Economic Policy Analyst (NPSA 9)

Anchored in the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) 2021-2025, the UNDP 2021-2025 strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina defines three outcomes to support sustainable development in the country:

1. By 2025, people benefit from resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth ensured by the convergence of economic development, and management of environment and cultural resources.
2. By 2025, people contribute to, and benefit from more accountable and transparent governance systems that deliver quality public services and ensure rule of law.
3. By 2025, there is stronger mutual understanding, respect and trust among individuals and communities.

In this context, UNDP will support the authorities in BIH in their efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Framework in BIH, adopted by the BIH Council of Ministers, Entity Government and Brcko District Government, towards:

1)Smart growth;

2)Good governance and public sector management and;

3) A society of equal opportunities.

In doing so, UNDP will closely work with the Council for Monitoring Implementation of the SDGs in BIH.

Considering the ambitious targets set within the SDG Framework in BIH, the objective of this position is to provide expert support to the Council of Ministers of BIH for design and implementation of relevant fiscal and economic development policies, in close coordination with Entity Governments.

• Provide evidence-based advice and recommendations to the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BIH on the macro-economic and fiscal framework in BIH;
• Provide evidence-based advice and recommendations to the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BIH on fiscal and economic policy priorities;
• Lead on coordination with entity governments to identify a set of joint strategic measures with the objective of alleviating the economic consequences of COVID-19 and the global crisis due to the war in Ukraine;

• Lead on process of designing policy papers in area of fiscal and macroeconomic policy, as well as the new socio-economic recovery package, taking into account the SDG Framework in BIH and EU accession priorities;
• Advise on the promotion, implementation and coordination of SDGs in BIH, based on the SDG Framework and in close cooperation with the SDG Council in BIH;
• Lead on the coordination and implementation of socio-economic, as well as the EU priorities, in cooperation with representatives of Entity Governments;
• On behalf of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BIH participate in the process of defining a financing strategy for sustainable development in BIH to result in improved targeting and effectiveness of public finance as well as in adjusting the existing and creating new financing instruments for sustainable development;

• Provide support for full implementation of the United Nations Country Partnership Framework;
• Serve as the main contact point between the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BIH and other economic policy stakeholders, including International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and other International Community members;
• Conduct analysis of the health sector, participate in creating health sector reform and monitoring the implementation of the reform on the Entity level;
• Provide analysis of SOEs and PEs performance in BIH using benchmark analysis, trend analysis and best practices, closely coordinating with representatives of Entity Governments;
• Other tasks which might be delegated by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BIH and which are compatible with the purpose of these TOR.

Institutional Arrangement

The incumbent will report to the UNDP Good Governance Sector Leader.

Core Competencies

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

• Business Acumen: Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome. Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organisation and ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks.
• 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 UNDP’s organizational priorities and mandate.
• Effective Decision Making: Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources.
• Negotiation and Influence: Ability to reach an understanding, persuade others, resolve points of difference, gain advantage in the outcome of dialogue, negotiates mutually acceptable solutions through compromise and creates ‘win-win’ situations.
• Knowledge Facilitation: Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally.
• Relationship management: Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding
• Advocacy strategy and implementation: Ability to create and implement advocacy strategies which lead to impactful change

• MA degree or equivalent in economics or other related areas is required
• PhD in economics is an asset

• Minimum two years of relevant professional experience, with focus on design and implementation of relevant fiscal and economic development policies in BIH
• Proven knowledge, expertise and practical experience in analysing and following macro-economic issues
• Previous experience in working with IFIs or other international development agencies
• Previous experience in public finance management and budget preparation
• Experience in writing high quality reports to governments, development institutions, business associations

Skills:

• Resources management
• Ability to plan, monitor, organize, and control human and financial resources of bureau, team, or project
• Advocacy strategy and implementation
• Ability to create and implement advocacy strategies which lead to impactful change
• Strong analytical skills
• Private sector resource mobilization
• Ability to identify, develop and manage partnerships that leverage private sector technical expertise and resources

Languages:

• Knowledge of Bosnian, Serbian, or Croatian is required

• Knowledge of English would be an asset

The following documents shall be required from the applicants:

1. Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
2. A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
3. Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.