Programme Assistant

UNDP's mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with Bangladesh ever since its birth and through its remarkable journey from a war-ravaged economy to a middle-income country. It remains a catalyst in Bangladesh’s journey from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. UNDP assists in building institutions and helps strengthen institutional capacities through people-centric, pro-poor, inclusive and sustainable policy making and development governance.

Aligned with the SDG framework, the United Nations in Bangladesh partners with the Government to address key development issues. UNDP plays a vital role in areas like rule of law, electoral reforms, access to justice, human rights, public administration, and local governance.

Since 1972, UNDP has been a trusted partner, collaborating with all three government branches—executive, legislative, and judiciary—alongside key institutions like MoLJPA, Bangladesh National Police, and MoPA. UNDP focuses on strengthening national institutions and civil society to drive democratic reforms and inclusive development.

Following the establishment of an Interim Government in August 2024, UNDP Bangladesh is supporting to enhance the capabilities of interim authorities, national institutions, and civil society in Bangladesh to drive democratic reforms and foster inclusive development. It houses the early phase of UNDP support for democratic and institutional reforms in Bangladesh and the advancement and repositioning of ongoing governance programming. Reform interventions aim for improved rule of law, access to justice, human rights, security and social cohesion, through strengthened national institutions and systems. Central to this initiative, is a commitment to restoring trust among stakeholders, engaging systematically with young people, civil society and citizens, and ensuring risk-informed and collaborative approaches.

In line with this, we are on the lookout for a UN University Volunteer to support the enhancement of national institutions and civil society capacity, who will play a key role in assisting with democratic reforms, promoting inclusive development, and advancing governance programming.

Under the direct supervision of Assistant Resident Representative of Democratic Governance, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Programme Support:
• Assist the Democratic Governance portfolio team in the implementation of ongoing activities related to institutional reform, rule of law, human rights, and access to justice.
• Contribute to the drafting and preparation of internal documents, including concept notes, briefs, talking points, meeting minutes, and activity reports.
• Support the monitoring of project timelines, deliverables, and outputs by maintaining tracking tools and shared documentation.
• Assist in background research and preparation of summaries and briefings for meetings with government counterparts, development partners, and civil society actors.

2. Ideation and Strategic Input:
• Participate in internal ideation sessions and contribute with fresh perspectives on programming, youth engagement, civic participation, and democratic innovations.
• Provide creative input in developing pilot ideas, campaigns, and outreach materials aligned with UNDP’s broader governance objectives.
• Help identify entry points for stakeholder engagement, especially involving youth, community-based organizations, and local governance actors.

3. Communications and Knowledge Management:
• Assist in preparing content for programme communications, including drafting social media captions, press notes, blog inputs, and visual content ideas.
• Support the coordination of visibility materials for project events, workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
• Contribute to internal efforts to strengthen the visibility of the Democratic Governance portfolio, especially initiatives involving youth, civic dialogue, and legal empowerment.
• Assist in collecting, documenting, and synthesizing lessons learned, case studies, success stories, and best practices across projects.
• Ensure systematic archiving of meeting records, reports, and technical notes on shared drives.

4. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination:
• Provide logistical and coordination support in organizing meetings, workshops, consultations, and field-level engagements with stakeholders.
• Assist in tracking stakeholder engagement, follow-up actions, and updating partner contact lists.
• Support in maintaining communication with national counterparts, civil society groups, and other UN entities as needed.

5. Learning and Development
• Proactively participate in training, workshops, and mentoring sessions provided by UNDP or the UN Volunteer programme to build technical and soft skills.
• Stay updated on thematic developments in democratic governance, SDG 16, civic technology, and institutional reform within Bangladesh and globally.
• Engage actively with other UN Volunteers and team members to exchange knowledge, reflect on learning experiences, and contribute to a supportive work environment.

Carry out any other duties as may be required by the Assistant Resident Representative of Democratic Governance