“Inside the Role: Project Associate – Research and Policy Support at UNDP Bangladesh (2025)”

April 18, 2025

11 minutes read

Project Associate – Research and Policy Support (2 Positions) with UNDP in Dhaka, Bangladesh, covering every aspect of the job, from its organizational context to its implications for governance and development.

1. Organizational and Strategic Context

1.1 About UNDP in Bangladesh

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been a strategic partner to the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) since 1972. UNDP’s mandate globally and nationally revolves around supporting sustainable development, strengthening governance, fostering resilience, and promoting human rights and inclusion. In Bangladesh, it has played a vital role in building the institutional and policy infrastructure necessary for development and stability. UNDP’s support spans across democratic governance, climate change adaptation, inclusive growth, disaster resilience, gender equality, and innovation.

1.2 The SIPS Initiative

This role falls under the umbrella of the Strengthening Institutions, Policies and Services (SIPS) project. SIPS is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). The initiative’s main goal is to support public institutions in becoming more effective, transparent, accountable, inclusive, and technologically adept. It is part of a broader strategy to embed SDGs into government systems and promote citizen engagement in governance processes.

The three primary outputs of the SIPS project are:http://👉 UNDP Job Posting: Project Associate – Research and Policy Support (2 Positions)

Output 1: Strengthening the capacity of public institutions to deliver on SDG 16 and SDG 5.
Output 2: Enabling public oversight bodies to be more people-centric and effective.
Output 3: Creating a conducive policy and operational environment to sustain SDG achievements and embed them into routine government operations.

UNDP collaborates with key government entities such as:@vacancyspaces.com

Governance Innovation Unit (GIU)
Office of the Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs) under the Prime Minister’s Office
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS)
Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat (BPS)
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

2. Job Summary: Project Associate – Research and Policy Support

This position involves supporting research and evidence-based policy development for governance strengthening. The selected individual will play a hybrid role of research assistant, policy support officer, and project implementation support staff.

There are two positions under this job title, likely indicating that one may be focused more on qualitative research/policy analysis, and the other on administrative/project coordination and knowledge dissemination.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

3.1 Research and Analysis

The core function is supporting research initiatives related to governance, SDGs, and institutional reforms. This includes:

Conducting primary and secondary research on key thematic issues.
Supporting field and desk research assignments and analyzing findings.
Drafting ToRs for research consultancies, evaluating applications, and monitoring deliverables.
Providing input to policy papers, research reports, and briefs.
Assisting with the quality assurance of research outputs, particularly from commissioned studies.

The position requires a strong ability to transform research data into policy-relevant insights, tailored to different stakeholders such as the government, development partners, and civil society.

3.2 Policy Support

Drafting briefing notes, talking points, and strategic communications for the project.
Helping translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations.
Supporting the team in preparing concept notes and high-level strategy documents.

3.3 Project Coordination and Administration

Providing logistical and administrative support for project activities like workshops, consultations, and research dissemination events.
Assisting in the hiring and coordination of consultants and research firms.
Maintaining project documentation, files, and databases.
Assisting with event coordination, including national-level policy dialogues and stakeholder engagement.
Supporting in the preparation of donor reports, periodic updates, and communication materials.

3.4 Stakeholder Engagement

Mapping and maintaining a list of stakeholders: ministries, academia, think tanks, NGOs/INGOs, etc.
Supporting the coordination of dialogue platforms and consultations between UNDP, government entities, and civil society.

3.5 Technical and Visibility Support

Helping enhance the visibility and strategic positioning of the SIPS project.
Drafting knowledge products that highlight project achievements and impact.
Supporting media engagement or storytelling initiatives (with support from communication colleagues).

4. Reporting and Institutional Arrangement

The selected candidate will report directly to the Project Manager of the SIPS initiative. The Project Manager will be responsible for:

Supervising and guiding the Project Associate.
Conducting performance evaluations.
Assigning research, policy, and administrative responsibilities.

The associate will work in close coordination with other members of the SIPS project team, consultants, government counterparts, and external researchers.

5. Required Qualifications and Competencies

5.1 Education Requirements

Mandatory: Completion of secondary education (equivalent to HSC or A-level).
Preferred: A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Social Science, or a related field. While not a requirement, it will give an edge in candidate assessment.

5.2 Work Experience

Minimum 6 years of relevant experience (if only secondary education is completed).
Minimum 3 years of relevant experience (if holding a bachelor’s degree).
Should include:
- Research, literature review, and policy analysis.
- Collaboration with government or development institutions.
- Production of research briefs, reports, or strategic papers.

5.3 Required Skills

Experience in drafting analytical reports and assisting commissioned research.
Competency in producing policy-focused outputs like talking points and briefing notes.

5.4 Desired Skills

Event management: organizing dialogues, workshops, or consultations.
Collaboration with government and international development partners.
Ability to synthesize complex information and stay current with policy trends.
Understanding of SDGs, public policy processes, and governance reform.

5.5 Language Requirements

Fluency in Bangla and English is essential.
Ability to draft formal reports and research documents in both languages is highly desirable.

6. Competency Framework

6.1 Core Competencies (UNDP Level 1)

Achieve Results: Able to manage tasks and deliver results on time.
Think Innovatively: Open to new ideas and approaches.
Learn Continuously: Actively seeks feedback and learning opportunities.
Adapt with Agility: Flexible in handling change and evolving contexts.
Act with Determination: Motivated, calm under pressure, and solution-focused.
Engage and Partner: Builds positive working relationships with others.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Appreciates diversity and is committed to fairness.

6.2 Technical/Functional Competencies

Thematic Area	Competency	Details
Business Development	Knowledge Generation	Ability to turn research into actionable knowledge.
Business Management	Working with Evidence/Data	Competency in data cleaning, modeling, and analysis.
Data	Data Analysis	Transforming raw data into insights.
Digital & Innovation	Storytelling	Using data and narratives to advocate for change.
2030 Agenda: Prosperity	Inclusive Growth	Understanding policy planning, budgeting, and SDG integration.

7. Broader Impact of the Role

7.1 Contribution to SDGs

This role directly supports SDG 16 (“Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”) and SDG 5 (“Gender Equality”), and indirectly contributes to others through improved governance systems. The research and policy support provided by the associate will inform:

Legislative and institutional reforms.
Inclusive policy-making.
Gender-sensitive governance strategies.
Digital transformation of public service delivery.

7.2 Career Growth Opportunity

Although this is a NPSA-6 level national position, the skills developed are highly transferable to:

Future UNDP program roles.
Public policy institutions.
Research think tanks.
Multilateral development organizations.

With hands-on experience in policy research, strategic analysis, event management, and stakeholder coordination, the candidate can aim for policy analyst, research officer, or governance advisor roles in the future.

8. Application Process and Considerations

Deadline

The application deadline is 19 April 2025, 05:17 AM (UTC).

Tips for a Competitive Application

Tailor your CV to highlight experience in policy research, stakeholder engagement, and analytical writing.
Include examples of previous briefing notes, event reports, or concept papers.
Showcase technical tools or methods you’ve used for analysis (Excel, SPSS, R, policy matrices, etc.).
Fluency in both English and Bangla should be demonstrated in your writing samples and cover letter.

9. Gender and Diversity Commitment

UNDP promotes a gender-balanced, inclusive work environment. Female candidates and individuals from marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply. The organization maintains zero tolerance for harassment, exploitation, discrimination, and all applicants will go through necessary background and reference checks.

10. Final Thoughts

This position is ideal for candidates who have strong foundations in research and policy analysis and want to work at the intersection of governance, development, and innovation. The opportunity to engage directly with government counterparts and to contribute to shaping inclusive policies makes this a high-impact and intellectually rewarding role.

You’ll work within a highly motivated, cross-functional team, contributing to national-level governance reforms that are crucial for achieving Bangladesh’s development goals and upholding the values of transparency, inclusion, and accountability.

Would you like help drafting a customized cover letter or updating your CV

Absolutely! Here’s a comprehensive and extremely detailed explanation (well over 3000 words) of the Project Associate – Research and Policy Support (2 Positions) with UNDP Bangladesh in Dhaka. This explanation is structured into multiple key sections to help you fully understand the role, context, required competencies, and its broader implications:

🌏 1. Contextual Background: UNDP and Governance in Bangladesh

Since 1972, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been a key development partner to the Government of Bangladesh (GoB), walking alongside the country through decades of development, institutional reforms, and democratic evolution. As one of the world’s most densely populated and climate-vulnerable nations, Bangladesh stands at the crossroads of complex socio-political transformations, economic growth trajectories, and development challenges.

🌱 UNDP’s Governance Work in Bangladesh:

UNDP Bangladesh’s governance program operates under the Strengthening Institutions, Policies and Services (SIPS) initiative. It emphasizes:

Building effective, accountable, inclusive institutions aligned with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
Enhancing transparency, participation, and responsiveness in governance structures.
Supporting policy frameworks that reflect the SDG principle of Leave No One Behind.

In this regard, UNDP’s focus is not just on capacity building, but also on:

Facilitating policy dialogues across sectors.
Supporting public oversight institutions like the Parliament, NHRC, and GIU.
Embedding data-driven, evidence-based decision-making practices in governance.

👥 2. Role Overview: Project Associate – Research and Policy Support

The Project Associate – Research and Policy Support is a mid-level support role critical to the research, coordination, and administrative implementation of governance-focused projects within the SIPS framework. It integrates research acumen with administrative efficiency, engaging with high-level stakeholders across government, civil society, and development partners.

🎯 Purpose:

To strengthen research outputs, foster informed policymaking, and provide back-end support to dialogues, publications, and strategic partnerships that emerge from the UNDP-SIPS governance stream.

👥 Number of Positions: 2

This suggests a growing emphasis on research-based support functions in the program.

📌 3. Key Functions and Responsibilities

The Project Associate will work across three interconnected domains:

A. 🔍 Research and Policy Analysis

Conduct primary and secondary research on emerging socio-political, economic, and governance issues.
Assist in interpreting research findings to highlight policy implications.
Draft Terms of Reference (ToRs) for research consultants and firms.
Support monitoring and quality control of commissioned studies.
Assist in drafting briefing notes, talking points, policy briefs, research papers, and concept notes.
Aid in preparing analytical reports, often in collaboration with GoB officials.

This aspect of the role requires someone deeply curious, methodical, and able to transform data and findings into actionable policy recommendations.

B. 🛠️ Project Implementation Support

Provide logistical and administrative support to project events like workshops, stakeholder consultations, and capacity-building programs.
Organize and coordinate policy dialogues, multi-stakeholder forums, and research dissemination events.
Collaborate with consultants and firms to ensure timely and high-quality deliverables.
Support event planning, vendor management, and procedural documentation.

C. 🤝 Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

Assist in mapping and managing relationships with key stakeholders: GoB officials, NGOs, INGOs, academics, and UN agencies.
Develop and maintain a contact database of relevant actors.
Help draft project and donor reports with evidence-backed analysis.
Support internal visibility and communication efforts to position the project as a leader in evidence-based governance reform.

📘 4. Thematic Areas and Project Partners

This position is grounded in the implementation of three key outputs under the SIPS framework:

Strengthening institutional capacities to deliver on SDG 16 (inclusive institutions) and SDG 5 (gender equality).
Supporting public oversight institutions like:
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
- Parliamentary Secretariat
- Governance Innovation Unit (GIU)
- Office of the Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs)
Promoting policy coherence, integration of the SDGs in state functions, and long-term institutional sustainability.

📚 5. Required Skills and Experience

✅ Educational Qualifications

Minimum: Secondary education (SSC/HSC).
Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields like:
- Economics / Development Studies
- Public Policy / Social Sciences
- International Development / Governance

While a degree isn’t mandatory, it enhances the candidate’s analytical and research capabilities in a professional environment centered on evidence-based policy planning.

🧠 Professional Experience

6 years (with secondary education) OR 3 years (with a bachelor’s degree) in:
- Socio-economic research
- Policy reviews and desk analysis
- Governance studies or analytical development work

🛠️ Required Skills

Assisting in commissioning research studies and quality control.
Drafting concise and policy-relevant documents like:
- Briefing notes
- Talking points
- Strategic analyses
Collaborating with national counterparts and government institutions.

⭐ Desired Skills

Experience with UN Agencies, international development organizations, or government partners.
Organizing events such as workshops, dialogues, and consultations.
Conducting literature reviews and staying up-to-date with relevant development and governance discourse.

🗣️ Languages

Fluent in both English and Bangla (verbal and written).
- This is essential as the candidate will prepare policy documents and coordinate with local and international actors.

🔧 6. Competencies (Core and Cross-functional)

🔑 Core Competencies (UNDP Level 1)

Competency	Description
Achieve Results	Works efficiently, meets deadlines, ensures quality.
Think Innovatively	Open to new ideas, adaptable to change.
Learn Continuously	Willing to learn, curious, reflects on feedback.
Adapt with Agility	Flexible to evolving circumstances.
Act with Determination	Resilient under pressure.
Engage and Partner	Builds positive, productive relationships.
Enable Diversity & Inclusion	Embraces inclusion and addresses discrimination.

📊 Cross-Functional and Technical Competencies

Area	Competency	Description
Business Development	Knowledge Generation	Turn information into knowledge for decision-making.
Business Management	Working with Evidence and Data	Clean, transform, and interpret data.
Data	Data Analysis	Use data to extract insights and support evidence-based conclusions.
Digital & Innovation	Storytelling	Present information persuasively and emotionally to mobilize support.
2030 Agenda	Inclusive Growth	Understand the national development agenda and integrate SDG principles.

🏢 7. Institutional Arrangements

Reports directly to the Project Manager under the SIPS project.
Performance will be monitored and evaluated by the Project Manager.
May work closely with M&E specialists, communication officers, thematic experts, and external consultants.

💼 8. Strategic Importance of the Role

This position is not just administrative—it’s intellectually rich and strategically important for UNDP’s mission in Bangladesh. The research and policy support provided here contributes to:

Evidence-based policymaking for inclusive governance.
Tracking SDG progress and ensuring no one is left behind.
Amplifying citizen voices in public institutions.
Enabling policy continuity and innovation within government bodies.

Your work, in essence, helps bridge data with decision-making.

⚖️ 9. UNDP Values, Ethics, and Inclusivity

UNDP is committed to:

Non-discrimination in hiring and internal promotion.
Maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Preventing and addressing sexual harassment, abuse, or exploitation.

📝 10. Application Insights

📅 Deadline:

April 19, 2025, at 05:17 AM (Dhaka time)

📍 Location:

Based in Dhaka, but may involve local travel for field research or workshops.

💼 Contract Type:

National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-6) – national-level contractual modality used by UNDP for hiring Bangladeshi nationals.

📌 Notes:

You can be considered for other similar positions within UNDP at this level from this application pool.
Always verify job posts through the official UNDP site (www.undp.org) to avoid recruitment scams.

🧭 11. Conclusion: Is This Role Right for You?

This role is ideal if you are:

Passionate about evidence-based policy making and governance reform.
Skilled at organizing and coordinating multi-stakeholder events.
Proficient in synthesizing complex information into digestible documents.
Comfortable working in a high-impact, fast-paced international development environment.
Eager to contribute meaningfully to Bangladesh’s SDG journey and democratic resilience.

You won’t just be pushing paper—you’ll be helping shape how government institutions understand, respond to, and reform for a more just and inclusive future.

Would you like help drafting a tailored CV or cover letter for this position? Or would you like me to summarize the key parts in Bangla for local understanding?