Research Analyst Economics

United Nations Development Programme; Dubai; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The United Nations Development Programme is seeking a Research Analyst based in Dubai to support economic research and policy development initiatives. The role involves data analysis, report preparation, and collaboration with regional teams. Candidates must have a strong background in economics and proficiency in statistical methods, along with at least two years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in economic research and analysis.
• Strong proficiency in data collection and statistical software.
• Experience in report development and econometric modeling.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quantitative and econometric analyses on economic factors.
• Lead data collection and ensure data integrity.
• Design and produce analytical reports highlighting economic trends.

Skills

Data analysis

Research

Statistical techniques

Education

Advanced university degree (Masters degree) in Economics, Econometrics, or Statistics

First-level university degree (Bachelors degree) with additional qualifying experience

Tools

Statistical software

Job description

Description

Background

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project initiated in 2008 is a collaboration between UNDPs Regional Bureau for Arab States and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) which aims to independently analyze and monitor trends and issues affecting knowledge and development. In Arab countries and beyond it supports Arab States in developing knowledgebased societies by producing highquality publications such as the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) and Future of Knowledge Foresight Reports and facilitating exchanges through regular high level forums such as the Knowledge Summit and Knowledge Weeks. In response to evolving need in increasingly knowledgebased economies project also hosts the FutureSkills4All initiative dedicated to skills development for the digital economy and future labour markets.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Research Analyst will work under the guidance of the Project Research and Communications Specialist and will focus on economic research to support the revision of the GKI and contribute to discussions on economic and human capital development. Key responsibilities include:

1 Research and analysis:

• Conduct quantitative and econometric analyses on various economic factors.
• Utilize advanced statistical techniques and models to analyse data including regression analysis time series and forecasting.
• Contribute to thinkpieces policy briefs and empirical research on economic trends and policies
• Coordinate and prepare ad hoc thematic and substantive reports/analysis/briefs as requested.
• Develop strategic analysis using large economic and development datasets.
• Contribute substantively to the knowledge product creation process ensuring datadriven insights are clearly and compellingly presented.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge and innovation initiatives for different contexts on key emerging policy agendas in collaboration with policy teams at HQ the Regional Hubs and country offices.

2 Data collection and management:

• Lead the collection verification and analysis of economic data.
• Develop robust methodologies for data collection and econometric analysis.
• Ensure data integrity and accuracy for all economicrelated project outputs.

3 Knowledge product development:

• Design and produce analytical reports policy briefs and data visualizations that highlight economic trends and insights.
• Collaborate on the production of the GKI and other indices ensuring they incorporate comprehensive economic analyses.
• Identify and coordinate the work of advisory board members and consultants including drafting and reviewing terms of references (ToRs) requests for proposals (RfPs) and work specifications to maintain high standards of project outputs.
• Oversee and ensure the quality of contributions from consultants to align with project standards and objectives.

4Policy advice and project support :

• Provide expert advice on economic policies and strategies.
• Apply integrated multidisciplinary approaches including through coordinating and engaging with advisory board members and consultants to meet knowledge and innovation needs for policy.
• Coordinate advisory board meetings that will be providing technical expertise in the revision process.
• Analyse data used in the construction of the GKI and other indices as needed including variables used weights assigned to subpillars pillars and sectors and normalization techniques.
• Explore innovative ideas being implemented in other composite indices.
• Examine the structure of the GKI assess effectiveness explore potential changes and propose enhancements.
• Identify potential advisory board members and assist in commissioning and coordinating their work where requested and comment on their draft papers.
• Mobilize consultants to initiate activities including drafting and reviewing terms of references (ToRs) request for proposals (RfPs) and work specifications.
• Develop/use rosters of prequalified consultants Implementing Partners (Ips) and other service providers in support of project outputs and activities.
• Oversee the work of national and international consultants that support project implementation.
• Supervise and manage project personnel and consultants. Establish performance objectives and standards and ensure timely and appropriate feedback guidance and support to ensure optimum performance.

5Event and workshop coordination:

• Organize and facilitate workshops seminars and conferences focused on economic themes.
• Develop content and coordinate logistics for these events to ensure productive discussions and outcomes.

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

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT

The Research Analyst will report to theProject Research and Communications Specialist and collaborate closely with regional and global teams to ensure alignment and integration of research activities.

COMPETENCIES

CoreAchieve Results:LEVEL 2: Set and align challenging achievable objectives for multiple projects have lasting impactThink Innovatively:LEVEL 2: Proactively mitigate potential risks develop new ideas to solve complex problemsLearn Continuously:LEVEL 2: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons diversify experiencesAdapt with Agility:LEVEL 2: Proactively initiate and champion change manage multiple competing demandsAct with Determination:LEVEL 2: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater resultsEngage and Partner:LEVEL 2: Political savvy navigate complex landscape champion interagency collaborationEnable Diversity and Inclusion:LEVEL 2: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivityPeople ManagementUNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicatedsite.CrossFunctional & Technical competenciesThematic AreaNameDefinitionDigitalData AnalysisAbility to extract analyse and visualize data to form meaningful insights and aid effective business decision makingBusiness Direction & StrategySystem ThinkingAbility 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 systemBusiness DevelopmentKnowledge generationAbility to research and turn information into useful knowledge relevant for context or responsive to a stated to apply existing concepts to new situations and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts conceptual models and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.Business ManagementCommunication

Ability to communicate in a clear concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communications; to tailor messages and choose communicate methods depending on the audience.

Ability to manage communications internally and externally through media social media and other appropriate channels.

Partnership managementRelationship managementAbility to engage with a wide range of public and private partners build sustain and/or strengthen working relations trust and mutual understanding2030 Agenda: ProsperityInclusive GrowthFuture of work2030 Agenda: ProsperityInclusive GrowthJobs and Livelihoods

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OF THE SUCCESSFUL IPSA

Min. Education requirements

Advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in Economics Econometrics Statistics Social Sciences or a related field is required. or

A firstlevel university degree (Bachelors degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with two 2 additional years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of a Masters degree.

Min. years of relevant work experienceA minimum of two 2 years (with Masters degree) or four 4 years (with Bachelors degree) of work experience in the areas of economic research data analysis and policy development in thematic areas related to social sciences and economics.Required skillsStrong proficiency in data collection and statistical software and excellent research analytical and data management skills.Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Proven experience in a similar position in leading local regional or international organizations;
• Experience working in the Arab States region;
• A background experience in report development;
• Proficiency in econometric modelling.

Required Language(s)Fluency in both Arabic and English is required. Knowledge of French is an asset.

THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS SHALL BE REQUIRED FROM THE APPLICANTS:

Personal CV or P11 indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions their durations (month/year) the qualifications as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three 3 the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.

A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him/herself to be suitable for the position.

Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to preassessing the relevance of their experience such as reports presentations publications campaigns or other materials.

ANNEXES to the ToR

opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and as such we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission are valued can thrive and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment exploitation and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment sexual harassment exploitation discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates therefore undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

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Required Experience:

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