Background

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization, fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. 

The Agenda 2030, based on a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is underpinned by a strong commitment to leave no one behind and to reach the furthest behind first. It recognizes the multi-dimensional nature of poverty and inequality and provides a framework that comprehensively addresses all dimensions of well-being. Pakistan was one of the first countries in the world to endorse the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the Sustainable Development Summit held on 25 September 2015. In 2016, Pakistan Parliament unanimously approved the SDGs as the national development agenda. Since then, Pakistan has demonstrated an impressive policy, institutional, and financial commitment to achieving SDGs, embracing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and leaving no one behind by adopting the UNDP-supported Goals frameworks as part of its national development planning. Since adopting the Sustainable Development Goals as the National Development Agenda, the Punjab Government took the lead in establishing the SDGs Support Unit at the Planning & Development Board in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme. 

As a second-generation intervention of the long-standing National Initiative for SDGs (2016-2023), the Punjab SDGs Plus Project, as a joint initiative of UNDP Pakistan and the Government of Punjab, is launched to strengthen a policy integration approach, evidence-based decision-making, resilient institutional capacities, diversified partnerships, mobilization of innovative financing, and integrating climate resilience, innovation, social protection and inclusion to provide a comprehensive ‘SDG Push’ in priority policy areas to help Punjab embark on a stable, sustainable, and accelerated trajectory of achieving the SDGs. The project is anchored by an integrated framework comprising three key areas based on the provincial priorities, including:

Objective 1: Internalizing SDGs: Improved governance for SDGs aligned equitable and inclusive development planning, budgeting, expenditure tracking, monitoring, and reporting, with a special focus on underdeveloped/marginalized districts to achieve regional equalization.

Objective 2: Financing for Development and Climate Resilience: Public and private financing for development, identifying and channelling resources to reduce the development financing gap, focusing on SDG investments and climate financing.

Objective 3: Inclusive Development, Social Protection, and Innovation: Gender equality, inclusion, innovation, and digital transformation mainstreamed in SDGs to achieve Leave No One Behind.

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, Punjab SDGs Plus Project, the Social Economic Policy and Inclusion Specialist is to ensure the following deliverables:

Duties and Responsibilities

The Social Economic Policy and Inclusion Specialist works under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and guidance from the Assistant Resident Representative, Development Policy Unit UNDP and collaborates closely with the UNDP Pakistan DPU colleagues, Punjab Planning & Development Board and the relevant stakeholders at the provincial and district levels.

Policy Development, Research, and Strategy Enhancement Support for Inclusive and Informed Development Planning:

• Conduct in-depth socio-economic analysis to inform policy development and provide technical assistance and strategic visioning in line with the Project Document and close coordination with the Punjab Planning and Development (P&D) Board for crafting SDG-aligned and evidence-based policies, emphasizing priority sectors and marginalized demographics in development planning, budgeting, and implementation strategies, aimed at economic development, and poverty and inequality reduction.
• Assist in harnessing technological innovations, particularly the potential of digital transformation for inclusive and area-based development.
• Prepare policy papers and briefs on issues related to socio-economic development, poverty and inequality reduction, and inclusion.
• Evaluate existing policies, frameworks, and project activities to ensure gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches aligned with SDGs for equitable development and social inclusion.

Capacity Building and Data Strengthening

• Engage with consultants to develop district profiling and curate gender-sensitive and inclusive district development plans, monitoring frameworks, and evaluations specifically tailored for underdeveloped or marginalized districts.
• Assist in developing SMART indicators to monitor the gender inclusion, diversity, and social inclusion of project-supported initiatives and awarded consultancy services.
• Provide data strengthening support by developing a disaggregated data system at provincial and district levels, focusing on policy-oriented data collection to fortify SDGs monitoring and reporting.
• Extend technical support to government entities in monitoring, tracking, and reporting expenditures at the provincial and district levels. This includes analysing PSDP alignment with the SDG Agenda 2030 and identifying capacity constraints for integration into development planning.
• Collect, analyse, and synthesize micro and macro-economic data and information related to the status of social protection and inclusion, especially in the marginalized districts of Punjab, and propose policy options to relevant government departments.
• Provide top-quality and innovative policy advisory support to the Government and facilitate capacity development and knowledge building in support of pro-poor growth and the achievement in the priority policy areas.
• Address challenges related to suboptimal private sector partnerships for reducing the financing gap, while also focusing on innovative strategies to optimize limited fiscal resources.

Strategic Partnerships, Knowledge Management, and Dissemination

• Establish dynamic and diversified partnership platforms, ensuring effective inclusion of grassroots communities, movements, and marginalized groups to amplify voices and actions.
• Keep abreast of regional and global socio-economic trends and issues and analyse their implications for the realization of envisaged targets in the project’s priority policy areas. 
• Develop policy briefs and conduct policy dialogues on the success stories, best practices, challenges, and opportunities for evidence-based social protection and inclusion.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core 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 problems
• 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 demands
• 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 inclusivity

Cross-functional & Technical competencies:

• Data Management & Analytics: Knowledge in data management, data sciences, ability to structure data, develop dashboards and visualization. Design data warehouses, data lakes, or data platform concepts. Familiarity with Machine learning, natural language processing or generation, and the use of artificial intelligence to support predictive Analytics.Com or TOGAF9 or equivalent certification desirable. 

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or related disciplines is required. Or A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in above -mentioned fields of study, with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in Policy Development, Research, Informed Planning, Capacity Building, and Data Analytics at the national or international levels. 
• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
• Experience in and foundational knowledge and skills including policy landscape and management expertise. 
• Experience in and ability to communicate and function effectively with diverse stakeholders in national, international, and multicultural environments.
• Organizational knowledge and experience including strategic planning, decision-making self-management, emotional intelligence, conflict management, delivery, communication, and negotiating skills 
• Experience in research, data management and analysis, economic forecasting, digital inclusion, monitoring, and implementation, and gauging meso and macro-level impact and needs assessments, delivery, and budget 
• Demonstrated expertise in Policy Development: Proven track record in providing policy guidance and strategic technical assistance in socio-economic development, focusing on inclusive governance, equitable planning, and community-driven interventions.
• Prior experience of SDGs, Agenda 2030, MAPS Approach, provincial policies and priorities, policy integration approach, and innovation, social protection, and inclusion. 
• Experience in and an understanding of the Punjab context 
• Experience in working, liaising, and collaborating with governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and public international organizations

Language Requirement:

• Fluency in English and Urdu is required.
• Knowledge of other local languages is an asset

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.

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Source : https://www.unjobnet.org/jobs/detail/77931487