UNDP Jobs - 54713- Consultancy: Research Analyst, Thematic Evaluation

Consultancy: Research Analyst, Thematic Evaluation and Methodology Work, Independent Evaluation Office

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

06-Apr-2015

Application Deadline :

26-Mar-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

11 months from April 2015 to February 2016

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

11 months from April 2015 to February 2016

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The Independent Evaluation Office of UNDP conducts thematic, programmatic and country-level evaluations to assess contributions made by UNDP to development at the global, regional and country levels. Currently the Independent Evaluation Office is launching a thematic Evaluation of the UNDP contribution to anti-corruption and public integrity and seeks to recruit a research analyst to support this evaluation. The Research Analyst will also support ongoing thematic methodology work. This assignment will be for 11 months (April 2015 to February 2016). The assignment will entail supporting the evaluation team in the collection and analysis of data, and evaluation report drafting; and providing research support for the methodology work of the office. These will be largely desk-based consulting assignments, working from the UNDP Independent Evaluation Office in New York City.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Analyst will work under the guidance of the evaluation manager for both the tasks assigned.

In supporting the preparation of these thematic evaluations, the Research Analyst will undertake the following tasks:

Thematic evaluation

Collect, organize and conduct analyses of relevant documentation required to prepare inception reports, terms of reference, and the context chapters of evaluation reports;
Set up dedicated evaluation websites and dropbox sites for sharing data, and maintain these sites during the evaluations;
Identify and abstract from the wider literature on the evaluation subjects for use as background by the evaluation teams, and manage this research database;
Collect and analyse relevant statistics on the subject;
Assist in the development and implementation of surveys and other fact finding methodologies as and when established in the evaluations;
Assist in analysis and writing of the background and findings chapters as needed; and
Assist in the tracking of stakeholder comments to draft evaluation reports.

Methodology work

Carry out background research and analysis as needed for the methodology work.

The assignment may require travel, although this is not compulsory.

In performing the above tasks, the Research Analyst will adhere to the evaluation guidelines established by the independent Evaluation Office, including the UNDP Handbook on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluating for Development Results, the thematic evaluation guidelines, and other guidance documents produced and made available by the Independent Evaluation Office.

Competencies

Corporate competencies

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; and
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Functional competencies

Strong analytical skills and the ability to quickly grasp and synthesize information;
The ability to work interactively with a team, often responding to varying requests under pressure;
Good mastery of information technology required for the organized presentation of information, including quantitative information and graphical presentations, and for organizing information and materials on the internal website;
Excellent drafting skills in English; and
Specific technical knowledge related to the thematic evaluations to be supported (e.g. biodiversity, water resources, humanitarian demining, development economics, etc.) is not required but would be an advantage.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

A master’s degree in social or political science, or a master’s degree in a related discipline.

Experience

Minimum of four years’ experience in research work;
Prior work experience in the area of governance; and
Previous work experience or knowledge of UNDP or other UNDG agencies is advantageous.

Language

The working language is English;
Working knowledge of other UNDP languages, especially French and Spanish, is advantageous.

Application Instructions

The following documents should be supplied and uploaded as one document:

Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP which includes providing an expected daily rate;
Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references.

Please group all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system will only allow a maximum of one uploaded file.