JUNIOR RESEARCHER

Background

The relevance of UNDP hinges on its ability to work as a credible, trusted and effective partner. How UNDP positions itself to influence the key actors and leverage itself in the emerging new multilateral development architecture will determine the organization’s future relevance and role.   Under the overall objective to work with partner countries and help leverage the effective use of resources for greater development impact, UNDP aims to achieve and sustain a more adequate, stable and predictable level of resources that: (1) Ensures that corporate priorities are fully implemented; (2) Underpins the strategic relevance of UNDP for partner governments; and (3) Enables the organization to respond to emerging needs globally and at the country level in a strategic, innovative and forward looking manner. The Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA) is responsible for UNDP’s external relations, advocacy and communications functions. The Bureau leads and supports the organization in cultivating, building and nurturing strategic relationships and alliances that are essential for advancing and successfully achieving the mission of UNDP.   Within the overall strategy of BERA, the Resources Partnerships Cluster builds and leads UNDP’s relations with existing donors as well as new strategic partner governments and ensures an integrated, networked and coordinated approach to partnerships across the organization in support of UNDP’s development mandate to empower lives and build resilient nations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of work Under the overall guidance and direction of the Director of the Resources Partnerships Cluster (RPC), the Individual Contractor will perform the following primary tasks during the assignment period: Support team to mobilize core and non-core resources, ensure effective internal and external donor relations and partnership development; Support the management of donor trust funds; Support with data collection on development cooperation priorities of traditional and emerging donors; Research of traditional and non-traditional donors’ funding trends, aid policies, practices and budget allocations including contributions to multilaterals; Support with the development of policy notes and other material in relation to corporate priorities, assessments, relevant for effective donor relations; Maintain and update UNDP’s New Strategic Partners knowledge bank and support advancing this agenda internally within the organization. Expected Outputs and Deliverables: Partner specific research conducted to feed into policy background papers and other briefing notes; Donor due diligence information and guidance material developed and disseminated; New Strategic Partners knowledge bank is maintained and updated; Trust fund managed in an effective and timely manner; Thematic/donor specific data gathered and disseminated; Communication material produced. Institutional Arrangements UNDP/BERA/RPC will host the Contractor, monitor daily progress and assess progress against deliverables. The Contractor will engage with BERA/RPC staff on a regular basis, and meet with senior managers and key line staff, as required. The RPC Director (or delegated staff member) to whom the Contractor is accountable will hold inception, mid-term and conclusion meetings to assess the quality of the deliverables.    Duration of the Work The Contractor will work over an uninterrupted period of six months in New York, subject to a possible six month extension. The contract commences in February, 2014 and will be concluded in July 2014, at which time all deliverables will have been produced.    Duty Station UNDP/HQ/New York   Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments All proposals must be expressed indicating: An all-inclusive Daily fee. All-inclusive implies that all costs (professional fees, travel costs, living allowances, communications) that are incurred by the Contractor are factored into the final amount submitted in the proposal. Presentation of Offer Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability. Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the consultant and at least three (3) professional references.   Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment, and a methodology, if applicable, on how they will approach and complete the assignment.   Financial Proposal that indicates an all-inclusive Daily fee. All-inclusive implies that all costs (professional fees, travel costs, living allowances, communications) that are incurred by the Contractor are factored into the final amount submitted in the proposal.     Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer Combined Scoring method – where the qualifications and methodology will be weighed a maxim of 60%, and combined with the price offer which will be weighed a maximum of 40%.   Evaluation The Individual Consultant will be evaluated based on the following methodology:   Cumulative analysis   Technical criteria, weight: 60%   Criteria A: Strong research and analytical skills (Weight 15%) – Max. 15 points Criteria B: Strong English language skills (oral and written) (Weight 15%) – Max. 15 points Criteria C: Experience in working/interning on donor relations issues within the UN system (Weight 10%) – Max. 10 points Criteria D: Knowledge of trust fund management (Weight 10%) – Max. 10 Demonstrated networking and interpersonal skills (Weight 10%) – Max. 10 points   Financial: 40%, weight 60%

Competencies

Functional Competencies: Strong research and analytical skills; Excellent organizational, general administration, time management skills; Some understanding of global development issues; Networking capability and good interpersonal skills; Strong computer skills and ability to produce information visually; Ability for problem-solving, multi-tasking, meet deadlines and work under pressure; Ability to work as part of a team in a constantly evolving work environment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Master’s Degree or equivalent. Experience: One to two years of experience in development, international relations, social science, fundraising, communications or related field; Experience of work/internship in the UN system will be an asset. Language: Strong English language skills (oral and written); Working knowledge of Korean is desirable. Annex: P11 - Personal History Form

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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.

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