Research Analyst (Economics)

Background

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project, initiated in 2008, is a collaboration between UNDP’s 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 knowledge-based societies by producing high-quality 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 knowledge-based 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 think-pieces, 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 data-driven 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 economic-related 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.

4-Policy advice and project support :

• Provide expert advice on economic policies and strategies.
• Apply integrated multi-disciplinary 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 sub-pillars, 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.

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  Develop/use rosters of pre-qualified 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.

5-Event 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 the Project, Research and Communications Specialist, and collaborate closely with regional and global teams to ensure alignment and integration of research activities.

COMPETENCIES

Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity