Job Identification
15347
Locations
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Posting Date
12/26/2023, 06:21 AM
Apply Before
01/17/2024, 10:59 PM
Job Schedule
Full time
Agency
UNDP
Grade
NPSA-5
Vacancy Type
National Personnel Service Agreement
Practice Area
Management
Bureau
Regional Bureau for Arab States
Contract Duration
1 Year with Possibility for extension
Education & Work Experience
Bachelor's Degree - 2 year(s) experience OR High School certificate- 5 year(s)
experience
Required Languages
Arabic and English
Desired Languages
French
Vacancy Timeline
3 Weeks
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.
The Knowledge Project is a joint initiative between UNDP's Regional Bureau for
Arab States and the Mohammedbin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF)
established in 2008and aimed at producing high-quality knowledge products and
promoting knowledge sharing and dialogue. It builds on three Arab Knowledge
Reports, the Arab Knowledge Index, the knowledge4all portal and mobile
application, the Arab Reading Index, the Future of Knowledge Report series and
the Global Knowledge Index (GKI). Moreover, the project has recently launched
a three-year initiative to develop the skills of citizens in the Arab States
region, which will be piloted in eight Arab countries providing 5,500 training
licenses during the first year of itsroll-out.
In 2023, the Knowledge Project plans to produce the GKI 2023, establish a
skills development programme, enhance its knowledge4all portal and mobile
application, introduce its pilot Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy, and
implement an outreach and dissemination strategy to increase its impact of the
project outputs.
* The GKI offers a comprehensive roadmap of factors that drive knowledge competitiveness, focusing on six key sectors as the foundation of a knowledge society. These sectors encompass education at all levels, research, development, innovation, information and communications technology, and the economy, all supported by an enabling environment.
* Regional Skills Initiative: Having contracted a MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) provider in 2022 to enhance its skills development offer, this year, the project plans to design and implement the regional skills initiative to prepare citizens to effectively enter the job market.The skilling initiative aims to provide accessible and quality training to individuals, particularly youth and women, to develop the skills needed to secure quality employment opportunities. The initiative will focus on key areas such as soft, entrepreneurial and technical skills development. By developing these skills, individuals can enhance their employ ability, productivity, and income-generating potential, contributing to poverty reduction and economic growth. The skilling initiative aligns with the project's overall mission of promoting knowledge societies and policies as transformative approaches to achieving sustainable development in the Arab States region and beyond.
* The knowledge4all portal and mobile app serve as digital reference hubs for researchers, professionals, academics, stakeholders, and the general public. They offer Arabic and English resources on various knowledge domains, including reports, indices, publications, and events. The platform also includes tools in development, such as data visualization, an AI tool, and a GKI simulation tool.
* The AI policy tool, that the Knowledge Project plans to introduce in 2023, will provide policymakers and stakeholders suggested policy recommendations to promote knowledge-based societies. As a pilot, the AI policy tool will only cover topics related to education. It will also provide information on best practices and case studies from around the world to help policymakers make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.
Accordingly, UNDP's Regional Bureau for Arab States is seeking the services of
two Research Assistants to support the Policy and Data Specialist in
collecting data, sourcing various data and references, drafting, reviewing and
editing studies and reports, and in other administrative tasks as and when
required, including but not limited to, supporting in the organization and
coordination of the various activities of the project.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Research Assistant will work as part of the Knowledge Project team and
will assume the following tasks and responsibilities:
1- Research and knowledge development
* Assist in the suggestion of new variables and help in evolving the structure of the GKI.
* Support in primary and secondary research on designated subjects, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods.
* Contribute to the creation, review, and refinement of written materials produced by the team and external consultants, such as background papers, technical documents, report sections, studies, and input for publications.
* Compile research materials in a systematic way and prepare background briefs/briefing notes as and when required.
* Assist in conducting literature reviews, synthesize findings, and support the development of project reports and knowledge products.
* Establish and maintain an up-to-date list of key socio-economic databases, government policy documents, key research documents related to the thematic areas of work.
* Ensure proper citation and adherence to UNDP editorial guidelines for referencing sources.
2- Data collection and experimentation
* Assist in the collection, validation, and analysis of data for various knowledge products, including the GKI.
* Maintain the recency,accuracy and diversity of different datasets cross the project including the GKI.
* Generate quantitative data visualizations, charts,tables, and graphs,while maintaining an updated reference list for policy papers, briefs, and reports.
* Assist in analyzing the collected data using appropriate statistical methods or software.
* Contribute to the development of interactive data visualizations to facilitate the effective communication of research findings.
* Examine statistical material to ensure accuracy,clarity and validity and make appropriate adjustments.
3- Project organization and administration
* Assist in drafting,revising, editing, and managing project texts, minutes, notes,and other materials.
* Ensure that project documents are of the desired standard, accurate, and delivered in a timely manner.
* Assist in organizing and facilitating various project events like workshops, webinars,and conferences.
* Liaise with research institutions, NGOs, and think tanks as needed to gather data, insights, and inputs for pertinent and well-timed research, enhancing the quality of outputs and reports.
* Provide substantive supporting preparing for meetings and project-related engagements.
* Perform additional tasks as required to ensure the smooth operation of the project, showing flexibility and adaptability to changing needs and priorities.
Competencies
The Research Assistants will be working under the general guidance of the
Chief Technical Adviser/Project Manager and Project, Research and
Communications Specialist, and under the direct supervision of the Policy and
Data Specialist.
Core
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
Required Skills and Experience
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Business Development: Knowledge Generation
Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for
context, or responsive to a stated need.
Business Management: Communication
Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through
written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication
methods depending on the audience.
Business Management: Working with Evidence and Data
Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of
discovering useful information, informing
conclusions and supporting decision-making.
Digital & Innovation: Date collection
Being skilled in Data Sorting, Data Cleaning, Survey Administration,
Presentation and Reporting including collection of Real-Time Data (e.g. mobile
data, satellite data, sensor data).
Business Direction & Strategy: Business Acumen
Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is
likely to lead to a good outcome.
Prosperity: Inclusive
Growth Future of work, automation and technology
Prosperity: Inclusive
Growth Job / Employment / Decent work promotion
Education Requirements:
* Secondary education is required or; A university degree (bachelor's degree or equivalent) in economics, social sciences, political science, statistics, or other related fields.
* Min. years of relevant work experience: A minimum of five (05) years (with secondary education) or two (02) years with a bachelor's degree) of relevant work experience in the fields of quantitative and qualitative research across development areas.
* Required skills: Proficiency in the use of office software especially Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint.
Desired skills:
* Previous experience working in the UN system or international organizations.
* Previous experience in the field of education, research and development, innovation, ICT or economy.
* Previous experience working in the Arab States region.
* Previous experience working on data collection or data analysis.
Required Language(s)
* Written and spoken proficiency in Arabic and English. French is a plus.
Nationalities
* National of the UAE or other nationalities with valid legal work permit and valid residency in the UAE or;
* Non-residents of the UAE (all costs related to visa/residency will be borne by the selected candidate).
Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)
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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