Senior Economist Associate to MOPIC

This position is advertised open to internal and external applicants. Organizational Context:


The humanitarian coordination structures in the Syrian refugees-receiving countries in the region are covered by the Refugee Coordination Model under UNHCR¿s leadership who is accountable for the overall response through its mandate. The UNHCR Country Office in Jordan, through the Inter-Agency Coordination Unit, supports the Government of Jordan in leading the response for the Syria crisis through the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC). In cognizant of the complex and changing operating environment, UNHCR is supporting Humanitarian Relief Coordination Unit (HRCU) of MoPIC as part of its overall support to the Government of Jordan¿s vis-à-vis the refugee response. Furthermore, with the aim of tailoring and progressively strengthening the Jordan Response Plan (JRP) the position of an economist position is critical considering the evolving operating environment with its economic and socio-economic challenges and where humanitarian and development issues are intertwined.  This position is critical also in view of the overall process and implementation of the JRP as well as its relationship and coordination with other national plans.  UNHCR's direct support is aimed at further strengthening MOPIC¿s capacity to strategically lead the overall planning efforts in line with its mandate while also supporting relevant line ministries and other national and International stakeholders to: (a) continue to respond to the Syria crisis by integrating the concepts and practices of the humanitarian and resilience approach into their core areas of responsibility; (b) facilitate, implement and monitor sector/thematic strategies; and c) identify any adjustments required as part of a more holistic and longer term approach within the context of the different plans and funding instruments as well as d) strategically oversee and guide the set-up of response mechanisms and planning instruments for any other refugee response, and as appropriate.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

Under the direct supervision of the Humanitarian Relief Coordination Director, the Economist will ensure to support with technical guidance and advice on the economic impact of Syria crisis in Jordan to the Humanitarian Relief Coordination Unit and UNHCR, as appropriate.
The outputs will be measured against the responsibilities, tasks and activities listed above, while noting that these represent the comprehensive range and full set of duties which may be required within the contractual period. 

Functional Statement:

The Economist at the Humanitarian Relief Coordination Unit (HRCU) at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC) will be responsible for the following duties:
- Contributes to and provides technical advice to the Humanitarian Relief Coordination Unit (HRCU) of MoPIC on the economic impact of Syria crisis in Jordan and any other emerging refugee response;
- Contributes to JRP¿s planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting processes with a focus on its economic components.
- Assists in developing analytical economic reports on public finance, economic growth and expenditures as results of crisis.
- Collaborate with relevant partners from ministries, UN agencies and World Bank for the development of the impact chapter of Jordan Response Plan.
- Contributes to enhancement of accountability through increased effectiveness and transparency of economic analysis and reporting of findings in relation to refugees matters;
- Assists in ongoing research (economic impact of Syria crisis) in defined areas of interest including data collection, analysis and documentation.
- Assists with analysis of data of economic reports and such reports¿ findings.
- Assists in conducting research and analysing financial, economic, and consumer costs related to public services and infrastructure as result of refugee influx.
- Provides input to high quality and timely briefs, talking points and summaries in defined areas of interest  both in Arabic and English.
- Assists in analysing and informing on the macroeconomic implications of sector policies and JRP implementation decisions.
- Jointly with more senior colleagues liaises on economic issues relevant for the JRP or the refugee response with development partners, the World Bank and other key relevant actors.
- Performs any other responsibilities and requests by the HRCU Director or upon request by UNHCR including technical and administrative responsibilities within the scope of these ToRs;
- Performs other duties as required.

Essential Minimum Qualifications and Experience:
- Analysis: Ability to absorb and analyse bug sets of data and suggest good solutions to solve technical questions within the scope of competence. Strong analytical skills in macroeconomic, statistics and/or fiscal management
- Technology and IT: Proficient computer and word processing skills as well as relevant data analytical, statistical or econometrical software. 
- Innovation: Ability to make new and useful ideas work. Creates new and relevant ideas and leads others to implement them.
- Communication: Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform. Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex analyses to non-specialist audiences.
- Client Orientation: Strong client-orientation and diplomatic skills combined with directness and courage of opinion.
- Flexibility: Ability to work flexibly on a range of assignments and adjust to a variety of complex evolving tasks to meet target dates.
- Delivery and time management: Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement. Timely contributes to enhanced delivery of products, services, and innovative solutions.
- Master¿s degree in Economics with two (2) years of relevant professional experience

Education & Professional Work Experience

a. Education (Level and area of required and/or preferred education)
Advanced university degree (Master¿s degree or equivalent) in economics or a related subject, such as statistics, mathematics or business studies is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
b. Work Experience
Internship or service with Government or Government-like entities related to research and reporting of economic issues, including conducting surveys and data collection and analysis and advice on economic topics.
¿ Internship or experience in an international organization and knowledge of post-crisis response would be an asset.
¿ Internship or other experience in the MENA region is required and experience in Jordan is an asset.
¿ Internship or experience with the UN Common System is desirable. Proficient in both written and oral English and Arabic. This temporary local individual contractor agreement is published for one position in Amman, Jordan at MoPIC.
- The individual contractor agreement is up to 31 December 2020  with the possibility of extension, subject to availability of funds and mandate extension. The selected candidate is expected to start as soon as possible. The closing date is 26 August 2020