Senior Economic Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organization dedicated to addressing the injustices of poverty, inequality, and climate change on a global scale. Established over 50 years ago, UNDP operates in 170 countries, working with a broad network of experts, host governments, and partners to build integrated and lasting solutions for people and the planet. In Afghanistan, UNDP has been actively involved in various sectors including climate change, governance, health, and livelihoods, particularly focusing on women's empowerment and resilience-building initiatives in the face of ongoing humanitarian challenges.

Job Overview:
The Senior Economic Specialist will play a crucial role in leading the production of the Afghanistan Socio-Economic Review (ASER) for 2024-202

• This position involves analyzing key household survey data to create a multi-dimensional index of household subsistence insecurity. The specialist will draft key chapters of the ASER report, provide support for other chapters, and ensure the report meets high standards of quality. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders within UNDP and other development partners to ensure the delivery of impactful and evidence-based policy advocacy that positively affects the lives of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive analysis of multi-dimensional household insecurity using household survey data and other available data sources. This includes reviewing recent data, cleaning and organizing it, and updating the existing Subsistence Insecurity Index (SII) for 202
• The analysis will focus on demographic characteristics, particularly gender, and include IDPs and Returnees. Additionally, the specialist will perform sub-national and regional data analysis, track trends over time, and explore other indices to supplement the analysis. The thematic analysis will generate insights on household debt, unemployment, and access to essential services to inform UNDP programming.
• Synthesize analysis and draft key chapters of the ASER report, ensuring that findings are communicated effectively and align with UNDP’s policy priorities. This involves framing chapters based on data insights, providing visual graphics, and addressing feedback from peer reviewers.
• Contribute to other sections of the ASER report, particularly the macroeconomic analysis, and assist in drafting conclusions and policy recommendations. Engage in technical discussions with other agencies for peer review purposes.
• Support the launch and dissemination of the ASER report, including preparing presentations and materials for the launch event in Kabul, and ensuring technical accuracy in communications materials.
• Undertake additional duties to support economic analysis of PIKU Knowledge Products as directed by the Head of Unit.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess advanced skills in econometric modeling and analysis of country data, as well as impact evaluation techniques. Proficiency in statistical analysis packages such as STATA, R, E-Views, or SPSS is required. Experience in economic research based on household survey analysis and macroeconomic data, particularly in crisis recovery contexts, is essential. Strong communication skills and the ability to engage in policy dialogue and technical discussions are also necessary.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s) in economics, econometrics, or development economics is required. A doctoral degree in a relevant field from a reputable institution is advantageous. Candidates with a first-level university degree (bachelor’s) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience will also be considered.

Experience:
A minimum of 7 years of experience is required for candidates with a master’s degree, or 9 years for those with a bachelor’s degree. This experience should focus on economic research, particularly involving household survey analysis and macroeconomic data, with an emphasis on policy and programmatic recommendations for crisis recovery.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as requirements.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of a full-time role within UNDP Afghanistan, which is committed to equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive environment for all personnel. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level.