Economist (Nationals Only) – UNDP Maldives: Role, Responsibilities, and Impact

March 14, 2025

11 minutes read

The Economist position at UNDP in the Maldives is a high-level, strategic role focused on economic policy, research, and advisory services. The position is designed for nationals of the Maldives and requires expertise in economic analysis, sustainable development, and policy advising. Below is a detailed breakdown of the job:

Key Responsibilities:

Policy and Technical Advisory Services
- Provide economic analysis and policy recommendations to the UNDP country office and the Maldivian government.
- Support program development and implementation aligned with UNDP’s goals and the Maldives’ national priorities.
- Lead the development of the National Human Development Report (HDR).
- Analyze data and provide statistical insights for economic planning.
Advising the Government & SDG Integration
- Guide the government on economic transformation, sustainable development, and financial planning.
- Assist in monitoring and reporting SDG progress.
- Offer solutions to optimize national budgets and develop innovative financing models.
Collaboration & Representation
- Work closely with government agencies, private sector, and development partners to drive economic growth.
- Represent UNDP at conferences, workshops, and high-level discussions.
- Contribute to regional and global economic research and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Management & Supervision
- Supervise key economic professionals in the UNDP Maldives office, including:
  - Tax for SDG Coordinator
  - Project Associate
  - Public Finance Management Analyst
  - Junior Economist/Climate Finance Analyst

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education:
- Master’s degree in Economics with 7+ years of experience, OR
- Bachelor’s degree in Economics with 9+ years of experience.
- A Ph.D. in Economics is considered an advantage.
Work Experience:
- Strong background in economic research, policy-making, and advisory services.
- Experience in strategic planning, SDG implementation, and public finance management.
- Knowledge of statistical analysis tools and economic modeling.
- Experience in the Asia-Pacific region is an advantage.
Language Skills:
- Fluency in English and Dhivehi (written and spoken) is required.

Key Competencies & Skills

Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess complex economic data and provide strategic insights.
Policy Expertise: Understanding of national economic policies, SDGs, and financial planning.
Partnership Building: Experience working with government, private sector, and international organizations.
Leadership & Supervision: Ability to manage teams and mentor economic professionals.

Contract & Benefitshttp://UNDP Economist (Nationals Only) – Maldives

Contract Type: Fixed-term (1-year with the possibility of extension)
Work Schedule: Full-time
Mobility Requirement: No relocation required
Grade Level: NOD (National Officer – Mid to Senior Level)
Agency: UNDP, under the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific

Why Apply?

This role is ideal for experienced economists who want to:

Influence national economic policies in the Maldives.
Work on high-impact projects related to sustainable development, public finance, and economic transformation.
Be part of a global network of economic experts and contribute to UNDP’s development goals.

Would you like assistance with your application, such as resume enhancement, cover letter drafting, or intern

Economist position at UNDP Maldives, covering all aspects of the role, responsibilities, required qualifications, skills, impact, and the broader economic and development context of the Maldives.

Economist (Nationals Only) – UNDP Maldives: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to the Role@vacancyspaces.com

The Economist position at UNDP Maldives is a strategic leadership role requiring expertise in economic research, policy advising, and sustainable development. This role is a fixed-term, full-time position designed for Maldivian nationals, with a tenure of one year, renewable based on performance and funding availability.

The primary function of the Economist is to support economic policy formulation, provide technical and advisory services, and strengthen UNDP’s programs in the Maldives. The Economist will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the country’s economic growth aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national development strategies.

This position is designed for senior-level professionals with extensive experience in economic analysis, policy research, public finance, and development planning. The ideal candidate will be an expert in economic transformation, financial policy, and statistical modeling, with strong connections to government agencies, development partners, private sector stakeholders, and civil society organizations.

Context: UNDP’s Role in the Maldives

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is one of the leading international organizations focused on poverty reduction, economic transformation, and sustainable development. UNDP has been active in the Maldives for over 45 years, providing technical assistance, policy guidance, and project implementation support to the Maldivian government and other stakeholders.

Maldives Development Challenges and Economic Context

The Maldives, as an Upper Middle-Income Country (UMIC), faces unique economic challenges, including:

Heavy Dependence on Tourism: Tourism accounts for over 70% of GDP and 80% of foreign exchange earnings.
Vulnerability to Climate Change: Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events threaten infrastructure, fisheries, and tourism.
Limited Economic Diversification: Over-reliance on tourism makes the economy highly sensitive to external shocks (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic).
Public Debt and Fiscal Constraints: The government faces high levels of debt, requiring effective financial management strategies.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The Maldives needs integrated economic policies to meet the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

As the leading economic expert at UNDP Maldives, the Economist will drive economic policy analysis, financial planning, and SDG integration efforts to support long-term, sustainable economic growth.

Key Responsibilities of the Economist

The Economist will lead policy advisory services, support government agencies, and implement UNDP’s economic development programs. Below is a detailed breakdown of the core responsibilities:

1. Economic Policy Advisory and Technical Support

Provide high-level policy advice to UNDP’s senior management and government partners.
Lead economic research and develop policy recommendations on sustainable development, economic diversification, and resilience building.
Guide national stakeholders on public finance management, tax policies, and development finance solutions.
Develop and implement Development Finance Assessments (DFAs) to optimize the use of financial resources for achieving SDGs.
Monitor macroeconomic trends and provide policy briefs, statistical reports, and economic forecasts.

2. Support to National Government & SDG Implementation

Assist the Maldivian government in designing inclusive growth policies and poverty reduction strategies.
Help integrate climate-resilient economic policies into national and sub-national planning.
Develop models to assess the impact of government policies on income inequality and social protection.
Strengthen national data collection and statistical analysis to improve SDG monitoring.

3. Representation, Advocacy, and Partnership Engagement

Represent UNDP in high-level policy dialogues, conferences, and strategic forums.
Build partnerships with government agencies, international financial institutions (IFIs), private sector organizations, and civil society.
Advocate for evidence-based policymaking and data-driven economic planning.
Provide strategic guidance on public-private partnerships (PPPs) and innovative financing mechanisms.

4. Regional and Global Economic Research Contribution

Collaborate with UNDP’s Regional Economist Network to support cross-border economic development initiatives.
Contribute to regional reports, such as the Asia-Pacific Human Development Report.
Share knowledge, best practices, and case studies on economic development and resilience strategies.

5. Supervision and Team Management

The Economist will supervise and manage a team of professionals, including:

Tax for SDG Coordinator
Project Associate
Public Finance Management Analyst
Junior Economist/Climate Finance Analyst

This supervisory role involves:

Providing mentorship and technical guidance.
Overseeing research and policy development projects.
Ensuring alignment with UNDP’s strategic priorities.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education:

Master’s degree in Economics (minimum requirement).
Bachelor’s degree in Economics with 9+ years of experience may be considered.
Ph.D. in Economics is an added advantage.

Work Experience:

7+ years (with Master’s) or 9+ years (with Bachelor’s) of progressive experience in economic policy research, advisory, and implementation.
Experience in macroeconomic analysis, fiscal policy, and development finance.
Proven ability to develop high-level policy briefs and reports for government decision-makers.
Experience working with international organizations, UN agencies, or development banks is desirable.
Strong background in statistics, data modeling, and economic forecasting.
Prior experience in the Maldives and/or Asia-Pacific region is a plus.

Technical and Soft Skills:

Economic Analysis & Research
- Expertise in quantitative and qualitative economic research methods.
- Ability to interpret macroeconomic indicators and policy trends.
- Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., STATA, R, or Python).
Policy Advisory & Advocacy
- Strong understanding of SDGs, sustainable finance, and poverty reduction policies.
- Ability to translate complex economic concepts into policy recommendations.
- Skilled in engaging government officials, donors, and development partners.
Leadership & Team Management
- Proven experience in leading research teams and managing policy projects.
- Ability to mentor junior economists and provide strategic direction.
Communication & Representation
- Strong written and verbal skills in English and Dhivehi.
- Experience in public speaking and presenting at policy forums.

Why This Role Matters: Impact of the Economist Position

The Economist will play a critical role in shaping the Maldives’ economic future by:

Driving evidence-based economic policymaking.
Helping the government adopt sustainable development strategies.
Supporting the integration of climate finance and innovative financial models.
Strengthening data-driven decision-making for national planning.

Contract Details & Application Process

Contract Details

Job Type: Full-Time, Fixed-Term
Contract Duration: 1 Year (with possibility of extension)
Location: Maldives
Agency: UNDP, Regional Bureau for Asia & the Pacific
Grade Level: NOD (National Officer – Mid to Senior Level)

Application Timeline

Posting Date: March 2, 2025
Application Deadline: March 18, 2025 (5:59 AM)
Selection Process: Includes written assessments and interviews.

How to Apply

Submit an updated CV/resume.
Provide a cover letter highlighting your experience in economic policy, research, and advisory services.
Attach relevant work samples (e.g., policy briefs, economic reports, research papers).

Final Thoughts: Is This Role Right for You?

This position is ideal for senior economists who: ✅ Have a strong academic background in Economics.
✅ Have extensive experience in policy research, advisory, and finance.
✅ Want to influence economic policy and development in the Maldives.
✅ Are passionate about sustainable growth and SDG implementation.

If you meet the criteria and are committed to driving impactful change, this could be the perfect career opportunity for you.

Would you like help with your application, such as CV review, cover letter writing, or interview preparation? Let me know how I can as

Economist (Nationals Only) – UNDP Maldives: A Deep Dive Into the Role

1. Introduction

The Economist position at UNDP Maldives is a prestigious and impactful role designed for highly experienced professionals in the field of economic research, policy development, and sustainable finance.

This role is nationally recruited, meaning only citizens of the Maldives are eligible to apply. The selected Economist will work closely with UNDP’s senior management, Maldivian government agencies, financial institutions, and other development partners to shape economic policies, sustainable financing strategies, and growth models that align with national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As a fixed-term, full-time role, the Economist will play a key part in analyzing economic trends, providing policy advice, and contributing to UNDP’s global and regional research efforts. The position also involves advocacy, technical guidance, and team leadership.

The role is critical for shaping the future of economic governance in the Maldives, ensuring long-term sustainability, financial resilience, and inclusive economic development.

2. UNDP’s Role in Economic Development

What is UNDP?

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s leading agency for global development and poverty eradication. UNDP supports countries worldwide in achieving inclusive economic growth, climate resilience, digital transformation, and good governance.

UNDP’s Presence in the Maldives

UNDP has been active in the Maldives for over 45 years, supporting:

Economic diversification beyond tourism.
Strengthening governance and public institutions.
Climate adaptation and sustainable development.
Disaster risk management and environmental sustainability.
Digital transformation and financial inclusion.

The Economist plays a major role in aligning economic policies with these priorities to create lasting, transformative impacts for the Maldivian economy.

3. Economic Landscape of the Maldives

Understanding the Maldivian economic context is crucial to appreciating the challenges and opportunities that come with this role.

Key Economic Indicators:

GDP: Approximately $5.5 billion (2024 estimates).
GDP Growth Rate: Around 5.2% annually.
Primary Industries:
- Tourism (70% of GDP)
- Fisheries and Agriculture (6%)
- Public Sector & Services (24%)
Public Debt-to-GDP Ratio: Over 110%.
Unemployment Rate: Around 6.4%, with youth unemployment higher.
Inflation Rate: 3.1% (moderate but rising due to global economic trends).
Foreign Exchange Reserves: Limited, creating economic vulnerabilities.
Tax Revenue: Heavily reliant on tourism-related taxes.

Challenges in the Maldivian Economy:

Overdependence on Tourism:
- Tourism contributes over 70% of GDP, making the economy highly vulnerable to external shocks, such as pandemics, global recessions, or climate-related disasters.
Limited Economic Diversification:
- The lack of major industries outside of tourism creates economic instability.
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face financing constraints and high costs of doing business.
Climate Vulnerabilities:
- As a low-lying island nation, the Maldives faces rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and extreme weather events that impact tourism, fisheries, and infrastructure.
Public Debt and Fiscal Sustainability:
- The Maldives has a high debt-to-GDP ratio, and borrowing costs are increasing.
- Public sector wages and subsidies account for a significant portion of government spending, limiting investment in long-term development.
Lack of Sustainable Finance Mechanisms:
- The Maldives requires innovative financing solutions, such as green bonds, blue finance, and climate resilience funds to support long-term economic sustainability.
Digital Economy and Financial Inclusion:
- Financial technology (FinTech) adoption is still in its early stages.
- Expanding digital banking and mobile payments is necessary to improve financial inclusion.

The Economist at UNDP Maldives will work to address these challenges by guiding policies that promote sustainable economic growth, financial resilience, and poverty reduction.

4. Primary Responsibilities of the Economist

The Economist will lead research, policy development, and strategic planning in key economic areas. Below are the main responsibilities:

1. Economic Policy Advisory

Provide expert policy advice to UNDP’s senior management and government partners.
Develop economic growth strategies that are resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.
Assist in reforming fiscal policies, including taxation, public spending, and debt management.
Lead efforts to develop Development Finance Assessments (DFAs).

2. Macroeconomic Analysis & Research

Conduct macroeconomic modeling, forecasting, and risk assessments.
Analyze inflation, trade balance, and economic performance indicators.
Assess foreign exchange stability, capital flows, and investment trends.
Provide policy briefs, economic reports, and risk analysis reports.

3. Sustainable Development & SDG Integration

Align national economic policies with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Develop climate finance and green economy strategies.
Design economic inclusion programs for vulnerable populations.

4. Strengthening Public Finance Management (PFM)

Support tax policy reform and revenue diversification.
Provide technical assistance on government budgeting and fiscal sustainability.
Develop sustainable financing mechanisms.

5. Partnership Development & Advocacy

Engage with government agencies, the private sector, and international organizations.
Promote public-private partnerships (PPPs).
Represent UNDP in policy dialogues, conferences, and forums.

6. Regional and Global Economic Contribution

Collaborate with UNDP’s global economic teams.
Contribute to the Asia-Pacific Human Development Report.
Share best practices in economic transformation and resilience strategies.

7. Team Management and Leadership

Supervise junior economists, research analysts, and policy specialists.
Provide mentorship and technical guidance.
Ensure research is aligned with UNDP’s strategic objectives.

5. Qualifications & Skills Required

Educational Background:

Master’s degree in Economics (minimum requirement).
Bachelor’s degree with 9+ years of experience may be considered.
Ph.D. in Economics is an added advantage.

Work Experience:

7+ years (with Master’s) or 9+ years (with Bachelor’s) in:
- Macroeconomic policy and public finance.
- Statistical modeling and economic forecasting.
- Development finance, SDGs, and climate resilience.
- Public sector advisory and fiscal reform.

Technical & Soft Skills:

Advanced quantitative analysis (STATA, R, Python, etc.).
Exceptional communication skills (English and Dhivehi).
Proven leadership in research teams.
Public speaking and advocacy experience.
Strong networking and partnership-building capabilities.

6. Impact of the Economist Role

The Economist’s contributions will lead to: ✅ Stronger economic policies for inclusive growth.
✅ More sustainable public finance systems.
✅ Better integration of climate resilience into economic planning.
✅ A more diversified and stable economy.
✅ Improved financial access and digital inclusion.