Economist
The UNDP seeks an Economist (P4) in New Delhi to accelerate SDG progress in the Asia-Pacific. This vital role involves advising on economic policies, strengthening development programs, and collaborating regionally. If you're an experienced economist passionate about a sustainable future, apply by July 25, 2025.
7/13/20253 min read
Economist Opportunity in New Delhi: Drive Sustainable Development with UNDP
New Delhi, India – Are you an accomplished economist driven by the desire to foster a more sustainable future for the Asia-Pacific region? The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Economist (P4) to join its New Delhi team. This full-time, fixed-term position, with potential for extension, presents a unique chance to contribute to pivotal development initiatives across India and the wider region, addressing pressing challenges from climate change to economic disparity.
The Imperative: Accelerating SDG Progress in Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region faces significant obstacles in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); current projections indicate only 33% of targets will be met by 2030. Exacerbated by heightened human insecurity, global economic headwinds, and the existential threat of climate change, the development landscape is increasingly volatile.
In this crucial context, the UNDP, as the UN's global development network, plays a vital role in assisting countries to accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda. Operating in over 170 countries and territories, UNDP merges local insights with global expertise to eradicate poverty, catalyze structural transformation, build resilience, and champion sustainable development. The Economist Network within the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific (RBAP) is central to bolstering policy support and capacity, making the Country Economist role more critical than ever.
UNDP India: A Legacy of Impact and a Forward-Looking Vision
Since 1951, UNDP has been a steadfast collaborator with the Government and people of India, dedicated to advancing sustainable human development. Their efforts encompass poverty eradication, inequality reduction, strengthening local governance, enhancing community resilience, environmental protection, and supporting policy reforms. UNDP India's new Country Programme (2023-2027) builds upon this foundation, focusing on three strategic portfolios:
Robust, accountable, and evidence-driven institutions for accelerated SDG attainment.
Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to diminish inequality, with a specific emphasis on marginalized communities.
Climate-smart approaches, sustainable ecosystems, and resilient development for reduced vulnerability.
These core areas are reinforced by a commitment to South-South cooperation, gender equality, social inclusion, and innovative approaches to finance, data, and digital architecture.
The Country Economist's Role: A Catalyst for Progress
The Country Economist will serve as a key advisor to UNDP India's leadership and program teams, significantly contributing to UNDP's mission in the region. This position involves:
Enhancing foresight analytics and portfolio design for country programs and strategies.
Providing technical expertise and global best practices to national and sub-national government counterparts on sustainable and inclusive economic policies, particularly for the 2030 Agenda.
Advocating and engaging with partners to advance UNDP's mandate.
Contributing to UNDP's work across the Asia-Pacific region, including collaboration within the RBAP's Economist Network.
The ideal candidate will possess a keen awareness of the evolving development landscape, demonstrate a sharp strategic focus on high-impact interventions, and skillfully connect diagnostics and solutions to the complexities of policy and implementation. This role also offers the exciting prospect of dedicating approximately 20% of time to activities across the broader Economist Network, fostering cross-country and regional collaboration.
Who Should Apply?
UNDP seeks an individual with a strong academic background and extensive practical experience:
Education: An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Economics or a related field with at least 7 years of relevant experience, OR a Bachelor's Degree with 9 years of experience. A Ph.D. in Economics is an asset.
Experience: A minimum of 7-9 years of experience at the national or international level in economic research, policy, and implementation support is essential. This includes extensive experience in research and policy analysis, demonstrated policy, advisory, and advocacy expertise, and a proven track record in preparing high-quality policy briefs for senior policymakers.
Skills: Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory. Desired skills include strategic visioning, robust analytical capabilities, knowledge of SDGs, stakeholder engagement, data handling and statistical analysis software, and prior experience in the Asia-Pacific region.
Competencies: The role demands strong capabilities in achieving results, innovative thinking, continuous learning, adaptability, determination, engaging and partnering, and fostering diversity and inclusion. Key technical competencies encompass systems thinking, portfolio management, partnerships management, and expertise in economic transformation, diversification, multidimensional poverty, and SDG planning.
Job Details at a Glance:
Job Identification: 27092
Posting Date: July 3, 2025, 02:14 PM IST
Apply Before: July 25, 2025, 09:29 AM IST
Job Schedule: Full-time
Location: New Delhi, India
Agency: UNDP
Grade: P4
Vacancy Type: Fixed Term
Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension
Mobility: Required
Equal Opportunity Employer
UNDP is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to diversity and inclusion. Qualified applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The organization values a workplace where all personnel are empowered, respected, and can thrive. UNDP maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination, and abuse of authority.
This is an unparalleled opportunity for a driven economist to make a tangible impact on millions of lives, contributing to sustainable development initiatives in one of the world's most dynamic regions.
Don't miss this chance to shape a better tomorrow. Apply before July 25, 2025!