Republic of Moldova

Economist, Poverty Reduction & Policies Portfolio

Background: Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative with overall guidance from the Resident Representative, the Economist advises Senior Management on macro-economic policies and trends and relevant linkages to UNDP programmes, as well as provides analysis for formulation of strategies and briefings. The incumbent manages the Poverty Reduction and Policies Portfolio and is responsible for the effective implementation of activities geared towards achieving expected results.  He/She works with Government and counterparts to identify alternative macro-economic policy options and to enhance the policy impact of UNDP projects and programmes. 

The Economist is responsible for monitoring economic and social developments in the country, providing support in designing and integrating socio-economic elements into UNDP programmes, providing policy advice to the national counterparts on MDGs, poverty reduction, other development issues

The Economist supervises and leads programme support staff. The incumbent works in close collaboration with the programme team, operations team, other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNDP programme implementation.

The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.  Likewise, he/she maintains a network with colleagues from UNDP, UN agencies, IFIs, Government officials, multilateral and bilateral donors and civil society.

Summary of key functions:

• Advice and support to UNDP management on economic and development issues
• Management of the Poverty Reduction and Policies Portfolio
• Creation of strategic partnerships and support to resource mobilization
• Act as the monitoring and evaluation focal person in the Country Office
• Advice and facilitation of knowledge building on economic and development issues

Qualifications and skills required:
Master’s Degree or equivalent in economics or development economics. At least 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in providing economic advisory services; hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects. Strong analytical and report writing skills. Knowledge of evaluation methods and approaches (quantitative, qualitative, participatory). Fluency in English and Romanian.  Knowledge of Russian desired. References are required.

Terms of Reference

Interested persons should submit their application letters and CV with the mark “Economist” by October 4, 2007 (5:30 p.m.) to the following address: UNDP Office, 131, 31 August str., MD 2012, Chisinau Moldova, or alternatively by email to vacancies-moldova@undp.org.

Only those short listed will be contacted.