Senior Regional Economist

Job Description

DevTech is currently managing USAID/Indonesia’s Economic Growth Support Activity (EGSA). EGSA has three objectives: i) enabling evidence-based decision making through ongoing analysis that links together the United State Government’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), Journey to Self-Reliance (J2SR), and Government of Indonesia (GOI) priorities (CDCS); (ii) improving Government of Indonesia (GOI technical capacity in tax collection, public expenditure, and financial accountability; and (iii) improving the business enabling environment for foreign and domestic business entities.

USAID EGSA is supporting the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas in its efforts to develop a roadmap for economic transformation for the Province of East Kalimantan. One component of the roadmap formulation is understanding the socio-economic structure of East Kalimantan, relevant strategic issues, key stakeholders, and potential sectors for growth. Therefore EGSA is looking for a Senior Regional Economist consultant to develop a study analyzing the socio-economic structure of East Kalimantan and devise strategies to strengthen the economy in the region. The output of this study will inform the formulation of National Medium-term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025 – 2029.

Requirement

• Professional and updated knowledge of regional economics research methods and databases in Indonesia
• Extensive experience in research about regional economics and economic growth at subnational level
• Fluency in English and Bahasa Indonesia, both written and oral
• Prior work experience leading relevant research in GOI agencies.
• Ability to prepare and present comprehensive reports for Government technical and executive level audiences.

Responsibilities

Services Provided

The Senior Regional Economist will:

• Lead the East Kalimantan Economic Transformation study by conducting following activities:
  • Identify strategic issues in the region in regard to socio-economic structure, using primary and secondary data and also various economic and public policy methodologies.
  • Develop a concept for gathering primary and secondary data, including site visit, survey, Forum Group Discussion (FGD), and In-depth interview to all stakeholders (local government, private sector, MSMEs, etc).
  • Conduct 5 Forum Group Discussion (FGD) or In-depth interview to all relevant stakeholders (local government, private sector, MSMEs, etc), namely:
    • FGD 1: Analyze the impact of the green economy transition on the mining sector and the economic structure in East Kalimantan, including issues related to labor and derivative industries.
    • FGD 2: Analyze strategies on strengthening the complexity of export products.
    • FGD 3: Development of infrastructure supporting regional connectivity to increase competitiveness in the development of potential sectors (tourism, industry, services and trade, etc.).
    • FGD 4: Analyze a conducive environment for investment and business condition.
    • FGD 5: Analyze the employment structure, including the quality of the workforce, as well as link and match with business.
  • Report on Strengthening Socio-Economic Structures for Economic Transformation in East Kalimantan, includes:
    • Map socio-economic potentials in each district and city in East Kalimantan and conducting impact analysis based on social economic potential.
    • Recommend long term strategies to strengthen socio-economic structures that divides into 5 years stages of policy directions.
    • Stakeholders mapping to address strategic issues based on formulated long-term strategies.
    • Districts/cities economic growth projection in East Kalimantan that incorporates socio economic potential and long-term strategies in each district and city in East Kalimantan province.
  • Lead in planning meetings with EGSA, Bappenas, and other stakeholders.
  • Develop the research workplan document for submission to Bappenas, outlining research methodology, timeline, and report outline.
  • Prepare monthly progress reports outlining activities conducted during the period and link to deliverables in the contract, meetings, output produced, and follow up plan for internal reporting purposes.
  • Present the findings and policy recommendations to Bappenas and other stakeholders.
  • Develop final report.

Qualifications

The Senior Regional Economist must meet the following:

• An advanced degree from nationally/internationally recognized university in regional economics, econometrics, or relevant disciplines;
• At least 12 years of experience in regional economic development and policy analysis in development context for candidates with Master’s degree and 10 for PhD;
• Extensive research experience in regional economic development, green economy concept, and economic modelling; and
• Excellent writing and communications as evidenced by a body of written work.

Deliverables, Level of Effort, Schedule

Specific tasks and Level of Efforts (LoE)

No.

Task

Deliverables

LoE (days)

Tentative due date

1

Lead a kick off meeting with Bappenas, conduct initial document review, and develop work plan

Presentation material for the kick-off meeting

Workplan will include but not limited to: report outline, research methodology and a description of research methodology (quantitative and qualitative), research timeline and list of FGDs

10

3rd week of February 2024

2

Data collection, processing, and analysis including a qualitative analysis of relevant literature and international best practices, simulations of some quantitative models, analysis of models results, conclusion and policy recommendation

First draft report and presentation documents

90

3rd week of June 2024

Lead 5 FGDs with stakeholders in Jakarta and East Kalimantan; conducted site visit to IKN

Presentation and submission of draft report to Bappenas

3

Incorporate input from Bappenas and EGSA

Revised Report

20

3rd week of July 2023

4

Final Presentation to Bappenas and other stakeholders in a workshop/seminar

Presentation document

5

2nd week of August 2024

5

Incorporate input from the seminar and report finalization

Final Report in Bahasa Indonesia

15

August 31, 2024

TOTAL

140

All deliverables must be prepared in USAID reporting format and must be acceptable by EGSA and Bappenas. 

The Consultant will submit their invoice monthly along with the monthly progress report as attachments to the invoice. The invoice, output and progress report will be reviewed and accepted by EGSA.

The Senior Regional Economist will provide services for up to 140 days of level of effort (LOE) from February to September 2024.

EEO Statement

NOTE: This job posting should not be construed to imply that the requirements are the exclusive standards of the position nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), age (40 and older), physical and mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history) or characteristics, military status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship or alienage, or any other protected status as established by applicable federal, state, or local law.

About the Organization

DevTech Systems, Inc. (DevTech) is an international consulting firm dedicated to development, with 39 years of experience providing advisory services and technical assistance to government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders in more than 100 countries. DevTech core practice areas include: Monitoring Evaluation, Research and Learning; Data Solutions; Public Financial Management and Fiscal Sustainability; and Education, Gender, and Youth.

At DevTech, we care deeply about doing work that leads to positive change in the world. We value diverse perspectives and are committed to an inclusive work environment. We encourage each person to learn, develop, and meet their professional potential. We rethink and evolve how we do things to grow and improve our company