Historique

Through a series of different projects, the Poverty, MDGs and Human Development Unit aims at improving MDG tracking through enhanced national capacity to generate and use indicators and disaggregated data for vulnerable and excluded groups, at strengthening capacities of national institutions to integrate social and economic policies for the reduction of poverty and inequality, and at identifying and addressing key areas of policy intervention in different countries of Latin America and the Caribbean in collaboration with Country Offices and other RBLAC thematic units.
Each of the aforementioned three broad areas the Unit is in charge of requires substantial support to ensure quality and timely delivery. It is in this context that UNDP would like to recruit a Research Assistant, to assist the Unit and its projects with qualitative as well as quantitative research inputs.

Devoirs et responsabilités

Under the guidance of and reporting directly to the RBLAC Chief Economist and the Unit´s Programme
Specialist, the Research Associate will be responsible for the following generic on-demand activities: 
  • Perform research assistance to characterize specific groups in terms of different indicators of well being.
  • Performing background research assistance (qualitative and quantitative) on project activities.
  • Provision of support in revising national and sub-national Human Development Reports, MDG reports and any other publications of the Unit.
  • Provision of research assistance activities for all Unit initiatives.
  • Provision of support on preparation of different types of executive documents derived from the advisory activities provided by the Unit to the Directorate.
 The Research Associate will also be responsible for delivering the following expected products: 
  • Document describing research inputs on Youth Employment - Due by the end of the first month
  • Document describing research inputs on Youth at Risk - Due by the end of the second month
  • Document describing research inputs on Social Protection - Due by the end of the third month
  • Document describing research inputs on Demographic Transition - Due by the end of the fourth month
The Consultant will provide support in research to all project interventions after conducting extensive search on a variety of information sources.
 
The incumbent will:
 
Using household surveys and descriptive statistics, prepare inputs aimed at describing specific “hard to reach” subgroups of the population that need to be included in the policy tool kit offered by the poverty unit to country offices.
  • Present researched information in a systematic way.
  • Support inputs for assessments on MDGs and HDRs.
  • Research support on data and analysis so strengthen the quality of publications produced.
  • Compile, analyze and synthesize information for the Chief Economist and the Programme Specialist.
  • Support the development of knowledge management products (methodologies, reports, briefs, etc.) on specific poverty issues.
  • Deliver the specific products described above within the established deadlines.

Compétences

Corporate Competencies:
  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
Functional Competencies:
  • Highly developed research assistance skills
  • Strong analytical skills, and ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources
  • Computer literate; must be able to use the Internet and other research and applied econometric software’s such as STATA effectively.
  • Identifies priority activities and assignments;
  • Teamwork - excellent interpersonal, organizational and management skills and ability to work within multi-disciplinary teams.
Development and Operational Effectiveness:
  • Able to manage complex problems proactively and effectively, including responses to field based emergencies;
  • Ability to operate effectively in a changing and complex environment, and to produce results under stress;
  • Consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Proven organizational and communication skills;
  • Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Demonstrate openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
  • Strong analytical capabilities.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Qualifications et expériences requises

Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Politics, International Relations or related development field. Master’s degree may be an additional asset.
Experience:
  • At least one year of relevant work experience.
  • General knowledge in research and research methodology.
  • General knowledge of political and economic context in Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • General knowledge of UNDP work in the region is desirable.
Language:
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish are essential
Qualified candidates who are interested in the above position are invited to submit their application, in English, attaching the documents listed below no later than April 24,  2013 before 5:00 pm (GMT-5), to Adquisiciones.rclac@undp.org; Indicating in the subject: N° Ref. 225 Research Assistant - Poverty, MDGs and Human Development Unit .
 
a. Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP; Annex 1
b. 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;
c. Financial Proposal indicating a total lump sum, supported by a breakdown of costs by product, as per template provided
 
Please DO NOT APPLY THROUGH UN JOB TOOLS
 
For more information visit: http://www.regionalcentrelac-undp.org/es/adquisiciones
 
FC 25630