Organization Mission

UNDP”s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with Bangladesh ever since its birth and through its remarkable journey from a war-ravaged economy to a middle-income country. It remains a catalyst in Bangladesh’s journey from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. UNDP assists in building institutions and helps strengthen institutional capacities through people-centric, pro-poor, inclusive and sustainable policy making and development governance.

Context

Credible, inclusive and transparent elections are a cornerstone of peaceful and prosperous societies. Around the world, they underpin public trust in institutions, enable accountability and widen civic participation so that women, young people, persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups can help shape decisions that affect their lives. Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals depends on such participation and on democratic processes that leave no one behind.

Bangladesh is undergoing a historic political transition following the August 2024 uprising and the formation of an Interim Government (IG) committed to advancing critical reforms in governance, accountability, and the rule of law. At the heart of this transition are inclusive and credible elections that will restore democratic governance and public trust. In response to a formal request from the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) and a UN Needs Assessment Mission, UNDP Bangladesh developed the BALLOT project to support this democratic renewal.

The BALLOT is a three-year initiative designed to strengthen the institutional, technical, and operational capacities of the BEC; create an enabling electoral environment; and promote long-term governance resilience and reform. The project aligns with national priorities, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and UNDP’s Country Programme Document (CPD) Outcome 3.

The project is structured in two phases. Phase I (Jan 2025 – Jun 2026) focuses on immediate election support through voter registration updates, civic education, strategic communication, and capacity-building for BEC staff and stakeholders. It also includes piloting out-of-country voting (OCV) and combating election-related misinformation and gender-based violence. Phase II (Jul 2026 – Dec 2027) aims to institutionalize reforms and strengthen governance mechanisms by expanding regional voter education centers, formalizing stakeholder dialogues, and upgrading electoral infrastructure like Upazila offices.

The BALLOT places strong emphasis on inclusion, gender equality, youth engagement, and digital innovation. Key tools like the e-Monitor+ platforms will support in combating against misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and promoting information integrity. Within this framework, the Digital Media Monitors will play a key role to monitor digital media using e-Monitor+ platform – to identify, for example, irregularities, mis/disinformation, hate speech, and violence against women during the electoral processes.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA), and Electoral Digital Solutions specialist, BALLOT Project, and in close collaboration with the Communications and Programme teams, the Digital Media Monitoring Assistants will:

• The Digital Media Monitor will support Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) in monitoring digital media during the electoral period analysing misinformation, hate speech, and political polarization.

• The monitor is expected to manually analyze online content per month and annotate data based on the prevalence of misinformation and hate speech using UNDP’s eMonitor+ platform.

• They will perform data analysis of a minimum of 2000 posts per month from different social media and digital platforms using eMonitor+.

• Each monitor will be provided office space and a laptop with internet access to perform their assigned duty;

• The selected monitor shall perform tasks under the general guidance and direct supervision of the supervisor;

• After the successful completion of each assigned deliverable, the monitors are provided with a monthly stipend to cover costs associated with the service;

• After the completion of the assignment, every monitor will be awarded a certificate of completion bearing the signatures of both UNDP and the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC);

• The expected duration of the assignment is 6 months and is expected to commence on 15 October 2025 until 15 April 2025.

Perform any other duties, related to the assignment, upon request of the direct supervisor.

Required Skills and Experience

• At least, 2 years of experience in experience in media literacy, communication and development;

• Previous experience in working with identifying mis/disinformation, hate speech, and violence against women is an advantage;

• Experience in using Microsoft Excel;

• Previous work experience in volunteer organizations and/or international organizations is an advantage;

• Fluency in Bangla and working knowledge of English.

• Have affinity with or interest in UNV’s work, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system;

• Accuracy and professionalism in content production and editing;

• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;

• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Communication
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management
• Respect for diversity and cultural sensitivity

Living Conditions

Dhaka is located in central Bangladesh. Not only is it the capital city, but it is also the largest in the country. It is the centre of political, cultural, and economic life in Bangladesh. The official language is Bengali, while English is the working language of UN Agencies. In recent decades, Dhaka has seen the modernization of services, communications, and public works. The city is attracting large foreign investments and greater volumes of commerce and trade. It is also experiencing an increasing influx of people from across the nation; this has reportedly made Dhaka one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Good English-speaking medical, dental services, and educational centres are available for internationals. Dhaka is connected to other cities by rail, road, and by air and internationals can move easily from one city to another. Dhaka has venerable green spaces, including many gardens and parks, historical places, and nice restaurants.

The weather is tropical – hot and very humid during the summer monsoon season (April-September) and drier and cooler in the winter (October-March). Historically, Bangladesh has been a safe country for internationals so far. While Dhaka is not categorized as a hardship station, the volunteer should be prepared for limitations in freedom of movement on foot, by public transport, and to certain locations.