Overview
The National Economic Specialist will support policy dialogue with government officials and other partners, assist in program development, and produce research and analysis to coordinate support for the implementation of the SDGs in Botswana.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide advisory support to senior management on UNDP's strategic positioning in Botswana's development process.
- Produce analysis notes on the socio-economic situation, reporting on macroeconomic and sectoral performance.
- Support the formulation and implementation of the Sustainable Inclusive Economic Transformation Program.
- Provide technical analysis and substantive contributions to the formulation of the UNSDCF, CPD, and other strategic documents.
- Advise on areas where UNDP support or program adjustments may be needed.
- Support the production and launch of economic reports, including National Human Development Reports.
- Participate in subregional, regional, and interagency initiatives related to socioeconomic development.
- Represent UNDP in various working groups.
- Support the establishment of a modern and efficient data information system for socioeconomic indicators.
- Support the Government in coordinating and monitoring public policy implementation.
- Provide quality contributions to knowledge networks and specialized practice communities.
- Participate in the evaluation of the country's macroeconomic policies.
- Participate in training and capacity building for government representatives, public institutions, and UNDP staff.
- Provide technical support for the preparation of the National Human Development Report.
- Facilitate policy dialogue to ensure the SHD concept is reflected in national development strategies.
- Support the Government in the formulation and implementation of the Botswana Economic Development Programme and the National Development Plan.
- Ensure the technical quality of UNDP's contributions to surveys on poverty and household living conditions.
- Act as Project Manager of Public Finance for the SGDs Global Project.
- Identify, establish, and consolidate programmatic and policy partnerships with the private sector and IFIs.
- Lead UNDP’s work on strengthening the capacity of national counterparts on SDG planning and decision making.
- Support relevant stakeholders in SDG reporting.
- Keep abreast of financing trends and maintain relations with donors, the private sector, and foundations.
- Support programme teams and national counterpart mechanisms in resource mobilization efforts.
Required Experience
- Minimum 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible relevant experience at the national or international level in economics and social policy, sustainable development, public finance, and/or data analysis.
- Experience and strong track record in multi-stakeholder partnership building and dealing with both public and private sectors, international and/or intergovernmental organisations.
- Experience in the provision of economic or development policy advocacy.
- Practical skills in IT/statistical and econometric software for economic modelling and presentations; web-based management and advanced econometric and statistical data analysis software (Eviews, SAS, SPSS, STATA, etc.).
- Good knowledge of innovative financing mechanisms.
- Experiences in formulation of concept notes, position papers, economic analysis and project management.
- Experience with a proven track record in resource mobilization and partnership engagement.
- Good analytical and communication skills/experience.
- Good and proven understanding of macroeconomic and budgetary issues, poverty and inequality, human development, youth employment and empowerment policies in Botswana (desirable).
- Experience in development project design and monitoring and evaluation, in research, policy analysis, and writing related studies/reports (desirable).
Qualifications
- Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in economics and social policy, public policy, sustainable development, public Finance, economics, development studies, or related field is required.
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
