UNDP Jobs - 88746- Behavioural Science Consultant

Behavioural Science Consultant

Location :

Yerevan, ARMENIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

07-Jan-2020

Application Deadline :

02-Dec-19 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Three years-LTA (estimated 288 work days)

Languages Required :

English Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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 complexity and interconnectedness of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) require novel approaches, methodologies, strong data systems, and institutions that would have the capacity to provide ‘out of the box’ solutions to the problems faced by the global community.

In response, the United Nations and the Government of Armenia have established the Armenia National SDG Innovation Lab as a platform for collaboration, experimentation, analytics and world class human resource development to accelerate the implementation of the Agenda 2030. The Lab is the first of its kind in country platform to support SDG implementation at country level. To do this, the Lab has adopted a toolbox of innovative methodologies such as behavioral experimentation, data analytics, impact investment and capacity building in the Lab’s most advanced public policy techniques.

The ultimate goal of the Lab is to contribute to Armenia’s National Development Strategy. To do so, the Lab closely cooperates with the office of the Prime Minister, SDGs Inter-Agency Working Groups, local and international partners to support the achievement of the SDGs that are priorities for the Government of Armenia.

Under the overall supervision of the head of the Armenia National SDG Innovation Lab, the Behavioral Science Consultant will lead the Behavioral Science Service line of Armenia National SDG Innovation Lab. More specifically, the person in charge will design and the implement randomized controlled trials, analyze the results of those trials and provide policy recommendations to the Government of the Republic of Armenia. The Behavioral Science Consultant is also expected to be internationally active, collaborate with renowned universities and institutions, making the work of Armenia SDG Innovation Lab internationally visible. The Behavioral Science consultant will also conduct capacity building sessions for the representatives of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, if necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities

Participate in the implementation of a randomized controlled trial in taxation (Tax RCT from here onwards), analyze the results of the trial and provide policy recommendations to the Government.
Participate in the design of a randomized controlled trial aimed at increasing the consumption of solar energy in non-gasified villages in Shirak and Gegharkunik regions, conduct the randomization of the experimental units into treatment and control arms, analyze the data and provide policy recommendations to the Government.
Participate in the design and implementation of 2 randomized controlled trials in Education within Edu2Work project, conduct power analysis and the randomization of the experimental units into treatment and control arms, analyze the data and provide policy recommendations to the Government.
Conduct capacity building sessions for the Government of the Republic of Armenia whenever necessary.
Publish the results of the randomized controlled trials in internationally renowned peer-reviewed journals to increase the visibility of Armenia National SDG Innovation Lab in the Behavioral Science community worldwide.

Note: For each single specific call-offs, the respective detailed ToR with specified outputs and applicable number of working days will follow in line with the main scope of works of this assignment.

Payment mode: A daily based payable modality is envisaged upon submission of deliverables and acceptance/approval by UNDP CO for each identified task (reflected in the agreed and signed specific TOR) and based on cumulative number of days factually spent.

Competencies

Strong knowledge of Statistics and Econometrics. Ability to conduct randomization and power analysis.
Computer literacy, knowledge of STATA, Python or R.
Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills;
Strong organizational and team-building skills;
Proven ability to negotiate and to troubleshoot relationships with variety of stakeholders;
Creative flair and originality;
High level of motivation, ability to show initiative and work independently;
Ability to adapt quickly to new work environments, to establish and maintain good working relations with individuals of different backgrounds, and to work under pressure.
A portfolio of randomized controlled trials, laboratory and on-line experiments will be considered a strong asset. Publications in internationally recognized peer-reviewed academic journals will be considered a strong asset. International connections with academics and institutions working in behavioral science will be considered a strong asset.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent in Economics, Psychology or Sociology, or a related field. PhD in Behavioral Economics or Behavioral Science is considered as a strong advantage. A relevant university degree in combination with a qualifying experience in the sector may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

At least 5 years academic and non-academic research experience in Behavioral Science/Behavioral Economics.
Experience in working with the Government at national or local level.
Experience with other innovative methodologies of public policy design on top of behavioral science would be an asset, with particular reference to foresight, systems acupuncture, big and open data, and citizen engagement.

Language Skills:

Fluency in Armenian, English and Russian is required.

INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS WILL BE EVALUATED BASED ON THE FOLLOWING METHODOLOGY:

Candidates will be evaluated using a cumulative analysis method taking into consideration the combination of the applicants' technical qualifications, experience and financial proposal. The contract will be awarded to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as technically responsive/compliant/acceptable to the requirements of the ToR and received the highest cumulative (technical and financial) score out of below defined technical and financial criteria.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points in the technical evaluation would be considered for financial evaluation.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation - max. 70 points

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation - max. 30 points.

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION.

Financial Proposal and Availability form: OFFEROR’S LETTER TO UNDP
CV shall include Education/Qualification, Processional Certification, Employment Records /Experience

General Conditions of Contract is available here: http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/documents/procurement/documents/IC%20-%20General%20Conditions.pdf.

Note: Please note you can upload only one document to this application (scan all documents in one single PDF file to attach).