Tiered Approach
In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:
Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.
Background
UNDP operates as the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development within the UN development system, helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through evidence-based policy advice and integrated development solutions.
Through the Global Policy Network (GPN), UNDP connects global expertise with local priorities to strengthen institutional capabilities and deliver impactful development results.
The Inclusive Growth Team at the Bangkok Regional Hub supports governments and UNDP Country Offices across Asia and the Pacific in analysing economic challenges, improving development strategies, and strengthening institutional capacities for inclusive, sustainable growth. Key areas of work include analytical diagnostics on growth, productivity, job creation, inequality, structural transformation, social protection, and inclusive economic policies.
A major component of the team’s work is Building Opportunities for Leadership in Development (BOLD), UNDP’s high-level development strategy advisory initiative that supports governments to translate evidence, diagnostics, and foresight into strategically prioritized, forward-leaning reform pathways.
To support this expanding portfolio, the Inclusive Growth team seeks a Lead Economist who is a well-rounded development professional with strong command across multiple dimensions of development and ability to integrate them. The role requires deep technical expertise in economic growth, job creation, and human development, alongside a solid understanding of governance, institutions, and policy processes. The ideal candidate combines analytical rigor with a strong delivery orientation, demonstrated through hands-on experience leading development and growth diagnostics, strategy formulation, and policy design. Extensive experience advising governments at senior levels on national development strategy, reform priorities, and long-term transformation is essential.
Duties and Responsibilities
Technical and Analytical Leadership (BOLD)
Advisory Services and Government Engagement
Ensure Programme Support and Coordination
Lead Knowledge Generation and Learning
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 Lead Economist will report directly to the UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and Pacific Chief Economist (and head of the Inclusive Growth GPN Team), and will work closely with:
Regular engagement with the Global Policy Network (GPN) and other Regional Hubs may be required.
Competencies
Core Competencies:
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
2030 Agenda: Prosperity:
Business Direction and Strategy:
System Thinking: Ability 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 system
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Experience:
Required Skills:
Desired Skills:
Required language(s): Fluency in English is required.
Equal 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.
Use of AI by candidates
Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
The United Nations Development Programme works in nearly 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.
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