Research & Documentation Associate - SDG Acceleration and Finance

Mission and objectives

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience. 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. UNDP has been working in India since 1951, supporting the Government of India and development partners across a wide range of human development priorities. Its work includes poverty reduction, inclusive economic development, strengthening institutions and local governance, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, policy support and institutional reforms. UNDP India’s Country Programme (2023–2027) adopts an integrated approach to development across three strategic portfolios:

• Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs;
• Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on marginalized communities; and
• Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability. South-South cooperation, gender equality and social inclusion are promoted across these areas, supported by strategic partnerships, innovative financing, data and digital solutions, and accelerator approaches. The SDG Acceleration and Finance Unit supports efforts to accelerate progress towards the SDGs through evidence-based research and analysis, SDG localisation, knowledge generation, institutional and policy support, partnerships and innovative approaches to development financing. The Unit works with government institutions, development partners, civil society, academia and other stakeholders to support initiatives contributing to sustainable and inclusive development in India.

Context

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, provide a shared framework for addressing interconnected development challenges, including poverty, inequality, environmental sustainability, inclusive institutions and sustainable economic development. India has established institutional mechanisms at national and subnational levels to monitor and advance progress towards the SDGs. Accelerating SDG implementation requires continued efforts in areas such as evidence generation, SDG localisation, policy analysis, institutional strengthening, knowledge management, partnerships and innovative development financing. The SDG Acceleration and Finance Unit contributes to these efforts through research, analysis, documentation, knowledge generation, stakeholder engagement and support to programme initiatives. The Unit develops and supports a range of knowledge products, research outputs, presentations, programme documentation and stakeholder engagements related to SDG acceleration and sustainable development financing. The UN Associate Volunteer will support the Unit in research, documentation and knowledge management activities. The assignment will provide a young university student with practical exposure to development programming within the United Nations system, while contributing to the preparation and organisation of research, information and programme materials supporting the Unit’s work.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Policy Specialist, SDG Acceleration and Finance Unit, the UN Associate Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support desk-based research on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SDG lo-calisation, sustainable development policies, programmes and emerging develop-ment priorities in India.
• Assist in collecting, compiling and organising relevant data, reports, policies, studies, frameworks, publications and good practices from credible national and international sources.
• Contribute to the preparation of knowledge products, including research notes, background materials, briefs, factsheets, presentations and other programme-related outputs.
• Support the documentation of SDG-related initiatives and good practices, including documenting relevant innovations, institutional approaches, lessons learned and experiences at national and subnational levels.
• Assist with the collection, organisation and basic analysis of SDG-related data and indicators, including information from publicly available datasets and institutional sources.
• Support meetings, consultations, workshops and stakeholder engagements, including preparation of background materials, presentations, meeting notes, summaries and follow-up actions.
• Assist with knowledge management and programme documentation, including maintaining organised repositories and supporting inputs for reports, progress updates, concept notes and other Unit deliverables.
• Support communication, coordination and other programme activities of the SDG Acceleration and Finance Unit, including updating communication materials, following up with relevant colleagues and stakeholders, and undertaking other related tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Building Trust
• Commitment and Motivation
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Communication
• Creativity
• Ethics and Values
• Integrity
• Knowledge Sharing
• Planning and Organizing
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity
• Self-Management
• Technological Awareness
• Working in Teams

Living conditions and remarks

New Delhi is the capital of India and hosts the headquarters of the Government of India as well as a large number of United Nations agencies, international organisations, diplomatic missions, civil society organisations and development partners. The city offers extensive public and private transport options, accommodation, healthcare, educational institutions, banking facilities and other essential services. English and Hindi are widely used in professional and public settings. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in New Delhi. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions. The UN Associate Volunteer will be based at the UNDP India Country Office and will work primarily in an office-based environment. New Delhi is a large and diverse metropolitan city with a wide range of cultural, social and recreational opportunities. The Volunteer will be expected to comply with applicable UN security, health and safety procedures and guidance throughout the assignment. You can check full entitlements at https://app.unv.org/calculator . For information specific to your assignment, please see below:

• Monthly Voluntary Living Allowance (VLA): INR 56,126.74
• Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 350 (equivalent in INR)
• Relocation costs: $175 at the beginning and end of the assignment if the duty station is outside of commuting distance (as determined by UNV)
• Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment): $120 for each month served, paid on completion of contract
• Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for health, life, and malicious acts
• Annual leave: 2.5 days per month
• Learning: Access to UNV's learning and career development resources.