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Organization:Human Development Report Office (HDRO)
Location :New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Type of Contract :TA International
Post Level :P-3
Languages Required :English
Starting Date :(date when the selected candidate is expected to start)01-Oct-2013
Duration of Initial Contract :
One Year
Background
The strategic objectives of UNDP’s Human Development Report Office (HDRO) are to produce annually a high-quality Human Development Report that contains and reflects the content and process required to significantly impact public and global debates, influence policy-makers and gain respect among leading academics and activists; to contribute strategically to capacity building and advocacy of the human development concept and related material to influence global and national policy agendas; and to support the development of high quality, high-impact regional, national and local HDRs, through promoting core HDR principles, knowledge sharing and capacity building, both virtually and face-to-face and in partnership with other bureaux.
Under the guidance and supervision of the Senior Policy Advisor, the researcher performs functions to contribute substantively to Human Development Report - UNDP’s flagship report. S/he will be also in charge of collaborating in the development, outreach and communication of the HDR.
Duties and Responsibilities
To contribute to the development of the HDR (30%)
Contribute to brainstorming meetings and in-house discussions on various aspects of the Report development;
Contribute to the formulation of the theme and the structure of the Report;
Contribute to the conceptual and practical organization of conferences, workshops and meetings designed to inform the development process of the report;
Identify and liaise with background paper authors, draft terms of reference for background research, comment on the contributions received from them and integrate them in the chapters of the Report;
Contribute to the finalization of the Report by interacting with the editing and the production teams, including participating in various rounds of proofreading of chapter drafts, fact-checking, ensuring consistency of data used throughout the report, checking for proper referencing of statistical data as well as performing other proofreading tasks that might be necessary;
Be the focal point for internal consultations during the political readings;
Monitor and keep record of the work of the research team with the comments received from the UNDP Readers Group, Advisory Panel, Regional Bureaus and others;
Be responsible for the elaboration of documents related to the political reading of the report.
To undertake research writing and outreach on human development (30%)
Undertake research on conceptual and methodological areas of human development;
Draft sections of the Human Development Reports (HDRs);
Provide background research for HDR: draft short memos, produce research notes, country and case studies.
Develop and maintain close research collaboration with academics, and researchers in various universities and research institutions as well as in the UN system;
Develop contributions to the report into papers suitable for submission to professional conferences and academic journals;
Network with NGOs and other civil society organizations to advocate the messages of the Report.
Contribute to outreach, including on measurement and statistics (20%)
- Prepare materials for the launch of the global Report and other HDRO activities;
- Respond to requests from media, government, UN, UNDP Regional Bureaux and Country Offices, and other external queries both at the time of the launch of HDR and on an on-going basis;
- Work with partners, including national and international statistical agencies and UNDP Regional Bureaux and Country Offices to enhance the general understanding of the use of quantitative information and to promote availability and reliability of basic information on human development;
- Assist in the global launch of the HDR as requested, taking part in presentations to various audiences including training of UNDP staff.
Cooperation with other units of HDRO (10%)
- Liaise with the statistics team on consistency between the report’s key objectives and the statistics used in the analysis;
- Liaise with the outreach team on the conceptualization of components for HDRO knowledge management that expand and support outreach efforts and increase access to and dissemination of HDRO materials;
- Contribute to the review and substantive assessment of national and regional HDR and the organization of discussions through the human development network;
- Contribute to the preparation of communications materials;
- Participate in launch of the HDR and make presentations.
Work on other assignments as and when requested by HDRO management (5%).
Use of Official time for self learning (5%).
Competencies
Corporate Competencies
- Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Acting as a team player and facilitating work;
- Managing conflict;
- Creating synergies through self-control.
Core competencies
Knowledge Management and Learning:
- Shares knowledge and experience;
- Encourages team members to share knowledge and contribute to UNDP Practice Areas;
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
- Strong ability to work in teams and create an environment that makes it possible for others to flourish and contribute.
Leadership and Self-Management:
- Focuses on results for the client;
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
- Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
- Demonstrates openness to change;
- Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view.
Essential knowledge
- Proven capacity to produce high quality research in the areas of human development, comparative sociology, the study of social trends, labor markets, education, public health, poverty or inequality;
- Knowledge of the human development paradigm and the capabilities approach. Familiarity with the history and contributions of the human development reports;
- Capacity to assess qualitative and quantitative research on development;
- Strong communications skills.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- The candidate must have a solid academic record, with a Master’s degree in a social science with a focus on social, economic, or political aspects of development.
- A PhD or reasonable expectation of its completion before the start date is a strongly desirable asset.
Experience:
- Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience, preferably experience from working on research in developing countries;
- Have a good grasp of substantive and policy issues related to the study of social and economic development, and of the human development and capabilities approach;
- Previous research experience in area studies of Africa, the Middle East, Asia and/or Eastern Europe will be an asset, as well relevant work or research experience conducted in developing countries;
- Experience in coordinating and supervising researchers is an asset;
- Very good writing skills and ability to produce memos and notes with very short notice.
Language Requirements:
Excellent command of English (oral and written);
Working knowledge of another UN language is highly desirable.
Click here for important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders).
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.
Closing Date: Sunday, 25 August 2013
How to Apply
http://unjobs.org/vacancies/1377018728866
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