Background
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
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.

In line with above objectives, over the years Aspire to Innovate (a2i) Programme, has developed digital solutions to accelerate and strengthen protocols of public services and created many digital platforms to cater to the needs of citizens in a rapidly evolving development context. It is believed that these efforts would support the government in instilling innovation and building up the necessary institutional mechanisms so that efforts already made would be incentivized and scaled up to bring sustainable impact.

In order to determine the extent of the digital assisted interventions and whether these interventions have been able to fulfil these expectations and stated results described in the Project Document, and also what extent lessons learned have been incorporated for further refinement of the project interventions, detailed evaluation needs to be undertaken.

For this purpose, it is essential for a2i to conduct baseline studies, impact evaluations and/or assessments on some of the project innovations or interventions such as the National Portal, Muktopaath, e-Mutation, District Branding, SPS, SDG Tracker, 333 Helpline, e-Nothi, a2i Innovation Fund, i-Lab initiatives, Digital Center, Teachers Portal, etc. These evaluations and/or assessments would help the project and relevant stakeholders to document project attributions, successes, lessons learned, challenges and risks associated with the implementation of those interventions and components. The research- based findings would help the project to refine its implementation strategies and scale up success stories both, nationally and internationally. 

This project will have three components:

  1. Institutionalizing Public Service Innovation and Improving Accountability
  2. Catalyzing Digital Financial Services and Fintech Innovations
  3. Incubating Private Sector-enabled Public Service Innovation

‘Aspire to Innovate (a2i) Programme’ is going to recruit Research Analyst in order to support the project to conduct baseline studies, implement impact evaluations and/or assessment on certain project interventions. Create results for promotional activities at national and international arena of Academia, Research Network, Donors, etc.

The project is funded by the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP and other development partners, and is implemented by ICT Division and Cabinet Division

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Advisor the incumbent will perform below mentioned duties and responsibilities.
  • Coordinating third party evaluation engaging National and International Knowledge-based Institutions, Academia, Research Networks in research, data analytics, and visualization
  • Implementation of the knowledge management strategies in a2i’s impact within thematic area;
  • Provides top quality advisory services on private sector engagement;
  • Conduct research and support preparation of high-quality policy and programme guidance material for fields such as innovative financing mechanisms, impact investing ecosystem and inclusive business models;
  • Prepare quarterly/annual progress reports on data initiatives and ensure wider dissemination to its target audience;
  • Support to develop national and international partnership

Coordinating third party evaluation engaging National and International Knowledge-based Institutions, Academia, Research Networks in research, data analytics, and visualization:

  • Engage consultants, firms, academia to commission researches and lead entire process of coordination
  • Finalize the external survey plan, field assessment plan and methodology for data collection.
  • Provide guidance to the consultants, firms, academia to commission researches, research platforms, data management, data standard and practice. 
  • Supervisory support insurvey design, tool development, data collection, data analysis and report preparation.
  • Arrange and coordinate data collection, field management, etc.
  • Provide guidance on developing data analytics and data visualization.

Implementation of the knowledge management strategies in a2i’s impact within thematic area:

  • Participation in the formulation, management and evaluation of knowledge management activities within a2i’s thematic areas;
  • Provide guidance to the relevant stakeholders and facilitation of knowledge building and management.
  • Facilitate national and international partnership for the Knowledge Management enhancement innovation and support to Knowledge Management related event management
  • Facilitate networking and communication with govt. and non-govt. agencies to ensure evidence-based results tracking through following whole-of-govt. and whole-of-society approach
  • Provide statistical analysis of outcome data, preparation of results and presentation for sharing with stakeholders and CO reporting.
  • Coordinate with research agencies and strategic support in building knowledge management culture

Provides advisory services on private sector engagement:

  • Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues.
  • Support in identifying and synthesize of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to the thematic areas.
  • Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
  • Support to facilitate of knowledge building and management

Conduct research and support preparation of high-quality policy and programme guidance material for fields such as innovative financing mechanisms, impact investing ecosystem and inclusive business models.

  • Conduct surveys, assessments and evaluations for improvising project activities
  • Provide technical support to national and international consultants engaged in research, data analytics, data science and visualization
  • Prepare quarterly/annual progress reports on data initiatives and ensure wider dissemination to its target audience
  • Support to analyse and synthesize of proposals on the areas for support and interventions within a2i’s thematic areas.

Prepare quarterly/annual progress reports on data initiatives and ensure wider dissemination to its target audience

  • Provide technical support to compile and consolidate monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual programmatic performance reports of all the data initiatives.
  • Provide technical support to prepare quarterly, annual and other reports required by the Project Director/Project Manager/ UNDP and/or donor.
  • Provide support to ensure wider dissemination of the results report to the donors.

Support to develop national and international partnership

  • Maintain partnership with the existing partners and utilize the partners in Knowledge Management.
  • Exchange knowledge of various internal and external researches with the partners for the betterment of research findings for decision.
  • Support to identify potential partners for Knowledge Management.
  • Keep liaison with the partners through knowledge products sharing and regular meeting.
Competencies
Core 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:
  • E-governance: Knowledge of how it works, understanding of the opportunities and challenges for governments and society
  • Experience design: Knowledge of experience design methodologies and ability to design end-to-end experiences that meet user and business needs
  • Agile' methodologies and practices: Ability to manage a self-organising cross-functional teams, foster a team culture of curiosity and learning.
  • Relationship management: Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding
  • 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 
  • Negotiation and Influence: Ability to reach an understanding, persuade others, resolve points of difference, gain advantage in the outcome of dialogue, negotiates mutually acceptable solutions through compromise and creates ‘win-win’ situations 
  • Results-based Management: Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
  • Master’s degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Development Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Statistics, Economics, and/or Public Administration
Experience:
  • 2 years of relevant experience in Research and Knowledge Management M&E /Data with Bachelor’s degree; no experience is required with Master’s degree. 
  • Experience in research and Knowledge Management / M&E
  • Experience in Research Coordination
  • Experience in designing research materials (questionnaire, in depth interview guidelines, training materials)
  • Experience in developing partnership with national/international entities for building  network and communication
  • Experience in drafting and finalizing high quality materials for internal and external partners including proposals and work plans, concept notes, technical and financial reports will be  an asset.
  • Experience in working with government/UN agencies
  • Experience in ICT will be an added advantage
  • Experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis
  • Experience in using database and statistical software (MS Excel, SPSS/STATA, etc.) will add value

Language requirement:

  • Fluency in written and spoken English and Bangla

Note: This position is open for Bangladesh nationals only

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.
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.
At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.