Background

The Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is undertaking an evaluation of UNDP programming for disaster resilience and climate change. The evaluation is part of the IEO workplan (CP/2018/4), approved by the Executive Board in January 2018.

IEO last considered UNDP support to disaster risk reduction and recovery in 2010, and UNDP has since then restructured and expanded its disaster risk reduction and climate resilience support. The focus of the evaluation will be on UNDP support to countries that are especially vulnerable to climate shocks, including small island developing states.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Assistant (RA) will carry out desk review and analysis to support the assessment of UNDP performance in Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction as considered through the implementation of global, regional and country-level programming. Broadly, the type of activities the consultant may be assigned includes:

  • Conducting desk reviews pertaining to conceptual, programmatic and financial activity of relevant UNDP work in the evaluation’s scope;
  • Coding and analyzing a set of UNDP independent and decentralized evaluation reports;
  • Collecting and analyzing other pertinent qualitative and quantitative information;
  • Supporting interviews at UNDP headquarters, including logistics and organizations;
  • Providing research analysis of country-specific information related to development challenges, national policies and strategies, donor activity, and other salient issues; and
  • Performing additional research support as required to the evaluation team.

Timeframe
The data collection, analysis and written inputs by the consultants will take place during  1/18 – 6/19.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies

  • Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP;
  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling UN values and ethical standards;
  • Acts as a team player and exercises diplomacy, tact and politeness;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies  

  • Strong analytical skills, including ability to rapidly analyse and integrate diverse information from varied sources;
  • Computer literacy, including proficient use of research and applied software such as Excel;
  • Shares knowledge and experience;
  • Identifies priority activities and assignments.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

  • Ability to administer and execute administrative processes and transactions;
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle a large volume of work;
  • Consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Proven organizational skills;
  • Strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Capacity to work remotely, and self-directed.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Masters’ degree or equivalent in the social sciences or a relevant field;

Experience:

  • 2-5 years research in areas relevant to the evaluation, such as disaster risk reduction and climate change. 
  • Experience working on international development issues.

Language:

  • Fluency in English required.
  • Fluency in Spanish, French, and/or Arabic advantageous.

Application Instructions

The following documents should be uploaded to the UNDP Jobs site as one document:

Please ensure that all required documents are combined and uploaded as one file as the system does not permit multiple uploads.