Project Associate – Research and Policy Support (2 Positions)

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) and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Associate – Research and Policy Support responsibilities will include:

Support in conducting desk and field research on emerging issues and interpreting results for policy implications. 

• Assist in carrying out primary and secondary research on key emerging issues thematic areas.
• Draft ToRs and help assess individual consultants/consulting firms for commissioned studies. 
• Support monitoring of individual consultants/consulting firms and ensure quality of commissioned studies. 
• Assist in drafting briefing notes, talking points, and strategic documents for the project.
• Help in producing policy briefs, research papers, reports, concept notes etc.

Support to Project Implementation

• Provide logistical and administrative support for project activities, including events, workshops, and consultations.
• Assist in organizing policy dialogues, multi-stakeholder consultations, and events for the dissemination of research findings.
• Assist in hiring and coordinating consultants and consulting firms, ensuring quality deliverables.
• Draft and review Terms of Reference (ToRs), concept notes, and reports for various project needs.
• Support the planning, execution, and monitoring of project activities to ensure timely implementation.

Help in developing partnerships, policy engagement and report writing. 

Help in developing a list of relevant contacts of key stakeholders representing government, private sector, UN agencies, NGOs/INGOs, research organizations, etc.

• Assist in planning and organising dialogues/workshops/consultation meetings, with the government counterparts of the project, civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders. 
• Support drafting relevant donor and other project reports. 
• Help to preserve all documents of project activities. 
• Provide technical support to enhance the project’s visibility and impact.

1. 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

Core
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

Cross-Functional & Technical 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

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements :

•    Secondary education is required. 
•    University degree (Bachelor’s degree) in  Economics, Development Economics, 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 analytical research and  comprehensive desk reviews on different socio-economic development, policy and governance issues. 
 

Required  skills     

•    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. 
 

Desired Skills:    
•    Experience in working with International Development Organization and Govt stakeholder.
•    Experience in organizing events such as consultations, workshops, dialogues, and meetings.
•    Experience in conducting thorough literature reviews, synthesize findings, and stay up to date with current research trends.
 

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.

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