Mar 1, UNDP Economic Governance Analyst Jobs in South Sudan

Background

Political, institutional, social, and economic challenges. These challenges are rooted in the protracted conflict that has dealt a heavy blow on the economy. The signing of the peace agreement in 2018 and formation of Revitalized Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) provides hope for stability.

The socioeconomic impact of COVID-19, especially the decline of global oil prices and trade has impacted the economy of South Sudan. This exacerbates the poverty level as South Sudan relies on oil as its primary export commodity and immensely contributing to more than 90 percent of its revenues.

South Sudan continues to have huge humanitarian needs which have been worsened by severe flooding in 2021, the worst in 60 years, killing livestock and destroying crops across most parts of the country.

The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, with its associated socio-economic impact on South Sudan – both directly and indirectly – has underlined the pressing need to diversify revenue collection beyond oil, and the need to increase efficiency, efficacy, and transparency of spending to increase service delivery.

Among other, the global volatility in oil prices is leading to a depressed fiscal space in South Sudan. Therefore, the importance of strengthening public financial management in the country is critical in addressing the huge development challenge it is facing.

The signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement in September 2018 and the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) in February 2020 provides hope for South Sudan to enter a pathway for critical institutional development and improved governance. Despite delay in formation of state governments and legislatures, there is some growing optimism of sustained peace in the country.

Full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement for the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the success of the R-TGoNU are necessary for the country to gain political stability and improved security, to create an enabling environment for increased productivity and business activities; and attract investors to South Sudan.

If good institutions and systems are built, increasing economic activities provide an opportunity for State Revenue Authorities to collect more taxes for local authorities, which through disciplined, efficient, and transparent spending can provide more and better services to cement the social contract between the people and the states. Adequate provision of services is vital to break the current state of fragility in South Sudan, increase trust and confidence in government and for improved livelihood and wellbeing.

The Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan (2011) specifies a three-tiered system of decentralized Government: national, state, and local governments. UNDP provide institutional capacity building and policy support at the national and state levels.

Through the Strategy, Policy and Capacities of Economic Management (SPACE) unit, UNDP, provides technical capacity and supports the development of policy framework, policy advice, institutional capacity building and public financial management capacities in the states and at the national government level. At the state level specifically, UNDP’s support to public financial management is aimed at strengthening non-oil revenue mobilization to improve service delivery at the state.

UNDP is also supporting the elaboration of State Development Plans that are aligned to the Revised National Development Strategy. UNDP is now consolidating support to the 10 States and 3 Administrative area on economic governance that include economic policy related work, implementation of State Development Plans and other Public Financial Management support.

Scope of Work

The Economic Governance Analysts are required to support strengthening of policy analysis, allocation of resources, budget execution, accounting and reporting, support the preparation of the budget in relation to the expenditure framework, identify capacity needs of State Ministries of Finance and related institutions.

Additionally, the Economic Governance Analyst role entails transfer of knowledge gained to the state budget committees and heads of departments to deepen their knowledge and skills on

budget formats, policies, and instructions in the budget preparation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of UNDP Economics Advisor or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the Economic Governance Analyst will undertake:

Economic policy analysis and advice

Conduct economic and socioeconomic analysis to advance the accelerated attainment of the SDGs and post-COVID socioeconomic recovery programs in South Sudan;

Support data analytics to inform the formulation and implementation of socio-economic projects/programmes in the relevant state;

With guidance from the supervisor, draft/develop/contribute to publications and other knowledge products on relevant themes and priorities for the relevant state;

Provide state level inputs for relevant government document.

Partnership management and advice

Suggest mechanism and support the implementation of a coordination framework for socio-economic work in the relevant state;

Support State Administration in the identification and coordination of development partners in the relevant state;

Build strategic partnership for UNDP’s work at the state level.

Support the preparation of annual and medium term (when applicable) budget

Provide technical guidelines to Management, Departments and Agencies on budget preparation, allocation of funds;

Monitor the implementation of budgets and state development plans;

Analyze data and reports for budget preparation.

State level resource mobilization

Establish database for financial planning and resource mobilization;

Update financial records of projects Implementation of the SDGs at the State level;

Promote the implementation of the SDGs at the State level;

Identify data gaps and needs for SDGs monitoring and reporting;

Ensure the inclusion of the SDGs in planning and budgeting and any other technical support to State Ministries of Finance.

The M&E functions would be carried out by other departmental officers. As such the function include the following:

Lead in strategic planning, partnership, efficient integration and implementation of public policies and programs to achieving sustainable economic growth and development;

Coordinates programs and ensures they are consistent with official policy directives;

Efficiently administer the resources and supervise the staff in execution of programs/projects;

Monitor and report on development projects and programs;

Liaise with stakeholders to collect inputs necessary to aid in the formulation of public policies and programs.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree in a subject related to Economics, Development Studies, Planning, or other related social sciences fields.

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master’s degree.

Experience:

Up to 2 years (with master’s degree) or Minimum 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in budget, planning or combination of M&E with budget or planning, or other relevant programmes;

Experience with strategic planning may be an asset;

Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills is required;

Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.

Desired Skills:

Ability to capture, develop, share and effectively use information;

Ability to manage programs and projects in the economic sector and public financial management;

Ability to prepare quality and other periodic reports;

Preparing progress report on the implementation of the SDGs;

Experience working in the UN or other international development organization.

Required Language(s):

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

How to Apply

For more information and job application details, see; UNDP Economic Governance Analyst Jobs in South Sudan

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