UNDP Jobs - 107172- Research Assistant

Research Assistant

Location :

Istanbul, TURKEY

Type of Contract :

NPSA (Regular)

Starting Date :

01-Jul-2022

Application Deadline :

24-Jun-22 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

NPSA-5

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 months with the possibility of extension depending on funding and performance

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

6 months with the possibility of extension depending on funding and performance

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 Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (IICPSD) is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) global organization mandated to leverage the role of the private sector in development. The IICPSD was established in Istanbul, Turkey on the basis of the Partnership Framework Agreement signed between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the United Nations Development Program in March 2011. The center is one of the five global thematic centers of UNDP, advocating and facilitating the contribution of the private sector to human development and inclusive growth through the following thematic priority areas:

Private Sector Engagement through South-South Cooperation for the Sustainable Development Goals.
Role of the Private Sector in Skills Development.
Impact Investment.
Private Sector Resilience and Crisis Response.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the IICPSD’s Deputy Director and Impact Investing Portfolio Lead, the Research Assistant will support the production of reports and knowledge management activities of IICPSD in impact investing and inclusive business areas; toolkit and training development initiatives of the center, cooperation, technical advisory and implementation assistance offered to other UNDP units, including COs and RBx. The Research Assistant will be responsible of assisting the senior management in producing all necessary outputs and also will maintain high standards of service delivery, including adherence to deadline, quick response time, accuracy and completeness of information, sensitivity to client needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

• Implementation of the knowledge management strategies of IICPSD in impact investing thematic area;

• Participation in the formulation, management and evaluation of knowledge management activities within IICPSD’s thematic areas;

• Provision of top quality advisory services to the relevant stakeholders and facilitation of knowledge building and management.

Provides effective support to the IICPSD programme and strategy focusing on achievement of the following results:

Assist research activities for the private sector’s role in development, particularly in impact investing and inclusive business areas.
Support qualitative and quantitative background analyses.
Research, synthesize, and draft briefs, background documents and provide programmatic support particularly in areas pertaining to the role of the private sector in development particularly inclusive business models and socially responsible investing.
Assists in the development of tools and guidelines for leveraging the contribution of private sector in development via inclusive business and impact investing through research-based evidence.
Other research and information collection tasks related to partnership building and resource mobilization as required by IICPSD.

Provides administrative and logistical support, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Provide organizational support to the events including identifying and securing the venue, speakers, and guests; outreach and drafting-distribution of invitations; managing event registration; and other related tasks.
Support preparation of the document set for event participants, i.e., press kit, logistics note, and any other document deemed necessary.
Prepare the logistics plan for each event and ensure its proper implementation in coordination with the travel agencies, hotels, and other partners.
Provide research support in line with the subject topic of the events.
Assist the arrangement of travel and hotel reservations, preparation of travel authorizations.
Administrative support to organization of other national and international conferences, workshops, retreats.
Preparation of informal translations.

Provides support to management coordination, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Assist in the preparation of notes, summaries for events and advisory activities.
Support the senior management with collection and compilation of information.
Write briefings for UNDP senior staff, in accordance with templates.

Provides support to the communication activities and knowledge building and sharing:

Supporting the maintenance of the IICPSD web site based on corporate requirements, in cooperation with the UNDP HQ.
Updating IICPSD social media accounts on a regular basis with relevant material, highlighting key events and achievements.
Promote internal understanding and visibility of UNDP’s Private Sector work in suitable fora and opportunities for UNDP to showcase its private sector and development work.
Support in the development of communication materials including press releases.
Manage the archive of briefing and ppt presentation, update them regularly and guide internal partners towards the most appropriate advice.
Contribute to the development of promotional material and provide editorial support for the publication of special documents.

Competencies

Experience in working in private sector and/or development organizations is an asset.
Experience on impact investing ecosystem and related desk research is a must.
Experience in organization of events, conferences etc. is an asset.
Experience of working with international organizations, experience in similar settings is an asset.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) is required.
Experience in handling of web-based management systems is required.
Knowledge of the UN system would be an asset.

Required Skills and Experience

High School education OR Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, International Relations, Public Administration, Public Finance, Finance, Engineering, or relevant fields is required. OR Advanced degree in Economics, Business Administration, International Relations, Public Administration Public Finance, or Finance is an asset.
High school diploma with 4 (four) years of relevant experience OR Bachelor’s degree with at least 2 (two) years of relevant working experience is required
Fluency in English.
Fluency in Turkish.