Tiered Approach
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:
- Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
- Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
- Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
- Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates
Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.
Background
UNDP Bangladesh has been a strong companion of the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) since 1972 in a journey of growth and resilience of the country. UNDP continues to work with relevant institutions and strengthen the space for dialogues, inclusive participation and accountability towards a greener, more resilient, and tolerant society and economy. Through its Strengthening Institutions, Policies and Services (SIPS) initiative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bangladesh aims to develop effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels to promote peaceful, just and inclusive societies for the country’s sustainable development. SIPS aims to support the country in achieving SDG 16 by:
- Strengthening public institutions that can contribute to fulfilling national and international commitments and provide better service delivery.
- Creating a more enabling policy environment that embeds the SDGs’ core principle of “leave no one behind”.
- Promoting new capabilities and leveraging technology and innovation for more effective, inclusive governance and public service delivery.
The project is designed around three (3) outputs:
- Output 1: Capacities of public institutions are strengthened to deliver on SDG 16 and SDG 5.
- Output 2: Institutions of public oversight are more people-centric and effectively fulfil their mandates.
- Output 3: Enabling environment is strengthened to sustain SDG results and integrate SDGs into routine GoB operations and partnerships.
UNDP will deliver results with the following partners: i) Governance Innovation Unit (GIU) and the Office of the Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs) under Chief Advisor’s Office, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat (BPS), Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Associate will support the Parliament component of the SIPS project, contributing to research, policy analysis, and implementation of initiatives that advance parliamentary modernization, digitization, and public engagement. Specific responsibilities are as follows:
- Research and Policy Support
- Support to conduct background research and policy analysis on parliamentary functions such as oversight mechanisms, committee systems, legislative processes, and institutional accountability frameworks.
- Support comparative and contextual analysis of good practices in parliamentary development.
- Assist in preparing background papers, analytical briefs, and technical summaries
- Contribute to evidence-based inputs that inform programme design, policy dialogue, and reform discussions.
B. Implementation Support
- Provide logistical, administrative, and technical support for project activities, including workshops, consultations, and public events.
- Assit in organizing policy dialogues, multi-stakeholder consultations, and other parliamentary engagement events as per the project plan.
- Support in coordinating stakeholder meetings, track agreed action points, and follow up to ensure timely execution of commitments.
- Support planning, execution, and monitoring of project activities to ensure timely, high-quality implementation.
- Assit in coordination and liaison with the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat (BPS) and other relevant partners
C. Knowledge Management, Documnetauon and Reporting
- Assist to prepare reports, meeting notes, and activity summaries.
- Support documentation of parliamentary development activities, lessons learned, and good practices under the SIPS Project.
- Assist in organizing and maintaining project knowledge products, including reports, presentations, meeting records, and technical notes.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
4. Institutional Arrangement
The Project Associate – Research and Policy Support will work under the direct supervision of the Project Manager. The Project Manager will conduct their performance evaluation.
Competencies
Thematic Area Name Definition
Business Development Knowledge Generation Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.
Business Management Working with Evidence and Data Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making.
Data Data Analysis Ability to extract, analyse and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision making.
Digital & Innovation Storytelling Ability to empathise with people's perceptions, motivations, feelings and mental models and craft narratives to build an emotive argument for change accordingly;Ability to present data, insights or information in compelling ways to mobilise resources, talent or action.; Ability to choose media and channels that is fit for purpose to reach specific target audiences.
2030 Agenda: Prosperity Inclusive Growth SDGs/National Development Strategy, Planning and Budgeting
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process
Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Required Skills and Experience
Min. Education requirements :
• Secondary education is required.
• University degree (Bachelor’s degree) in Law, Public Administration, Political Science, Development Studies, International Development, Public Policy, Social Science or a closely related field will be given due consideration, but is not a requirement.
Min. years of relevant work experience:
• Minimum 6 years (with secondary education) or 3 years (with bachelor´s degree) of relevant experience in policy research, parliamentary development or public sector reform.
Required skills :
• Experience working with parliamentary institutions, government bodies, or development projects.
• Experience in assisting the commissioning of research initiatives and preparing analytical reports, preferably in collaboration with government counterparts.
• Experience in drafting briefing notes, talking points, analytical reports, and strategic papers.
• Experience in project implementation, stakeholder coordination, or public engagement activities with parliament or government partners
• Experience in liaising effectively with government institutions, partners, and stakeholders.
Desired Skills:
• Experience with parliamentary functions, including legislative processes, oversight, and committee systems.
• Experience in organizing events such as consultations, workshops, dialogues, and meetings.
• Experience with digital tools for research, project management, or knowledge documentation.
• Experience in synthesizing complex information into clear and actionable recommendations.
• Experience in organizing multi-stakeholder consultations, workshops, or policy dialogues.
Required Language(s) Fluency in English and Bangla is required;
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.