Research Analyst (Open to Tier 0, 1 & 2 applicants)

Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026

• Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates)

• Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts

• Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Office/Unit/Project Description

The Human Development Report Office (HDRO) is a small multi-disciplinary unit located in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in New York. The mission of the HDRO is to advance human development through the expansion of opportunities, choice, and freedom. The Office works towards this goal by conducting original analysis and research, commissioning top quality background research, and advocating practical policy changes. It works with others to achieve change through writing and research, data analysis and presentation, support to national and regional analysis as well as outreach and advocacy work.

One of its best-known outputs is the global Human Development Report (HDR), first launched in 1990. These independent Reports are intended to challenge policies and approaches that constrain human development, promote innovative concepts and to advocate practical policy changes. In each Report, a different development theme is examined in-depth using available data and new analyses relevant to the chosen topic resulting in both an assessment of current status as well as a series of policy recommendations for the future.

HDRO is expected to be a magnet for young, bright professionals who want to accelerate their careers, with an orientation towards research and analysis. HDRO expects a direct contribution to the content of the Report and other products, to the quality and relevance of the background research for the HDR, to maintaining good relationships with external research partners and other relevant stakeholders, and in capturing the diverse reflections of experts in consultations that inform research and report development.

Scope of Work

The Research Analyst will contribute to the HDRO’s strategic research, analysis, data management, and knowledge dissemination activities in support of the Human Development Reports (HDRs) and related human development initiatives.

Conduct Human Development Research and Analysis and Support Development of Knowledge Products

• Conduct research and analytical work on human development issues, trends, and emerging policy topics.
• Support the development of evidence-based insights to inform HDRs and other HDRO Knowledge products.
• Contribute to literature reviews, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and synthesis of research findings.
• Contribute to the preparation and drafting of HDR content through research, data analysis, and written inputs.
• Review background research papers and supporting materials to ensure relevance, quality, and consistency with report objectives.
• Support quality assurance processes for HDRs, including factchecking, validation of data and reference, and verification of analytical findings.
• Contribute to the organization, maintenance, and accessibility of research materials, datasets, and supporting documentation.

Contribute to the Human Development Data and Measurement

• Contribute to the development, maintenance, and analysis of human development indicators and composite measures.
• Support the compilation, management, and interpretation of datasets related to human development outcomes and trends.
• Support the process of regional and thematic consultations, using them to validate research on human development and to incorporate feedback and diverse perspectives into analytical work.
• Contribute to joint research projects with partners, within and outside UNDP, on frontier analytical and policy issues related to human development.
• Support the translation of research findings into accessible and impactful communication products.
• Prepare inputs to briefing materials, presentations, and other knowledge products to support dissemination and stakeholder engagement activities.

Collaborative and Organizational Support

• Contribute to cross-functional initiatives and collaborative activities within HDRO.
• Support the planning and implementation of research, publication, outreach, and dissemination activities.
• Perform other related analytical, research, and programmatic responsibilities as required to advance the objectives of the office.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

Within the overall vision and the structure of HDRO, the Research Analyst, under the guidance of members from the Research Team and direct supervision of Research and Strategic Partnership Advisor, will provide analytical, substantive and research contributions to the work of HDRO. Such contributions would encompass contributions to the intellectual thinking of human development issues and paradigm; to the substantive work of the HDRs; to the work on human development measurements; and to the overall work of HDRO.

Expected Demonstration of Competencies

Core Competencies

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

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Thematic Area Name Definition

Business Development Knowledge Generation Ability to research information and to turn it into

useful knowledge, relevant for context, or

responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply

existing concepts to new situations, and to develop

new concepts to generate workable solutions and

new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts,

conceptual models, and theories that can be

useful in addressing new situations.

Business Development Human-Centered designAbility to develop solutions to problems by

involving the human perspective in all steps of the

problem-solving process Knowledge and

understanding of human centred design principles

and practices

Business Management CommunicationsAbility 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

Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels.

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

Business Direction & Strategy System Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact other parts of the system.

2030 Agenda: Prosperity Inclusive Growth Poverty and Inequality Metrics

2030 Agenda: Prosperity Inclusive Growth Multidimensional Poverty and Human Development

Required Education, Experience, Skills and Competencies

Minimum Education requirements

• Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Social Science with a focus on Social, Economic, or Political aspects of Development is required. Or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Minimum years of relevant work experience

• Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience.
• Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in research data analysis

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Experience working on frontier issues and/or with frontier research institutions
• Strong experience in quantitative data analysis using statistical software (STATA, R, or Phyton)
• Experience indicating ability to write and produce high-quality policy papers as well as shorter memos and notes

Required Language (s):

• Fluency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of another UN language are an asset.

Equal opportunity

• As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
• UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

• UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

• 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.

Equal opportunity

• As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
• UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

• UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

• 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