UNDP Jobs - 54805- Research Analyst

Research Analyst

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

01-May-2015

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

P-2

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

One year renewable

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 mission of the Human Development Report Office (HDRO) is to advance human development globally. The goal is to contribute towards the expansion of human choices for freedom. The Office works towards this goal by promoting innovative new ideas, advocating practical policy changes, and constructively challenging policies and approaches that constrain human development. It works with others to achieve change through writing and research, data analysis and presentation, support to national and regional analysis and outreach and advocacy work.

Its mandate is to produce an annual global Human Development Report (HDR), an independent analytical and policy-oriented flagship publication anchored in the human development paradigm, which is presented to and globally launched with the UNDP Administrator.

The Director of HDRO, supported by the Deputy Director, provides the intellectual and management leadership to the Office. The Office consists of two teams – a Report Team and an Operations and Outreach Team.

The Director of HDRO is also the Lead Author of the Human Development Reports (HDRs) and in that capacity provides the intellectual leadership to Report, is responsible for undertaking necessary analytical and policy research, and for producing a complete draft of the Report.

Duties and Responsibilities

Within the overall vision and the structure of HDRO, the Research Analyst, under the guidance and supervision of the Director, HDRO, will provide analytical, substantive and research contributions to the work of the Lead Author of the HDRs. Such contributions would encompass contributions to the intellectual thinking of human development issues and paradigm; to the substantive work of the HDRs; to the work on human development measurements; and to the overall work of HDRO.

Key Functions:

Research and intellectual work on human development issues (30%)

Undertake research, under the supervision of the Lead Author, on conceptual and methodological areas of human development.
Develop and maintain, as advised by the Lead Author, close research collaboration with academics, and researchers in various universities and research institutions as well as in the UN system;
With the guidance of the Lead Author, support him to develop papers suitable for submission to professional conferences and academic journals.

Contributions to the writings of the HDRs (35%)

Provide substantive support to the ideas of the Lead Author on formulating the theme and the structure of the HDRs brainstorming meetings and in-house discussions on various aspects of the Report development
Contribute to the conceptual and practical organization of conferences, workshops and meetings designed to inform the development process of the report.
Provide background research to the Lead Author for HDR: draft short memos, produce research notes, country and case studies
Provide support to the Lead Author to the finalization of the Report by interacting with the editing and the production teams,
Assist in the global launch of the HDR as requested.

Work on the human development measurements (20%)

Provide substantive support to the Lead Author in areas of work on human development measurements and data;
Prepare materials for the launch of the global Report and other HDRO activities, including country fact sheets and briefing materials especially related to statistics and analysis.

Contributions to the overall work of HDRO (15%)

Prepare briefs, notes and background documents for the Lead Author;
Contribute to the preparation of communications materials;
Provide substantive support to the Lead Author for the presentation in the pre and post-launch activities;
Work on other assignments as and when requested by the HDRO management;
Use of Official time for self-learning.

The key results of the duties performed by the Research Analyst will contribute to the quality and relevance of the background research of the HDR, in maintaining good relationships with external research partners and other relevant stakeholders, and in capturing the diverse reflections of experts in consultations that inform research and report development.

Competencies

Essential knowledge:

Proven capacity to produce high quality research in the areas of human development, comparative sociology, the study of social trends, labor markets, education, public health, poverty or inequality.
Knowledge of the human development paradigm and the capabilities approach. Familiarity with the history and contributions of the human development reports.
Capacity to assess qualitative and quantitative research on development.
Strong communications skills.

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Knowledge Management and Learning:

Shares knowledge and experience;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
Strong ability to work in teams and create an environment that makes it possible for others to flourish and contribute.

Leadership and Self-Management

Focuses on results;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness to change;
Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

The candidate must have a solid academic record, with a Master’s degree in a social science with a focus on social, economic, or political aspects of development.

Experience:

Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience, preferably in areas of research;
Have a good grasp of substantive and policy issues related to the study of social and economic development, and of the human development and capabilities approach;
Very good writing skills and ability to produce memos and notes with very short notice.

Language Requirements:

Excellent command of English (oral and written).
Working knowledge of another UN language is highly desirable.