National Economic Specialist

Organizational Context

The UNDP Office in Botswana supports government partners and stakeholders in promoting inclusive economic growth and sustainable development, aligned with national priorities. It focuses on complex issues related to SDGs, integrating policy, data, analysis, innovation, and finance. The office supports the implementation of Botswana's Twelfth National Development Plan (NDP 12) and the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), aiming for a high-income, diversified economy.

Job Purpose

The National Economic Specialist will coordinate UNDP's support for SDG implementation in Botswana, ensuring programmatic and policy offerings are informed by field experience and global advancements. The role involves supporting policy dialogue with government officials and partners, assisting in program development, and conducting research and analysis. The specialist will advise senior management on inclusive growth, SDG integration, and strategic partnerships, providing evidence-based analysis to shape UNDP's strategic direction. This position contributes to identifying development policy options, enhancing project impact, and mobilizing partnerships to achieve results, while also advocating for and representing UNDP's expertise.

Responsibilities

Provide advisory support to senior management on UNDP's strategic positioning in Botswana's development process. Produce socio-economic analysis notes and contribute to strategic documents like UNSDCF and CPD. Support the formulation and implementation of economic transformation programs and advise on program adjustments for national alignment. Lead efforts in strengthening national counterparts' capacity for SDG planning and decision-making, supported by robust SDG data management systems. Facilitate policy dialogue, advocate for Sustainable Human Development concepts, and support the government in implementing national development plans and resource mobilization. Represent UNDP in relevant working groups and initiatives, including those monitoring the national development plan and SDGs. Supervise consultants and maintain networks with national and international partners, UN agencies, and donors.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience (9 years with a Bachelor's degree) in economics, social policy, sustainable development, public finance, or data analysis at the national or international level is required. Experience in multi-stakeholder partnership building, economic policy advocacy, and using statistical/econometric software is essential. Experience in resource mobilization and partnership engagement is also required.

Skills

Core Competencies: Achieve Results, Think Innovatively, Learn Continuously, Adapt with Agility, Act with Determination, Engage and Partner, Enable Diversity and Inclusion. Technical Competencies: SDG Finance (Blended Finance, Public Finance, Integrated National Financing Frameworks, Taxation, Governance), SDG Integration (Economy-wide analysis, Institutional and Context analysis, Rapid Integrated Assessment, SDG Monitoring and Reporting, Macroeconomic Models/Analysis), Strategic policy advice, System Thinking, Climate Strategies and Policy, Resource Mobilization, Multi-stakeholder engagement.

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