Background

UNDP Malawi Country Office (CO) has re-focused its efforts to support innovation, knowledge management and an evidence based approach to enhance UNDP’s leadership as a thought leader in sustainable human development. The Development Impact Advisory Team (DIAT) in the CO  responds to the need for increased attention to development coordination and quality of development assistance and is structured to enhance development effectiveness by improving systems, tools and mechanisms for national policy and strategy planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting with particular reference to Agenda 2030. Importantly it is designed to function as a ‘think tank’ to provide strategic policy advisory services and buffer the upstream engagement of UNDP.

Scope of Work

DIAT has three main functions i.e. Research, Advocacy and Capacity development.

1. Research: Carry out quality and credible policy research to generate knowledge and credibility. This will entail rigorous application of social science research methods, detailed presentation of results, and production of policy notes, and poverty reporting;
2. Advocacy: Undertake advocacy on global developmental issues, knowledge products including Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Human Development Reports (HDRs), Africa Human Development Report(AFHDR), National Human Development Report (NHDR) and Africa Economic Outlook(AEO) to influence policy. This will entail making specific policy recommendations, publicize, and seek access to decision-makers; and
3. Capacity development: Strengthening institutional capacity for policy reform through training for UNDP and Government on economic issues, policy analysis, development planning, development monitoring, macroeconomic analysis and transformational change for leadership in policy reform. It will also support and complement efforts of UNDP M&E team on monitoring and evaluation of the CO programmatic portfolio.

For purposes of the research component in particular, the services of an Intern are required. Under the guidance of DIAT staff the research assistant will assist in data collection and information gathering to support ongoing and proposed research, policy/strategy development. While supporting the DIAT team. The Intern will gain valuable insight into the working of the UN system as well as build his/her capacity for future work opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Review literature and legislation relevant to the DIAT’s role;
• Contribute substantial input to development of work plans, research questions, concept notes, and field research; assist in research reports, briefing notes, policy papers, and other materials as required;
• Assist in the planning and management of “brown bag luncheons” in liaison with the programme Associate;
• Identify possible areas for partnership with local organizations, universities, research institutions, etc.;
• Represent DIAT where appropriate in program meetings, coordination meetings, staff meetings, workshops, and meetings with stakeholders;
• Help to develop and coordinate research dissemination and follow-up activities, including providing substantive advice on the future direction of the program; and
• Conduct interviews with a variety of actors (government, NGOs, CSOs, youth groups, etc.), using a full-range of qualitative research techniques;
• Provide insights into the findings of field research, using substantial local knowledge (political, institutional, cultural, etc.); and
• Other duties as required.

Competencies

• Punctuality, intellectual curiosity, willingness to take initiative and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of computer programs, including Microsoft Word and Excel;

Required Skills and Experience

• Completion of a University degree but within the first year of graduation /enrolment for a Master's degree in Economics or the social sciences ;
• Up to 2 years’ experience working in the field of international development or research at a professional level (desirable);
• Proven record of successful interaction with individuals from a diverse array of backgrounds, including government officials, traditional leaders, women, the elderly, youth, CSOs, etc.;
• Understanding of the social, economic, institutional, and political environment in Malawi including an understanding of local power structures;
• Ability to conduct evidence-based policy analysis and play an active role in the development of program policy and direction;

Important to note:

Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of:

The nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or
The intern, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence through private sources.
Medical Insurance

Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide a medical certificate of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern.

Applicants for internships must show proof of valid medical insurance for the duty station in which they will intern. For applicants who are neither nationals or residents of the duty station, the insurance must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship duration which:

Requires transportation to the home country or country of residence for further treatment;
Results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country, or country of residence.
Interns’ expenses

Costs incurred by interns, including undertaking official travel at the request of UNDP, in the discharge of the activities related to the internship shall be reimbursed by  UNDP on the same basis as costs incurred by staff members or costs reimbursed to staff members, including payment of daily subsistence allowance, as applicable.

UNDP accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects that may occur during the internship.

Note: Qualified female candidates as well as post graduate and doctoral students are encouraged to apply