Research Associate (2 Openings)

Dhaka

Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
Location: Dhaka
Grade: Level not specified - Level not specified
Occupational Groups:
- Administrative support
- Scientist and Researcher
Closing Date: 2024-12-13

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.

While graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status is a testament to Bangladesh’s developmental progress, it will bring various challenges, requiring adroit policy responses to manage the transition and prepare, especially for the loss of LDC-specific trade preferences. If Bangladesh can successfully navigate and mitigate any adverse implications for its export trade following its graduation from the LDC status, the transition should not precipitate major economic consequences, but will rather represent a natural progression in economic development. However, to navigate the transition effectively, Bangladesh must adopt a dual approach: securing extended LDC-type trade preferences as a transitional buffer and bolstering export competitiveness.

The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) will play a crucial role in the post-LDC scenario, despite facing limited resources—encompassing human, financial, and technical capacities—and programmatic support. The IP Transformative Economic Policy Programme (TEPP) – II project, funded by the UK government, aims to bridge these gaps, aligning closely with national priorities for a smooth LDC graduation, particularly on Bangladesh’s trade policy and trade negotiation skills, inter-ministerial coordination on compliance issues, private sector’s competitiveness, and evidence-based policy initiatives.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will also play a crucial role in supporting ongoing growth and economic development and reaping potential benefits from the LDC graduation. In an evolving context, Bangladesh will need to improve investment facilitation, retention, and aftercare services to attract more FDI. This project, through the Research and Analytics Unit (RAU), anchored in the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) of the Prime Minister’s Office will also support evidence-based policy reforms for improved investment climate in Bangladesh.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Associate responsibilities will include:

A. Support in conducting desk and field research on emerging issues and interpreting results for policy implications.

•    Assist in identifying contemporary economic development issues relevant to investment based on BIDA’s needs.
•    Help in doing data analytics on the investment situation in Bangladesh.
•    Assist in carrying out primary and secondary research to inform policymakers about the overall investment climate.
•    Help in producing policy briefs, research papers, reports, concept notes, etc.

B. Support hiring individual consultants/consulting firms and ensure the quality of commissioned studies.

•    Support in preparing ToRs if hiring individual consultants/consulting firms for commissioned studies.
•    Help in assessing the candidature of individual consultants/consulting firms.
•    Assist in reviewing the work plans, programme/project papers and reporting documents when commissioning large studies.
•    Support in monitoring the activities of individual consultants/consulting firms.
•    Help in ensuring the quality of commissioned large studies by collaborating with individual consultants/consulting firms.

C. Help in developing partnerships, policy engagement and report writing.

•    Help in developing a list of relevant contacts of key stakeholders representing government, private sector, UN agencies, IFIs, NGOs/INGOs, research organizations, etc.
•    Assist in planning and organising dialogues/workshops/consultation meetings, especially to disseminate the findings of the research among relevant policy partners.
•    Support in preparing event reports.
•    Help to preserve all documents of the activities of the research unit.
•    Support in preparing the quarterly and annual progress reports of the research unit.

D. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
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4. Institutional Arrangement

The Research Associate will work under the direct supervision of the Policy Analyst (Team Lead – RAU), with the overall guidance of the Research Analysts. The Policy Analyst will conduct their performance evaluation.

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

Thematic Area Name Definition
Business Development Knowledge Generation Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.

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.
Digital     Data Collection     Being skilled in Data Sorting, Data Cleaning, Survey Administration, Presentation and Reporting including collection of Real-Time Data (e.g. mobile data, satellite data, sensor data).
Data    Data Analysis     Ability to extract, analyse and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision making.

Digital Storytelling Ability to empathise with people's perceptions, motivations, feelings and mental models and craft narratives to build an emotive argument for change accordingly.
Ability to present data, insights or information in compelling ways to mobilise resources, talent or action.
Ability to choose media and channels that is fit for purpose to reach specific target audiences.
2030 Agenda: Prosperity Inclusive Growth Economic transformation

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education Requirements:

Secondary education is required.
University degree (Bachelor’s degree) in Economics, Development Economics, Development Studies, International Development, Public Policy, Social Science or any other relevant discipline will be given due consideration, but is not a requirement.

Min. Years of Relevant Work Experience:

Minimum 6 years (with secondary education) or 3 years (with bachelor´s degree) of relevant experience in analytical research on different economic development issues.

Required Skills

•    Experience in writing technical reports, research papers, policy briefs, analytical reports, book chapters, etc. based on quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis is an asset.
•    Experience designing, testing, and refining surveys and questionnaires for data collection is an asset.
•    Experience engaging with government agencies, private sector, development organisations or civil society on development policy is an asset.

Desired Skills in Addition to the Competencies Covered in the Competencies Section

•    Strong problem-solving abilities to address challenges and develop creative solutions during research processes.
•    Skills in data analysis using statistical software (i.e., STATA, SPSS, etc.).
•    Ability to conduct thorough literature reviews, synthesize findings, and stay up-to-date with current research trends.
•    Competence in presenting research findings to diverse audiences, including academic peers, stakeholders, or non-experts.
•    Strong interpersonal skills for working in teams, collaborating with faculty, researchers, and other departments, and contributing to group discussions.

Required Language(s) Fluency in English and Bangla is required.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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