Lead Economist - Development Strategy [open To Internal And External Applicants]

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization focused on sustainable development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Inclusive Growth Team at the Bangkok Regional Hub supports countries in Asia and the Pacific by analyzing economic challenges, improving development strategies, and strengthening institutional capacities for inclusive and sustainable growth.

Job Purpose

This Lead Economist role supports the Building Opportunities for Leadership in Development (BOLD) initiative, a high-level development strategy advisory program. The purpose is to assist governments in translating evidence, diagnostics, and foresight into prioritized, actionable reform pathways. The role requires deep technical expertise in economic growth, job creation, and human development, integrated with an understanding of governance and policy processes. The incumbent will provide analytical leadership, advise senior government officials, and strengthen capabilities for evidence-based decision-making to drive impactful development results and foster inclusive, sustainable growth across the region.

Responsibilities

The Lead Economist will provide technical and analytical leadership for the BOLD initiative, conducting country-specific economic diagnostic assessments covering growth, productivity, jobs, and inclusion to identify constraints and reform priorities. Responsibilities include translating findings into development strategies, integrating economic frameworks into national planning, and producing policy briefs for senior government audiences. The role involves engaging with senior government counterparts to facilitate high-level policy dialogues on inclusive growth and economic transformation, and providing hands-on advisory support for reform design and sequencing. Additionally, the incumbent will support the overall management and delivery of BOLD activities, coordinate with Country Offices, contribute to work planning and resource mobilization, and lead knowledge generation and learning initiatives, including documenting lessons learned and facilitating peer learning.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in economic policy analysis, growth strategy, jobs, and inclusive development is required (12 years with a Bachelor's degree). Demonstrated experience advising senior government levels on development strategy and economic reform is essential. Experience in leading diagnostics, strategy formulation, and policy capability assessments 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: Development Planning, Economic Diversification, Growth Strategies, Structural Transformation, Jobs and Livelihoods, Economic Governance, Systems Thinking.

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