Policy Advisor (IPSA-11)

Job Posting Organization:
The RBEC Sustainability Facility is part of the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH) within the Regional Bureau for Europe and Central Asia (RBEC). This facility was established to address the pressing structural challenges faced by economies in the region, such as high debt burdens, fiscal constraints, demographic decline, and climate risks. The organization aims to operationalize Article 55 of the UN Charter by promoting sustainable, inclusive, and climate-informed development. The RBEC Sustainability Facility provides integrated support to UNDP Country Offices through innovative financing instruments, digital monitoring tools, and regional peer learning, thereby enhancing the capacity of these offices to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Policy Advisor (IPSA-11) will play a crucial role in providing high-level policy analysis and advisory support to the RBEC Sustainability Facility. This position involves working closely with the Chief Economist and other relevant teams to ensure the delivery of quality analytical outputs related to the Regional Human Development Report (HDR) and the Article 55 Facility. The advisor will be responsible for translating complex analytical findings into actionable policy recommendations, developing integrated policy frameworks, and ensuring policy coherence across various thematic areas. The role also includes participating in high-level policy dialogues and consultations, providing advisory support in politically sensitive environments, and preparing policy briefs and summaries for senior-level engagement. The position is primarily home-based, with potential travel within the RBEC region as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Policy Advisor will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Providing policy-oriented analysis and advisory inputs for the Regional HDR and Article 55 Facility, translating analytical findings into actionable policy recommendations.
• Supporting the development of integrated policy frameworks that link macroeconomic policy, labor markets, social protection, financing strategies, and human development outcomes.
• Contributing to policy narratives, strategic messages, and evidence-based recommendations tailored to specific country and regional contexts.
• Reviewing and quality-assuring policy notes, analytical papers, and advisory outputs produced by consultants and partners to ensure alignment with UNDP corporate priorities and HDR standards.
• Participating in high-level policy dialogues and consultations with UNDP Country Offices, government counterparts, development partners, and research institutions.
• Preparing policy briefs, talking points, and summaries to support senior-level engagement.
• Ensuring policy coherence and analytical rigor across thematic areas to maintain consistency and clarity in policy recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Development Economics, Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the aforementioned areas, combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience, will be considered in lieu of the advanced degree. A strong background in economic analysis, development policy, or applied research is essential, along with proven experience in reviewing and quality-assuring analytical work produced by consultants or research teams. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and quantitative skills, excellent drafting and editing abilities, and the capacity to work effectively across disciplines.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Development Economics, Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience, will also be considered. A PhD in Economics, Development Economics, Public Policy, or a related field is highly desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in economic analysis, development policy, or applied research if they hold a master’s degree, or 9 years if they hold a bachelor’s degree. Experience should include strong analytical and quantitative skills, the ability to interpret economic data, and the capacity to translate complex analysis into clear, policy-relevant insights. Familiarity with human development frameworks and experience working in politically sensitive or institutionally constrained environments are also advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of additional UN languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the organization's mission effectively.

Additional Notes:
The position is primarily home-based, with travel within the RBEC region subject to operational requirements and budget availability. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where it operates. The organization does not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or abuse of authority and ensures that all selected candidates undergo relevant checks. UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level.