Background
ย Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:ย we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a โleave no one behindโ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
ย UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. ย
Workers and Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Arab fragile and crisis States entered a series of shocks that started with the pandemic with relatively low resilience capacity as they have suffered from inability to plan, start and expand businesses, absorb shocks, smooth consumption, and access services (such as education and health).ย
Economic livelihoods programs provide the opportunity to scale support to vulnerable groups, extend the reach of social safety nets, support access to public service systems, and provide opportunities for MSME-led recovery.ย
The UNDP Crisis Bureau (CB) and Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) are looking for a technical specialist to support RBAS and UNDP country offices in the region to design and expand economic livelihoods and recovery solutions within the fragile and crisis affected countries to support the implementation of recovery and response plans through analytical, programmatic and policy dialogue technical support. This will also involve supporting development solutions for migration and displacement, including supporting relevant activities of the UNDP Sub-regional Facility for Syria crisis in connection to the Regional Refugee Resilience Plan (3RP), with a particular focus on jobs and livelihoods- related issues, as well as support to stabilization plans, etc.ย
Institutional Arrangement
The Livelihoods and Economic Recovery Specialist will report to the Team Leader, Regional Lead Economist at the UNDP Regional Hub.
ย
Specific key areas of focus:
Provide support to ย COs and other regional teams in the implementation of programmatic work in the field ofย economic livelihoods and recovery solutions, value chains, access to finance/microfinance/innovative finance, and MSME supportย for fragile and crisis affected countries including displaced populations and migrants;ย Provide technical support to UNDP COs and counterparts in the design of national policies, strategies, and programmes to progress the above-mentioned solutions and supportย forย fragile and crisis affected countries; Provide support for policy advice to Governments in the region on how to create an enabling environment for the above-mentioned solutions and support and identify and help remove existing policy constraints; Develop knowledge and learning products in the above-mentioned fields including dimensions related to women, youth and vulnerable categories; Lead efforts in building and maintaining strategic partnerships with major multilateral, bilateral organizations, and the private sector; Contribute to regional level and country office resource mobilization efforts; Offer close support to other UNDP regional teams to build and develop the regional portfolio.ย ย CompetenciesCore Competencies:
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problemsย Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demandsย Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivityยTechnical and Cross-Functional Competencies:
Business Direction and Strategy: Entrepreneurial Thinking: Ability to create clarity around UNDP value proposition to beneficiaries and partners and to develop service offers responding to client needs based on UNDPโs organizational priorities and mandate 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 systemย 2030 Agenda (Prosperity): Recovery Solutions and Human Mobility:ย Economic Recoveryย Jobs and Livelihoodsย Enterprise, Private Sector Recoveryย 2030 Agenda (Partnership): SDG Finance:ย Financial Inclusion Innovative financeย Required Skills and Experience
ย Education: Advanced University Degree (Masterโs Degree or equivalent) in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Public Policy, or related discipline; orย A first level university degree (bachelorโs degree) in the above mentioned field of study in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degreeย Experience: Minimum of five (5) years (with Masterโs degree) or 7 years (with Bachelorโs degree) of relevant experience inย economic livelihoods and recovery solutions, value chains, access to finance/microfinance/innovative finance, and MSME supportย forย fragile and crisis affected countries including displaced populations and migrants
Required Skills:
Demonstrated strong technical knowledge in financial inclusion and MSME support;ย Experience in providing technical advice to third parties inย economic livelihoods and recovery solutions, financial inclusion, and MSME support;Desired Skills:
Relevant experience working in fragile and crisis countries, particularly in the Arab region preferred; Experience working with IFIs or other relevant multilateral/bilateral development agencies preferred;Required Languages:
Fluency in English essential, knowledge of Arabic or French is an advantage. ย Disclaimerย Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)ย
ย Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.ย
ย UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
ย Applicant information about UNDP rosters
ย Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย 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.
ย Non-discrimination
ย UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.ย ย
ย UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.ย
ย Scam warning
ย The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.