresight into strategically prioritized, forward-leaning reform pathways.

To support this expanding portfolio, the Inclusive Growth team seeks an Economist (IPSA-11) with strong technical skills in economic analysis, labour markets, growth diagnostics, and inclusive development.

Duties and Responsibilities

A. Conduct Technical Analysis and Research (BOLD)

• Conduct analytical assessments on economic growth, structural transformation, jobs and labour market trends, productivity, and inequality;
• Apply quantitative and qualitative methods to produce diagnostics that inform government strategy processes;
• Support the development of growth and inclusion models, microdata analysis, and sectoral assessments;
• Prepare technical papers, data-driven policy briefs, and background notes for senior economists and government counterparts;
• Contribute to regional knowledge products on economic transformation and inclusive growth.

B. Support to Government Advisory and Country Engagement

• Provide technical inputs to high-level policy dialogues led by the IPSA-12 Senior Economist and Inclusive Growth team experts;
• Support Country Offices in delivering BOLD analytical work, including country capability assessments and economic diagnostics;
• Assist in preparing presentations, data visualizations, and evidence packs for government engagements;
• Participate in technical missions, consultations, and workshops as required.

C. Contribute to the Programme Implementation and Coordination

• Contribute to planning, monitoring, and delivery of BOLD activities at regional and country levels;
• Provide analytical and reporting inputs to donor updates, internal quality assurance, and project documentation;
• Coordinate with Country Offices, external research partners, and internal teams to ensure analytic consistency and quality;
• Support knowledge codification and documentation of methodologies, tools, and country experiences.

D. Facilitate Knowledge Management and Learning

• Maintain and update datasets, analytical tools, and templates used across the BOLD programme;
• Synthesize lessons learned from country implementation to inform regional guidance;
• Prepare technical guidance notes on inclusive growth analysis, job creation diagnostics, and related topics.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation

Institutional Arrangement

The Economist will report directly to the UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and Pacific Chief Economist (and head of the Inclusive Growth GPN Team), and will work closely with:

• The Inclusive Growth Team Regional Advisor, economists. and policy specialists
• The BOLD Project Manager
• Country Office economists and programme teams
• Government counterparts and external partners

Regular engagement with the Global Policy Network (GPN) and other Regional Hubs may be required.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• 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 inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

2030 Agenda: Prosperity

• Inclusive Growth: Development Planni