Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories. 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.
While graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status is a testament to Bangladesh’s developmental progress, it will bring various challenges, requiring adroit policy responses to manage the transition and prepare, especially for the loss of LDC-specific trade preferences. If Bangladesh can successfully navigate and mitigate any adverse implications for its export trade following its graduation from the LDC status, the transition should not precipitate major economic consequences, but will rather represent a natural progression in economic development. However, to navigate the transition effectively, Bangladesh must adopt a dual approach: securing extended LDC-type trade preferences as a transitional buffer and bolstering export competitiveness.
The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) will play a crucial role in the post-LDC scenario, despite facing limited resources—encompassing human, financial, and technical capacities—and programmatic support. The IP Transformative Economic Policy Programme (TEPP) – II project, funded by the UK government, aims to bridge these gaps, aligning closely with national priorities for a smooth LDC graduation, particularly on Bangladesh’s trade policy and trade negotiation skills, inter-ministerial coordination on compliance issues, private sector’s competitiveness, and evidence-based policy initiatives.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will also play a crucial role in supporting ongoing growth and economic development and reaping potential benefits from the LDC graduation. In an evolving context, Bangladesh will need to improve investment facilitation, retention, and aftercare services to attract more FDI. This project, through the Research and Analytics Unit (RAU), anchored in the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) of the Prime Minister’s Office will also support evidence-based policy reforms for improved investment climate in Bangladesh.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Research Analysts will work under the supervision of the Policy Analyst. However, they will take technical guidance from the Senior Economic Adviser of UNDP Bangladesh. The Policy Analyst will be responsible for their performance evaluation.
The Research Analysts’ responsibilities will include:
Conduct thorough research on emerging issues and interpret results for policy implications.
- Identify contemporary economic development issues relevant to investment based on BIDA’s needs.
- Carry out data analytics on the investment situation in Bangladesh.
- Conducting primary and secondary research to inform policymakers about the overall investment climate.
- Provide expert input in policy briefs, research papers, reports, concept notes, etc.
- Stay updated on national and international economic developments, regulations, and best practices.
- Produce briefing notes and write-ups on investment.
Actively support hiring individual consultants/consulting firms and ensure the quality of commissioned studies.
- Finalize ToRs for hiring individual consultants/consulting firms for commissioned studies.
- Review the work plans, programme/project papers and reporting documents when commissioning large studies.
- Ensure the quality of large studies commissioned by collaborating with individual consultants/consulting firms.
Develop partnerships, policy engagement and report writing.
- Plan and organize dialogues/workshops/consultation meetings, especially to disseminate research findings.
- Provide expert guidance and support in policy advocacy efforts, including drafting policy briefs and engaging in public forums.
- Engage with stakeholders to gather insights and feedback on proposed interventions, fostering strong partnerships.
Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing and advocacy
- Identify, synthesize and document best practices and lessons learned that are generated from the project and implementing partners.
- Participate in and ensure sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice on project related issues.
- Support establishment of knowledge platforms for the project, facilitate innovative mechanisms for dissemination of knowledge from the project, and develop knowledge resources and products to share with project partners and to support UNDP’s engagement in this area.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies
Core competencies:
- Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work
- Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
- Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning
- Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process
- Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously
- Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making
People Management competencies:
- UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Digital and Innovation
- Data Analysis. Ability to extract, analyze and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision-making
2030 Agenda: Prosperity
- Inclusive Growth. Economic Transformation, Policy and Planning
Business Direction and Strategy
- Effective Decision Making. Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources
Business Development
- Knowledge Generation. Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need
Business Management
- Result -based Management. Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Development Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy or any other discipline from a recognized university is required, OR
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
- Applicants with Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in economic analysis and policy research.
- Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP.
- Demonstrated experience in producing research papers, policy briefs, etc. based on quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis.
- Working experience on economic development issues including investment, LDC graduation, economic data analysis, and drafting development content.
- Expert knowledge of research techniques and data collection and analysis methods.
- Experience working in/with the UN agencies/development sector/academia/think tanks/donor organizations, etc.
- Strong and proven ability to aggregate and synthesize research literature and extract key messages and arguments.
- Proficiency in statistical analysis software and data visualization tools.
- Working with government institutions on public sector reforms.
Required languages:
- Fluent in English and Bangla, both verbal and written.
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.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: No requirements