Job Opportunity for Research Assistant at UNDP in Dehradun

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

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.

The services of a Research Assistant are required to generate, analyze and interpret the data towards achieving SDG VISION 2030 of Uttarakhand and help build necessary capacity amongst internal and external stakeholders to integrate and accelerate the SDGs to minimize the gaps and achieve SDG Vision 2030. He/she will be accountable for researching, developing, managing, co-coordinating, networking, implementing, and monitoring activities regularly with public audiences, to promote awareness, understanding, and generating support for the SDG VISION 2030 targets set by the Government of Uttarakhand. The expert is also involved in the role of assisting training programs on aspects related to achieving Sustainable Development Goals. S/He will also assist in the engagement of all direct stakeholders and delivery of project objectives, in coordination with the Government of Uttarakhand when needed.  He/she will be responsible for drafting internal and external reports i.e., annual reports, annual work plans, status reports of SDGs, M&E reports, progress reports of the project, etc. 

Duties and Responsibilities

a) Provide secondary information through research to CPPGG Experts in preparing Status Notes on SDGs in districts in correlation to the vision plan, State Indicator Framework (SIF) and District Indicator Frameworks (DIF). 

• Conduct desk-based research on SDG and compile the data from various government reports. 
• Coordinate with various government departments to get the required data.     
• Analyzing the secondary information and correlating it with the vision plan.   
• Contribute to DIF and SIF                          

b) Provide relevant information in drafting and consolidating documents (articles, factsheets, reports, concept notes, presentations, and proposals). 

• Analyze data to compile articles, factsheets, reports, etc.                  
• Preparing status report of SDGs          
• Preparing NitiGhosh newsletter, etc.        

c) Conduct research, collect data, organize meetings and coordinate with relevant stakeholders.  

• Conduct primary and secondary research as per the requirement of CPPGG and the Government for SDG integration and acceleration.       
• Coordinate with stakeholders and assist in organizing meetings, workshops, SDG Goalkeepers awards and capacity development workshops.                    

d) Compile background information on various SDGs at CPPGG and provide another desk research-related support.  

• Collection of background information on various SDGs, priority thematic areas of the government related to SDG integration and acceleration.       
• Analyze background information and interpret it into articles, draft policy briefs, etc.                          

e) Assist in technical support in SDG-related activities, such as aligning budgets with SDGs, localization of SDGs, etc. 

• Assist in technical support to colleagues for SDG-related activities i.e., communication, dashboard, capacity development, etc.       
• Assist in aligning Government budget with SDG i.e., SDG Finance Budgeting             
• Assist in the localization of SDGs in the village and urban planning,           

f) Data Entry and Analysis and developing SDG Indexes. 

• Assist in data entry into the SDG dashboard.       
• Analysis of data and its interpretation for compiling reports and briefs             
• Assis in developing SDG indexes and their monitoring.          
• Assist in Training Plans and Packages to fast-track the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals Assist in implementing digital media and communication strategies for CPPGG. 

Competencies

Achieve Results:​​

• LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline​
  Think Innovatively:
• ​​LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements ​

Learn Continuously:

​​LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback​

Adapt with Agility:

​​LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible ​

Act with Determination:  

​​LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident​

Engage and Partner:

​​LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships​

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:

​​LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination ​ 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies  

Business Direction and Strategy

Strategic thinking – Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP´s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities; linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions  

Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP

Business Management

Evaluation – Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks -Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concern

Business Management

Working with Evidence and Data – Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making

Business Development

Knowledge Generation – Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need

Digital & Innovation

Data analysis – Ability to extract, analyse and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision making 

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary education is required.                or 
• University degree (bachelors’ degree)  in Economics, Development Studies, Social Science, Management, or a related field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement. 

Experience:

• Minimum 4 years with secondary education or 1  year with bachelors’ degree of relevant experience in  Desk Research with the Government at the national level or sub-national level. 

Required skills  

• Good exposure to social mobilization processes, tools and techniques. 
• Experience working in the policy-level research work will be an added advantage. 
• Understanding and awareness about mountain agriculture especially Uttarakhand. 
• Development and Operational Effectiveness 
• Excellent analytical skills particularly with social processes. 
• Good communication and drafting skills 

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section 

• Good research and analytical skills 
• Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda  
• Good track record of publications  
• Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing  
• Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise – Fundamental knowledge of own discipline 
• Knowledge of SDGs monitoring framework/dashboards Global Leadership and Advocacy for CPPGG and UNDP’s Goals  
• Client Orientation  
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of local language Hindi is mandatory.