Research Associate

Under the  Supervision of the National Economist, and overall  guidance of  Economic Advisor, the Research Associate supports effective delivery of the  key functions of the Strategy  and Policy unit, in furtherance of CO programme by compiling and managing data to support development of programme strategies, planning tools, and other strategic papers, concept notes, corporate reports and other briefs and preparing adminis. The Research Associate works in close collaboration with staff from Programme teams in the CO, projects, UNDP HQs and stakeholders as required.

• Support various policy based research activities of Country Office
• Support for Facilitation of preparation and dissemination for the Flagship policy products (SDG report/NHDR) and tools of Country Office
• Provide administrative support to the Strategy and Policy Unit, in particular, toward CO programme delivery

• Conduct research on the basic economic indicators, using the data from among others, LISGIS,  Development Assistance Database, Public Expenditure review, IMF/UNDP/World Bank data bases,
• Maintain the database of these indicators and share with programme staff
• Conduct other relevant policy analysis as requested by the National Economist and Economic Advisor

•  Assist the entire process of preparation and launch for the UNDP’s flagship policy product, including identification of the theme, collection of necessary data, facilitation of recruiting experts, drafting, review and validation, printing and dissemination, securing facilities for launch of the reports. 

• Maintain correspondence, documents and other records
• Prepares vouchers,/ereqs, FACE forms and follows up payment, meeting preparations ( participant lists, requests, meeting logistics) and preparation of off-site payment reports jointly with the bank representatives, where applicable, etc.
• Proper control of the supporting documents for payments, review of DEX/NEX projects Financial Reports.
• Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed; transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas.
• Update issues and risk log and prepares  project reports for review by Supervisor
• Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers.
• Provide any other tasks as requested by the  National Economist and Economic Advisor

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning

• Shares knowledge and experience
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to managing data, reporting, technical and administrative services in support of CO programme activities/delivery
• Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems

Leadership and Self-Management

• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills; presentation skills
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
• Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view
• Solicits feedback from staff about the impact of his/her own behavior
   

Education: 

• Minimum first University Degree in Economics, Statistics or other social science fields, or equivalent experience

Experience: 

• 6 years of progressively experience in research, surveys and data collection, analysis, interpretation and management, and operational research.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc), advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, and handling of web based management systems is required.

Language Requirements: 

• Fluency (both oral and written) in English and the language of the duty station.
• A second UN language is an asset but is not a requirement.

Other requirements 

• Excellent IT and drafting skills
   

Important applicant information

All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment.

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.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.