Research Assistant

Details

Mission and objectives

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Solomon Islands, on the ground since 1999, has earned a reputation as a trustworthy development partner in the collective effort of supporting Solomon Islands in achieving the objectives of the National Development Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP works with people and their governments to address the country's various development challenges. We support Solomon Islands in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sustaining its growth trajectory by modernising institutions, reducing inequalities, digitally transforming communities, combating climate change and sustainably managing natural resources. As part of the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, which covers 10 countries in the Pacific region and guided by the Sub-regional Programme Document for the Pacific Island Countries and Territories 2018-2022, UNDP in Solomon Islands has a growing portfolio of country focused interventions in the areas of: Effective Governance Inclusive Growth Resilience and Sustainable Development UNDP also partners with the Solomon Islands Government in undertaking policy level initiatives, including the impact of COVID-19 on the economy, digital transformation, and others

Context

The UNDP “Strengthening the Electoral Cycle in the Solomon Islands Project” (SECSIP) supports the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission and other national institutions providing technical assistance through the electoral cycle (pre-election; elections/polling and post-election) for the conducting inclusive and credible electoral processes. SECSIP phase 1 was implemented from July 2013 until June 2017. A second three-year project was rolled out in July 2017. The project is now transitioning to its third phase expected to end in December 2024. SECSIP is funded by the Government of Australia and UNDP. The project aims to continue building synergies and strategic partnerships with a range of national stakeholders from government and civil society to ensure that an enabling environment for credible and inclusive elections is created. The overarching objective is to strengthen the link between the electoral cycle and other key governance processes and institutions contributing to social cohesion and the development of a pluralistic society. This UNV assignment is part of SECSIP third phase. SECSIP III will focus on enhancing inclusive, informed and transparent electoral processes through accountable and effective institutions. SECSIP assistance will also contribute to enhancing and expanding social inclusion, particularly of disadvantaged segments of the population including women, young people and people with disabilities (PWD). The Project will work towards achieving the overarching outcome of ‘more sustainable and inclusive electoral institutions and practices in support of democratic governance in Solomon Islands’ through the four following outputs: Output 1: Institutional and Operational Capacities of the Electoral Authorities Strengthened Output 2: Capacity of national authorities and local networks to provide voter information and awareness and to encourage civic engagement strengthened Output 3: Legal Electoral Framework Improved Output 4: Women’s Political P

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of UNDP SECSIP Chief Technical Adviser or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Research Assistant will: In compliance with UNDP Rules, Regulations and policies, the incumbent will be part of SECSIP Graduate Programme. For this assignment, the incumbent will be co-located at the Office of the Registrar of the Political Parties (ORPP). The incumbent general duties and responsibilities are: Support the ORPP in the research of best practices on political party registration rules and policies; Liaise and coordinate with other stakeholders as guided by the Registrar and Deputy Registrar; Provide a monthly report on the activities carried out in support of the ORPP to this Office and to UNDP SECSIP; The day-to-day tasks in support of the ORPP expected to be performed in this assignment include the following: Support ORPP in the elaboration of a research plan identifying key areas and proposing a timeline for its completion. Conduct of desk review of previous research findings identifying best practices on political party registration rules of other jurisdictions. Propose interview schedules for surveys and carry out follow-up communication for the conduct of primary research. Carry out comparative analysis for the identification of opportunities to be considered in the Solomon Islands context. Propose mechanisms to enhance social inclusion in the political party scene. This may include recommendations on the use of women and youth wings to promote gender equality as well as other alternatives to enhance participation of traditionally disadvantaged segments of the population (people with disabilities, rural population) in the decision-making of political parties. Assist in the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation tools to measure impact and progress as a result of the activities implemented. Perform other tasks as requested by UNDP SECSIP in consultation