Mission and objectives

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

UNDP Bangladesh has been a strong companion of the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) since 1972 in a journey of growth and resilience of the country. UNDP continues to work with relevant institutions and strengthen the space for dialogues, inclusive participation and accountability towards a greener, more resilient, and tolerant society and economy. Through its Strengthening Institutions, Policies and Services (SIPS) initiative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bangladesh aims to develop effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels to promote peaceful, just and inclusive societies for the country’s sustainable development. SIPS aims to support the country in achieving SDG 16 by: • Strengthening public institutions that can contribute to fulfilling national and international commitments and provide better service delivery. • Creating a more enabling policy environment that embeds the SDGs’ core principle of “leave no one behind”. • Promoting new capabilities and leveraging technology and innovation for more effective, inclusive governance and public service delivery. The project is designed around three (3) outputs: • Output 1: Capacities of public institutions are strengthened to deliver on SDG 16 and SDG 5. • Output 2: Institutions of public oversight are more people-centric and effectively fulfil their mandates. • Output 3: Enabling environment is strengthened to sustain SDG results and integrate SDGs into routine GoB operations and partnerships. UNDP will deliver results with the following partners: i) Governance Innovation Unit (GIU) and the Office of the Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs) under Chief Advisor’s Office, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat (BPS) and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Scope of Work: In the given context, UNDP Bangladesh is looking for talent with passion to contribute to areas of peace, justice, strong institution and gender equality. The incumbent talent will have the opportunity to contribute to planning and implementation of project activities, research and knowledge creation, management and evidence-based interventions focused on SDG 16 and SDG 5, coordination and liaison with the government agencies and the other relevant counterparts.

Task Description

The incumbent position will work under the supervision of the Project Manager, Strengthening Institutions, Policies and Services (SIPS) project of UNDP Bangladesh, and perform the following activities: a) Support to Project Implementation: - Support in planning and implementing project activities. - Support the team in organizing events such as consultations, workshops, dialogues, meet-ings etc. - Draft TORs and concept note required for the implementation of planned activities. - Assist in planning, execution, and monitoring the progress of the project activities. - Provide administrative support as needed to ensure smooth project operations. b) Support in Desk and Field Research: - Assist in conducting desk reviews and secondary data analyses on various cutting-edge agenda. - Assist to commissioning of research initiative and prepare the analytical reports on various issues in collaboration with the government counterparts of the project. - Assist in the field implementation of surveys and consultations. - Aid in drafting briefing notes, talking points, analytical reports, and strategic documents of the project c) Provide support in Coordination and Liaison: - Assist the team’s collaborative initiatives in coordinating with the government such as BBS, GIU, Parliament, BPSC, NHRC, and other relevant counterparts. - Support to actively building and maintaining relationships with a wider range of stakehold-ers, including civil society organizations, academic institutions, and international develop-ment partners - Facilitate communication and information sharing among stakeholders. - Support to organizing stakeholder meetings and follow-up on action points. d) Documentation & knowledge management: - Assist in developing and maintaining a comprehensive knowledge management work for the project - Assist in drafting briefing notes, talking points, analytical reports, and strategic papers. - Provide support for drafting and compiling reports for donors and partner agencies. - Ability to prepare documents in both English and Bangla In addition to the specified tasks, the incumbent position would perform other need-based tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Building Trust • Client Orientation • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Communication • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity • Working in Teams

Living conditions and remarks

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 center of political, cultural, and economic life in Bangladesh. The official language is Bengali, while English is the working language of UN Agencies. Good English-speaking medical, dental services and educational centers are available for internationals. 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. 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.