UNDP Jobs - 48241- Research Consultant

Research Consultant

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Aug-2014

Application Deadline :

25-Jul-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

3 months

Languages Required :

English French

Expected Duration of Assignment :

3 months or more

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

As we approach 2015, the cumulative experience of countries working towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), can be helpful in indicating priorities for action to accelerate MDG progress, complete the unfinished business of the MDGs, and transition smoothly at the country level to the implementation of a post-2015 development agenda.

MDG progress at national levels has revealed disparities across population groups, provinces, municipalities and rural and urban areas. These inequalities are increasingly important in driving domestic efforts at eradication of the most pernicious social conditions – several tools including the MDG Acceleration Framework (MAF) are being used for this purpose. These, and other targeted approaches, will be important in delivering on a sustainable development agenda.

Country capacities to collect reliable and usable data improved over the MDG period, but much needs to be done to complete the unfinished business and tackle new issues of relevance to the implementation of a universal agenda.

As we have gained greater understanding of the MDGs over the past 13 years, we have also learnt about what we can do to hasten the implementation of the next global development agenda. While the agenda itself will only be determined in the coming months, there are several countries that are already seeking to achieve objectives that could well be part of the future agenda. These provide a valuable resource for policy learning, including how best a global agenda can support such home grown efforts, encompassing imperatives for reducing inequalities and promoting sustainable development.

In view to this, the Poverty Group, at the Bureau of Development Policy, is seeking to recruit a Research Consultant to support the preparation of research inputs and coordination of activities leading up to the publication and dissemination of knowledge products.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide research support and analysis of national development visions/strategies regarding countries’ priorities beyond 2015;
Support the finalization and publication of 3 knowledge products;
Provide technical support to select countries preparing MDG National Reports in 2014;
Support the drafting of knowledge products based on the analysis of existing MDG National Reports; and
Prepare fact sheets, blogs, and communication pieces about the MDGs as we approach the last 500 days – based on the lessons learned from the MDGs.

Timeframe

The research support is to be provided from August-October 2014.

Payment

Payment shall be based on specific deliverables as described above and will be made upon satisfactory performance.

Reporting

The consultant shall report to the MDG Team Leader.

Competencies

Functional competencies:

(25%) Excellent organizational and time management skills, attention to detail and proven ability to work independently under tight deadlines.
(25%) Strong research, analytical, writing and editing skills, with track record in producing policy reports/knowledge products and other material in English. Proficiency in the usage of computers and office software packages.

Corporate competencies:

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

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree in development, economics, statistics, international relations, public administration or relevant field:.25%

Experience:

At least five years of experience in research (particularly related to the MDGs, development and poverty), with a particular focus on collection and analysis of data.
Prior experience of working with, or dealing with UN/UNDP in different continents is preferred;
Excellent writing skills (e.g. development proposals, Project documents, communication material, research and technical articles)
Knowledge of data collection, analysis and monitoring trends;

Language:

Knowledge of English is a prerequisite, additional knowledge of French is an asset.

Evaluation Method

Best value for money approach - The financial will account for 30% and technical will account for 70% of the total evaluation score.

The selection will be based on the assessment of the competencies and qualifications described above.