Economist (UNOPS) at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Data collection and economic analysis and coordination

• Facilitate collaboration with the World Bank, the Joint Data Centre (JDC), Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), academia and other stakeholders on a range of bespoke economic analyses, such as economic impact assessments, poverty and welfare measurement, socioeconomic profiling and country economic trend analysis. This includes serving as focal point between UNHCR and these institutions when collaborating on producing socioeconomic data on refugees.
• Contribute to innovative area-based approaches to solutions and strategies for refugee inclusion, for example, using socioeconomic analysis to inform the Shirika Plan, KISEDP, GISEDP and UNHCR’s annual reporting and planning cycles.
• Provide oversight, vision, and guidance on the collection of raw primary and secondary datasets and the preparation of final datasets for analysis.
• Facilitate development and operationalisation of roadmap for Refugee Resource Centre (RRC). 
• Contribute relevant socioeconomic data inputs to corporate and country reports, such as the Global Compact Indicator Report, COMPASS, and Multi-Year Strategic Plans.
• Provide technical guidance to research teams and UNHCR sector colleagues and sub-offices (Kakuma, Dadaab) on (i) research design, (ii) data analysis plans, (iii) the preparation of descriptive statistics and regression analysis, and (iv) the preparation of various outputs such as briefs, presentations and academic papers.
• Preparation of economic briefs and policy notes 
• Prepare presentations, technical reports and non-technical reports to communicate the findings of economic analyses from socioeconomic research such as the Kenya Analytical Program on Forced Displacement (KAP-FD).
• Translate technical products into products and approaches (e.g., knowledge briefs, blogs, talking points, launch events) to communicate research findings clearly and simply for non-technical audiences.
• Prepare cutting edge economic briefs and policy notes on various topics relevant to the provision of asylum, the protection of persons we serve and the pursuit of durable solutions in line with the GCR and the Shirika Plan.
• Learning and knowledge management 
• Leverage and enable the academic research community in Kenya.
• Generate in-depth knowledge products from socio-economic data for PoCs and their hosts, such as the Kenya Longitudinal Socioeconomic Study of Refugees and Host Communities (K-LSRH), relevant for programming and policy for both humanitarian and development actors. 
• Identify new research opportunities and contribute to proposals for research partnerships and funding.
• Participate in official missions and deliver capacity-building and training activities for UNHCR, partners and governments.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

Measurable Outputs

• Number of economic analyses completed: This indicator tracks the Economist's completion of various analyses such as economic impact assessments, poverty and welfare measurements, socioeconomic profiling, and country economic trend analysis.
• Datasets prepared: This metric monitors the Economist's progress in overseeing and guiding the collection and preparation of raw primary and secondary datasets, ultimately contributing to final datasets ready for analysis.
• Knowledge products generated: This measure assesses the creation of in-depth knowledge products derived from socioeconomic data, including resources like the Kenya Longitudinal Socioeconomic Study of Refugees and Host Communities (K-LSRH), useful for informing programming and policy decisions for both humanitarian and development stakeholders.
• Economic briefs and policy notes produced: This metric tracks the number of presentations, technical reports, non-technical reports, briefs, blogs, talking points, and other materials completed.
• Research proposals and funding applications: Monitoring the number of research proposals and funding applications, reflecting contributions to identifying new research opportunities and partnerships.
• Milestones
• Operational roadmap for Refugee Resource Centre (RRC): Development and implementation of this roadmap signifies a significant milestone in leveraging the academic research community within Kenya.
• Integration of refugees into Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey (KIHBS): Successful integration, achieved through partnerships with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the World Bank, and the UNHCR-World Bank Joint Data Centre (JDC), marks a crucial step towards comprehensive data collection.
• Regular contributions to reports: Timely submissions of relevant socioeconomic data to corporate and country reports, including the Global Compact Indicator Report, COMPASS, and Multi-Year Strategic Plans, demonstrate ongoing progress.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Quality of economic analyses: Measured through peer reviews, stakeholder feedback, and the impact of findings on policy and programs.
• Timeliness of data collection and analysis: Evaluated based on adherence to project timelines and the ability to provide timely insights for decision-making.
• Utilisation of research findings: Tracked by the adoption of recommendations from economic analyses in UNHCR and partner programming.
• Level of stakeholder engagement: Assessed through the strength of partnerships with organisations such as the World Bank, KNBS, academia, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Effectiveness of capacity-building initiatives: Measured through feedback from training participants and the observable improvement in the capacity of UNHCR staff, partners, and government officials to utilise socioeconomic data.

Reporting Requirements

• Regular progress reports: Submitted to the Strategic Partnership Adviser, outlining key activities, achievements, challenges, and future plans.
• Presentations to stakeholders: Sharing key findings of economic analyses with relevant audiences, including UNHCR senior management, government officials, and partner organisations.
• Contributions to UNHCR publications: Providing inputs for articles, reports, and other publications that highlight the importance of socioeconomic data in understanding and responding to forced displacement situations.

Qualifications and Experience

Education (Level and area of required and/or preferred education)

• Six (6) years relevant experience with and undergraduate degree, or five (5) years’ relevant experience with a graduate degree, or four (4) years’ relevant experience with a doctorate degree in Economics, Statistics, or a relevant area. 

Work Experience 

• At least six (6) years of demonstrated experience in economics, analysing data and conducting research. Familiarity with processes of the World Bank, the African Development Bank or other international financial institutions, bilateral development agencies or research institutions.