Project Analyst-Public Finance (Open to External Applicants)

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

1- Description

In its “Vision 2035”, the Government aims to consolidate the country’s position as a major commercial and logistics hub on the continent, making economic growth, human capital development, good governance, regional integration, and peace its main priorities. In this context, establishing a transparent, accountable, and reliable governance system and strengthening institutions appear as essential factors in contributing to the socio‑economic development that Djibouti aspires to, by restoring trust in institutions and unlocking the potential of the private sector for human capital development.

Although growth levels have been robust in recent years, Djibouti’s economy remains heavily dependent on its port and its economic relationship with Ethiopia, which presents structural vulnerabilities and a lack of diversification in the country’s sources of growth. GDP is expected to maintain a growth rate of 6% in 2025 and stabilize at 5.5% in the medium term.

From a development perspective, poverty, livelihoods, inequality, access to electricity and associated costs remain major development challenges. Djibouti’s progress toward achieving the SDGs remains below the average for both Sub‑Saharan Africa and Arab States, with a low global ranking of 149 out of 167 countries. While the high poverty rate persists, especially in rural areas (82% compared to 36% in urban areas), GDP per capita has significantly increased over the last decade, rising from USD 2,376 per capita in 2015 to USD 3,276 in 2024. The overall Human Development Index has shown improvements, increasing from 0.47 in 2015 to 0.51 in 2023, but Djibouti remains in the low development category (175 out of 193). However, the poverty incidence (43.4%) and the Gini coefficient (42%) have both increased, partly due to the influx of economic migrants. The unemployment rate currently stands at 25.88%, and the informal sector represents a large share of the economy, indicating a high level of social vulnerability for a significant portion of the population.

The National Development Plan “Djibouti ICI” expired in 2024, and a new national development plan for 2025–2030 will be launched in February 2026. In parallel, Djibouti finalized and submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 2.0 to the UNFCCC.

UNDP Djibouti has also been actively supporting the Government of Djibouti in developing the 2025–2030 national development plan linked to an Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF), including a Development Financing Assessment (DFA) that will support holistic financing approaches encompassing public, private, domestic, and international sources for the new NDP.

In the area of public finance, tax revenue mobilization remains significantly lower than in comparable countries: the global average for lower‑middle‑income countries was 15.72% of GDP in 2022, compared to 11.7% for Djibouti in the same year. Tax revenues have since decreased and are expected to remain below 2022 levels in the medium term, suggesting the need for a new robust medium‑term revenue strategy to substantially strengthen efforts and approaches aimed at broadening tax bases and improving compliance in tax collection. Djibouti’s tax expenditures have represented more than 100% of the total tax revenues mobilized in recent years, and in 2024 still represented more than 80%.

With support from technical and financial partners, the Government prepared a Public Financial Management (PFM) system performance report following the PEFA methodology in 2023. Following the PEFA assessment, the Government developed a 2024–2027 Action Plan for its operationalization. UNDP is among the technical and financial partners who have positioned themselves to support the implementation of the PFM action plan, particularly in taxation.

2- Scope of work

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Governance Programme Specialist, the Project Analyst in Public Finance contributes to the implementation and development of the strategy and activities of the UNDP Governance Unit through the projects under his/her responsibility. The sectoral areas include, but are not limited to: development financing, public finance, transparency and accountability in public financial management, taxation, feasibility studies, and economic analyses.

The Project Analyst will be responsible for:

1. Ensuring effective management of the project under his/her responsibility within the Governance Unit, focusing on achieving the following results:

2. Actively contributing to the effective management of the country programme in the assigned sectoral areas, focusing on achieving the following results:

3. Contributing to the facilitation of knowledge development and management, focusing on achieving the following results:

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

3- Institutional Arrangements 

The Project Analyst will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist (NOC) of the Governance Programme and will be based 100% at UNDP Djibouti

4- Competencies 

Core Competencies

People Management Competencies

UNDP’s people management competencies are available on the dedicatedsite [link removed]..

Cross‑Functional & Technical Competencies

Corporate Strategy & Direction

System Thinking

Ability to use objective analysis and judgment to understand how interdependent elements coexist within an overall system or process, and how modifying one element may affect others.

5- Minimum Qualifications of the Candidate 

Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent)  in economics, finance, statistics, or a related field.

  A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience.  

Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience of relevant experience  in development financing, public finance, transparency and accountability in public financial management, taxation, and economic studies and analyses.

• Previous work experience in the field of economics and development financing.                                                                                                • Project management skills.                                                                                                                                    

 • Excellent command of ICT tools, particularly Microsoft Office products.                                                                                                        

Direct work experience with government institutions is an asset.

Proven ability to communicate and work effectively in a team.

Excellent writing and presentation skills.                                                               

Fluency in French is required . 

Knowledge of English would be an asset.

6- Required Documents from Applicants 

The following documents are required from applicants:

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.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.