Research Analyst

At the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit on 25 September 2015, world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change by 2030. The Sustainable Development Goals build on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), but the new SDGs, and the broader sustainability agenda, go much further than the MDGs, addressing the root causes of poverty and the universal need for development that works for all people. The Government of Pakistan is committed to the achievement of SDGs in Pakistan. In October 2015, the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform (MoPDR) launched SDGs in Pakistan. On 19 February 2016, the National Assembly of Pakistan adopted SDGs and the 2030 Agenda as national goals. Pakistan Vision 2025 and other provincial strategies reflect SDGs as development priorities.

To take the SDGs agenda forward, UNDP Pakistan and MoPDR have launched a national initiative to address the governance bottlenecks related to the implementation of SDGs in Pakistan. Under the project, a SDG Support Unit is being set up in the MoPDR to support localization of SDGs at the national level with a focus on four areas: 1) strengthening coordination, reporting and monitoring mechanisms for SDGs; 2) supporting integrated and innovative approaches to accelerate progress on priority SDGs; 3) and providing policy support through research, analysis and knowledge management. UNDP needs the services of Research Analysts to closely work with and report to the Social Policy and Economic Advisors of the project with regard to analysis and research to inform government policies and project activities.

The Research Analysts will perform the following broader functions:

• Support analysis and interpretation of economic and statistical data, thorough research of the economic and development issues in the country and preparation of policy papers
• Lead and provide support in substantive research on issues and drivers that could accelerate the achievement of SDGs in Pakistan;
• Prepare high quality briefs for project management and senior officials (govt. and UNDP) and notes based on substantive analysis and research.
• Substantively review and analyse the key documents to ensure that all are accurate and complete;
• Assist in developing institutional partnership with think tanks, academic and other concerned institutions and individuals with regard to research and policy work on SDGs:
• Provide support (logistics and substantial) in the arrangement of national / regional and international workshops / seminars related to project activities;
• Assist project management related activities, such as monitoring of activities, logistical/procurement processes as and when required;
• Any other task assigned by the supervisor

The incumbent of the position should uphold the non-discriminatory behavior and ensure that

• Human rights and gender equality is prioritized as an ethical principle within all actions;
• Activities are designed and implemented in accordance with “Social and Environmental Standards of UNDP”;
• Any kind of diversities based on ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, class, gender are respected within all implementations including data production;
• Differentiated needs of women and men are considered;
• Inclusive approach is reflected within all actions and implementations, in that sense an enabling and accessible setup in various senses such as disability gender language barrier is created;
• Necessary arrangements to provide gender parity within all committees, meetings, trainings etc. introduced.
   

Core Competencies:

• Strong analytical skills, objectivity and independence.
• Experience in research and report writing.
• Client and service oriented.

Technical/Functional Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to new working environments.
• Proven ability to work proactively, independently and as part of a multi-sectoral.
• Cross cultural team.
• To work under high pressure.
• Displays gender sensitivity and promotes gender equality in all aspects of work.
• Knowledge of systems for gender mainstreaming and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations.

Education:

• Master’s Degree preferably in Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics or Social Science.

Experience:

• At least 2 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in research / analysis or related work.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, statistical and other software used for data analysis.

Language Requirements:

• Excellent knowledge of English, and working knowledge of Urdu would be an asset.

Please Note:

HEC attested degrees are a prerequisite for employment at UNDP. During the recruitment process candidates may be required to present HEC attested degrees.

Foreign Qualified Candidates: Foreign degree holders shall be required to(i) Present a verification/certification letter from the university verifying the degree & student enrollment, orii) Foreign degree Equivalence Letter from HEC.

UNDP provides the Equal Opportunity for all equally qualified male & female including the physically challenged candidates, female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply (local and internal VA)

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) does not charge fee at any stage of the recruitment process including application, interviews, selection or induction etc. Moreover, UNDP does not concern itself with any information on the applicants bank accounts

"UNDP has zero tolerance towards Sexual Harassment (SH) and Sexual Exploitation & Abuse (SEA)”.