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 Human Development Report Office (HDRO) is a multi-disciplinary unit located in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in New York. The mission of the HDRO is to advance human development through the expansion of opportunities, choice, and freedom. The Office works towards this goal by conducting original analysis and research, commissioning top quality background research, and advocating practical policy changes. It works with others to achieve change through writing and research, data analysis and presentation, support to national and regional analysis as well as outreach and advocacy work. 

One of its best-known outputs is the global Human Development Report (HDR), first launched in 1990. These independent Reports are intended to challenge policies and approaches that constrain human development, promote innovative concepts, and advocate practical policy changes. In each Report a different development theme is examined in depth using available data and new analyses relevant to the chosen topic resulting in both an assessment of status as well as a series of policy recommendations for the future. In addition, a set of human development indices are updated and published in the Report.

The latest series of HDRs include the 2019 report on inequalities, the 2020 report on the dangers of the Anthropocene, and the 2021-22 report on human development in uncertain, unsettled, times. Together they shine a light on policy blind spots and show how the world is now faced with the challenge of re-defining development, amidst great uncertainty. Building on these findings, HDRO is advancing a future-forward research agenda to identify new approaches and interpretations can inform global policy, advance human development, and help achieve the 2030 Agenda, as well as prepare for a post-SDG world.

Position Purpose

Within the overall vision and the structure of HDRO, the Research Analyst, under the overall guidance by the HDRO Director and direct supervision by the Research & Strategic Partnerships Advisor, will provide analytical, substantive and research contributions to the work of the Lead Author of the HDRs. Such contributions would encompass contributions to the intellectual thinking of human development issues and paradigm; to the substantive work of the HDRs; to the work on human development measurements; and to the overall work of HDRO.  

Summary of key functions:

1. Research and intellectual work on human development issues (30%)
2. Contributions to writings of the HDRs and other publications of the Human Development Report Office (35%)
3. Work on the human development measurements (20%)
4. Contributions to the overall work of HDRO (15%)
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Research and Analysis work on human development issues:
  • Undertake research, under the supervision of the Research and Strategic Partnership Advisor, on conceptual and methodological areas of human development.
  • Review of background research, communication with background paper researchers and other area experts.
  • Contribute to compilation of databases and graphs for indicators related to human development.
  • With the guidance of the Research and Strategic Partnership Advisor, support him/her to develop papers suitable for submission to professional conferences and academic journals.

Contributions to the writings of the HDRs and other publications of the Human Development Report Office:

  • Provide support to the ideas of the Lead Author and Research and Strategic Partnership Advisor on formulating the theme and structure of the HDR and other publications, participating in brainstorm meetings and in-house discussions on various aspects of report development.
  • Provide comprehensive literature reviews and data analysis, draft research notes, research sections, country and case studies to inform HDRO publications.
  • Contribute to conceptual and practical organization of workshops and meetings designed to inform the development process of the HDR and other publications.
  • Provide support to the finalization of the report, via fact-checking and interaction with editing and production teams.
  • Assist in the global launch of the HDR, as requested.

Work on the human development measurements:

  • Provide substantive support to the Lead Author and Research and Strategic Partnership Advisor in areas of work on human development measurements and data.
  • Prepare materials for the launch of the global Report and other HDRO activities, including country fact sheets and briefing materials especially related to statistics and analysis.

Contributions to the overall work of HDRO:

  • Prepare briefs, notes and background documents for the Lead Author.
  • Contribute to the preparation of communications materials.
    Provide substantive support to the Lead Author for the presentation in the pre- and post- launch activities.
  • Work on other assignments as and when requested by the HDRO management.
  • Use of Official time for self-learning.

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

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Staff will oversee the work and deliverables of staff, IPSAs, as required by the organizational structure.
 

Competencies

Core:

Achieve Results:

  • Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively:

  • Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking

Learn Continuously:

  • Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility:

  • Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with Determination:

  • Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously

Engage and Partner:

  • Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:

  • Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination


Cross-Functional & Technical:

Business Development - Knowledge generation:

  • Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for content, or responsive to a stated need

Business Development - Human-Centered design:

  • Ability to develop solutions to problems by involving the human perspective in all steps of the problem-solving process

Business Management - Communications:

  • Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience

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

2030 Agenda: Prosperity   Inclusive Growth:

  • Poverty and Human Development

2030 Agenda: Prosperity   Inclusive Growth:

  • Multidimensional Poverty and Human Development
Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) or equivalent in a social science with a focus on social, economic, or political aspects of development or a first-level university degree (Bachelor´s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of master´s degree.
Experience:
  • Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience in areas of research with master’s degree, or minimum 4 years of relevant work experience in areas of research with bachelor’s degree. 
  • Good grasp of substantive and policy issues related to any of the following study subjects: - social and economic development, - human development, - human security, - capabilities approach is required. 
  • Familiarity with the process of producing a leading global development report within an international organization is highly desirable.

Language:

  • Excellent written and spoken English skills is required. 
  • Experience in preparing written research briefs, papers, reports are required.
  • Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.
Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

 
Disclaimer

 

 
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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