Specialist on Inclusive Economies – EQUANOMICS at UNDP (New York): Driving Gender-Responsive Economic Policy and Sustainable Development

March 27, 2025

11 minutes read

The Specialist on Inclusive Economies – EQUANOMICS position at UNDP is a high-level, office-based role in New York, USA. It focuses on promoting gender equality in economic policies and ensuring that economic systems are more inclusive and equitable. Here’s a breakdown of what the job entails:

1. What is the EQUANOMICS Program?

The EQUANOMICS program is a UNDP initiative that aims to reform economic systems to better support gender equality. The program works on:

✅ Gender-Responsive Fiscal Policy – Ensuring that government budgets and financial systems prioritize gender equality.
✅ Care Systems Expansion – Advocating for policies that recognize, reduce, and redistribute unpaid care work (like childcare and elder care).
✅ Research & Policy Influence – Conducting studies on topics like gender and debt distress, economic recovery, and fiscal policies, then using that research to drive policy changes.

2. Key Responsibilities of the Role

The Specialist on Inclusive Economies – EQUANOMICS will:

A. Lead the Coordination and Implementation of the EQUANOMICS Program

Oversee the Global Learning Lab on Gender Equal Economies.
Work with country and regional offices to implement gender-responsive policies.
Provide technical guidance on gender-equal economic policies, such as taxation and budgeting.
Monitor progress and assess impact.

Write policy briefs, research papers, and reports on gender-responsive economic policies.
Keep track of global trends and economic debates (such as financial architecture reform, debt crises, and sustainable finance).
Organize workshops, webinars, and knowledge-sharing sessions for policymakers and UNDP staff.

C. Build Partnerships & Resource Mobilization

Identify funding opportunities and write project proposals to secure resources.
Build relationships with UN agencies, international financial institutions, civil society groups, and research organizations.
Represent UNDP at global conferences and forums on gender and economic policy.

D. Provide Strategic Support for UNDP’s Gender Team

Contribute to annual work plans, progress reports, and strategy documents.
Draft briefing notes, talking points, and presentations on gender and economic development.
Ensure that gender equality is integrated into UNDP’s broader economic policies.

3. Required Qualifications and Skills

A. Education & Experience

Master’s degree + 7 years of experience (or Bachelor’s degree + 9 years of experience).
Fields: Economics, Development Economics, Public Policy, International Development, or Gender Studies.
Experience in gender analysis of economic policies is essential.

B. Key Skills Required
✔️ Strong background in gender-responsive budgeting, fiscal policy, and economic planning.
✔️ Expertise in economic research, policy development, and data analysis.
✔️ Experience in project management, monitoring, and evaluation.
✔️ Excellent writing and communication skills for reports, policy papers, and advocacy work.

C. Desired Additional Skills
⭐ Experience working in different global regions, especially developing countries.
⭐ Knowledge of care economics, gender equality certification, and fiscal sustainability.
⭐ Experience in resource mobilization and partnership building.
⭐ Previous work with UN agencies, financial institutions, or development organizations.

D. Languages
✅ Fluent English is required (spoken and written).
✅ Knowledge of a second UN language (French, Spanish, Arabic, etc.) is a plus.

4. What Makes This Job Important?

This role directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality by ensuring that economic policies support women and marginalized groups. The work also influences global economic policies, helping governments adopt fairer taxation systems, social protection programs, and economic recovery plans.

If you’re passionate about gender justice, economic development, and policy reform, this is a high-impact role that allows you to work with global leaders, policymakers, and development experts.

Would you like help with crafting a resume or cover letter for this position? 😊

Sure! Here’s a detailed explanation of the Specialist on Inclusive Economies – EQUANOMICS position at UNDP, expanding on its responsibilities, required skills, and broader impact within the global development landscape.

Specialist on Inclusive Economies – EQUANOMICS (UNDP, New York)

1. Introduction to UNDP and the Global Policy Network (GPN)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading UN agency working to eradicate poverty and promote sustainable development. Operating in over 170 countries and territories, UNDP helps nations develop policies, skills, partnerships, and institutions that foster economic growth, reduce inequality, and improve resilience.

As part of UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS), the Global Policy Network (GPN) ensures that UNDP offices worldwide have access to cutting-edge technical expertise and research. This network supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by integrating economic, social, and environmental dimensions into development policies.

One of GPN’s key thematic areas is gender equality, led by UNDP’s Gender Team. This team provides technical support, policy advice, and strategic leadership to promote gender mainstreaming across all UNDP programs.

Within this structure, the EQUANOMICS program plays a critical role in integrating gender equality into economic systems by addressing structural inequalities that hinder inclusive growth. The Specialist on Inclusive Economies will be responsible for advancing this mission through policy development, research, capacity building, and advocacy.

2. Overview of the EQUANOMICS Program

What is EQUANOMICS?

The EQUANOMICS initiative operates at the intersection of gender equality and economic policy. It aims to restructure economic systems so that they work for everyone, particularly women and marginalized communities.

The program focuses on three interconnected pillars

for more’http://You can view the job listing and apply for the Specialist on Inclusive Economies – EQUANOMICS position at UNDP by following this link.

1. Making Fiscal Policy Work for Gender Equality

Advocates for gender-responsive budgeting and tax policies that consider women’s economic participation and social protection.
Works with governments to reform economic policies that disproportionately disadvantage women.
Engages in macroeconomic policy discussions to ensure gender perspectives are integrated into public finance.

2. Expanding Care Systems

Recognizes unpaid care work (e.g., childcare, eldercare, domestic labor) as a key economic activity.
Promotes investments in care infrastructure, such as public childcare services and parental leave policies.
Encourages a shift in social norms around care work, promoting shared responsibility between men and women.http://@vacancyspaces.com

3. Building Evidence to Influence Policy

Conducts research on the gendered impact of economic crises, fiscal policies, and debt distress.
Runs the EQUANOMICS Global Learning Lab on Gender Equal Economies, training UNDP economists to incorporate gender perspectives into economic policymaking.
Develops knowledge products, toolkits, and policy frameworks to guide governments and development partners.

By addressing these areas, EQUANOMICS helps shape inclusive and sustainable economic systems that align with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and other related SDGs.

3. Key Responsibilities of the Specialist on Inclusive Economies

The Specialist on Inclusive Economies will work under the direct supervision of the Gender Specialist on Inclusive Economies in UNDP’s New York office. The role involves:

A. Program Coordination and Implementation

Lead and oversee different EQUANOMICS program components, ensuring smooth implementation of activities.
Provide technical support to UNDP Country Offices and Regional Hubs in integrating gender-responsive policies into their economic strategies.
Offer guidance on fiscal policies, economic planning, and gender-responsive taxation.
Develop and apply frameworks, toolkits, and policy guidelines for gender-inclusive economic policies.
Collaborate with key UNDP teams, including the Sustainable Finance Hub and Inclusive Growth team, to align gender-responsive economic policies with broader UNDP strategies.

B. Knowledge Management and Policy Research

Conduct research on gender equality and economic policies, including taxation, labor markets, and fiscal reforms.
Produce policy briefs, reports, and technical papers to support advocacy efforts.
Monitor global economic trends, such as financial crises, debt sustainability, and macroeconomic policies, from a gender perspective.
Organize and facilitate capacity-building workshops, training sessions, and learning events for UNDP staff, policymakers, and development partners.

C. Advocacy and Partnership Building

Represent UNDP in international forums, conferences, and policy discussions on gender and economics.
Develop strategic partnerships with UN agencies, international financial institutions, research centers, and civil society organizations.
Identify funding opportunities and prepare grant proposals to secure resources for EQUANOMICS activities.
Engage with key multilateral processes, including the Financing for Development (FfD) agenda, global financial architecture reform, and public administration reforms.

D. Support to UNDP’s Gender Team

Contribute to work planning, reporting, and corporate strategy for the UNDP Gender Team.
Draft briefing notes, presentations, and talking points for senior UNDP leadership on gender-responsive economic policies.
Support internal UNDP initiatives to strengthen gender integration across different thematic areas.

4. Required Qualifications and Skills

A. Education Requirements

Master’s degree in Economics, Development Economics, Public Policy, International Development, Gender Studies, or a related field.
A Bachelor’s degree in the same fields with 9 years of experience can be considered in place of a Master’s degree.

B. Work Experience

Minimum of 7 years (Master’s) or 9 years (Bachelor’s) of professional experience in:
- Economic policy development
- Gender-responsive budgeting and fiscal policy
- Macroeconomic policy analysis
- International development and project management
Strong track record in gender analysis and economic research.

C. Required Skills

✔ Expertise in gender-responsive economic policy and fiscal reform.
✔ Experience in economic data analysis and policy evaluation.
✔ Strong project management skills.
✔ Excellent writing and communication abilities for reports and research papers.

D. Desired Skills

⭐ Experience in care economics and gender equality certification.
⭐ Prior work with UN agencies, international financial institutions, or development partners.
⭐ Experience in resource mobilization and partnership-building.

E. Language Requirements

✅ Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required.
✅ A second UN language (e.g., Spanish, French, Arabic) is an asset.

5. Why This Role Matters

This role is strategically important for ensuring that economic policies and financial systems work for everyone, especially women and marginalized communities. The position will influence global economic governance by advocating for:

More inclusive public finance policies that benefit all genders.
Recognition and support for unpaid care work, which is a major factor in gender economic inequality.
Stronger evidence-based policymaking through high-quality research and technical advice.

By working at UNDP Headquarters, the Specialist on Inclusive Economies will have the opportunity to shape economic policy worldwide, helping governments create more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economies.

6. How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:
📌 Updated CV highlighting relevant experience.
📌 Cover letter explaining their interest and qualifications.
📌 Samples of relevant work (research papers, policy briefs, etc., if requested).

Would you like help crafting a strong application for this role? 😊

Certainly! Here’s a more detailed and in-depth look at the Specialist on Inclusive Economies – EQUANOMICS position at UNDP, New York, expanding on various dimensions such as the global economic context, UNDP’s broader role in development, the challenges of inclusive economies, and how this role contributes to sustainable and equitable economic systems.

Specialist on Inclusive Economies – EQUANOMICS (UNDP, New York)

1. Understanding the Global Context of Inclusive Economies

Economic inequality remains one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Despite global economic growth, income disparities, gender-based financial exclusion, and the unequal distribution of economic opportunities persist. Women, marginalized communities, and lower-income groups are often the most affected by economic policies that fail to recognize the specific barriers they face.

Many economies are structured in ways that prioritize profits over people, leading to:

Gender pay gaps
Limited access to financial services for women and marginalized communities
Unpaid and underpaid care work that disproportionately affects women
Regressive taxation systems that burden low-income earners
Inadequate social protection systems

To address these structural inequalities, organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) play a crucial role in shaping economic systems that work for all.

Why Inclusive Economies Matter

Inclusive economies ensure that all individuals—regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, or socio-economic background—have equal access to economic opportunities, financial security, and prosperity. This approach is critical for sustainable development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

SDG 1: No Poverty
SDG 5: Gender Equality
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The EQUANOMICS initiative directly contributes to this agenda by promoting gender-responsive economic reforms and inclusive policy frameworks.

2. The Role of UNDP in Advancing Economic Justice

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) operates as the UN’s leading development agency, working in over 170 countries to reduce poverty, strengthen governance, and promote sustainable economic growth.

As part of UNDP’s mission, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) is responsible for designing and implementing evidence-based policies and global programs. Within BPPS, the Global Policy Network (GPN) ensures that country offices have access to the latest knowledge, research, and tools for effective policymaking.

The UNDP Gender Team, which oversees the EQUANOMICS initiative, has a specific mandate to promote gender equality and women’s economic empowerment across all UNDP programs.

EQUANOMICS as a Flagship Initiative

The EQUANOMICS program is a strategic initiative within UNDP that seeks to:
✅ Reform economic policies that reinforce gender disparities.
✅ Influence national budgeting and fiscal systems to prioritize gender equality.
✅ Expand investments in care economies and recognize the role of unpaid care work.
✅ Provide technical expertise to governments, policymakers, and development institutions on creating inclusive and sustainable economies.

By embedding gender considerations into macroeconomic policies, fiscal planning, and economic governance, EQUANOMICS ensures that development efforts are equitable, resilient, and effective.

3. Key Responsibilities of the Specialist on Inclusive Economies

The Specialist on Inclusive Economies is expected to play a leadership role in advancing UNDP’s vision for inclusive economies. Their work will involve:

A. Policy Development & Technical Support

Provide technical guidance to national governments on implementing gender-responsive economic policies.
Support economic analysis and policy formulation with a focus on gender inclusion and social equity.
Develop gender-responsive budgeting frameworks to help governments allocate resources effectively.
Offer recommendations for reforming taxation systems to promote equity and social protection.

B. Research & Knowledge Development

Conduct data-driven research on topics like economic inequality, labor markets, debt crises, and social safety nets.
Prepare policy papers, briefing notes, and research reports to inform UNDP’s strategies.
Collaborate with academic institutions, think tanks, and international financial organizations to enhance UNDP’s research capacity.

C. Capacity Building & Learning

Organize and lead workshops, training programs, and policy dialogues for UNDP staff, government officials, and development partners.
Contribute to the EQUANOMICS Global Learning Lab, ensuring that UNDP’s economists are trained in gender-responsive economic planning.
Develop online courses and knowledge-sharing platforms to spread best practices in inclusive economic development.

D. Partnerships & Advocacy

Engage with key stakeholders, including UN agencies, the World Bank, IMF, regional development banks, and civil society organizations.
Advocate for economic reforms that prioritize social justice and gender equality.
Represent UNDP in high-level global conferences, UN meetings, and international summits on economic development and gender equity.

4. The Challenge of Building Inclusive Economies

The shift towards inclusive economies is complex and requires overcoming several key challenges:

A. Structural Barriers

Economic systems are often designed to prioritize growth over equity, leading to policies that benefit corporations and elites while leaving vulnerable populations behind.
Global financial systems reinforce inequality, with developing countries facing debt burdens that limit social investment.

B. Gender Gaps in Economic Participation

Women continue to face unequal access to capital, credit, and employment opportunities.
The gender wage gap remains a global issue, with women earning significantly less than men for the same work.
Unpaid care work—such as childcare, eldercare, and household labor—limits women’s economic mobility and is often not recognized in national economic planning.

C. Political and Institutional Resistance

Many governments resist progressive tax reforms that could fund gender-equal policies.
Policymakers often lack awareness or technical knowledge on integrating gender perspectives into economic planning.

D. The Impact of Global Crises

COVID-19, climate change, and geopolitical conflicts have disproportionately impacted women and marginalized communities, increasing economic vulnerabilities.
Debt distress in developing countries makes it harder to finance social protection and care policies.

The Specialist on Inclusive Economies will play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by influencing global policy debates, providing evidence-based solutions, and supporting economic governance reforms.

5. What Success Looks Like

In this role, success will be measured by:
✔ Improved gender-responsive economic policies in UNDP-supported countries.
✔ Greater investments in care economies and social protection systems.
✔ Stronger integration of gender perspectives in macroeconomic planning.
✔ Expanded research and advocacy efforts influencing global economic governance.

Through this work, the Specialist will help UNDP redefine the future of economic development, ensuring that economies are built for people, not just for profits.

6. How to Apply

Interested candidates should prepare:
📌 A detailed CV showcasing their expertise in economic policy, gender equality, and fiscal reforms.
📌 A strong cover letter explaining their interest and how their skills align with UNDP’s mission.
📌 Samples of relevant work (e.g., policy briefs, research papers, or economic analyses).

Final Thoughts

This position is an extraordinary opportunity for professionals passionate about reshaping global economies to be more just, inclusive, and sustainable. The role offers a chance to directly influence economic policymaking at the highest levels and contribute to a more equitable world.

Would you like help in crafting a tailored application for this role? 😊

March 27, 2025

11 minutes read