Research and Volunteer Promotion Specialist (External)

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• 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: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. UNV works with partners to integrate qualified, highly motivated and well- supported UN Volunteers into development programming and promote the value and global recognition of volunteerism. The Volunteer Advisory Services Section (VASS) contributes to position UNV as a Knowledge and Policy hub on volunteerism for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), generating knowledge, consolidating evidence and advocating with Member States and the UN system to integrate volunteerism in their policies and plans, as a cross-cutting means of implementation into the 2030 Agenda, in alignment with UNV 2022-2025 Strategic Framework.

Reporting to the Policy Specialist (Evidence), VASS, the Research and Volunteer Promotion Specialist supports the implementation of research and evidence-based volunteerism promotion with diverse stakeholders. Her/his core responsibility in the role is to ensure technical coordination and production of knowledge products through research, including UNV’s flagship publication on volunteerism, the State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR).

Scope of Work

Contribute to research efforts for knowledge products, SWVR and relevant policy workstreams

• Support Policy Specialist (Evidence) in coordination of research and writing process of the State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR) and knowledge products on volunteerism.
• Provide inputs to the SWVR drafts including re-writing case studies, background papers, and knowledge products, facilitating research collaboration with Academia, UN entities, and others, and analyzing specific pieces of work in support of the SWVR research, writing, and editing.
• Contribute to outreach and knowledge exchange for the SWVR and knowledge products through the UNV Knowledge Portal and online events, particularly with respect to engaging academic partners.
• Contribute to the review and feedback processes for various knowledge products, the SWVR workflows and drafts including liaising with the advisory groups related to the preparation of the knowledge products including case studies.
• Work with the Knowledge Management Specialist to shape the development of innovative graphics and multi-media products that add value to the SWVR report.
• Provide summaries of relevant research and policy findings for publishing on the UNV Knowledge Portal.
• Coordinate the regular convening of the two advisory groups of the SWVR.
• Develop and write the content of key analytical materials including strategic and thematic notes, think pieces, and blogs for the SWVR.

Ensure the development and implementation of advocacy, dissemination, and stakeholder engagement plans for UNV’s Volunteerism Research outputs

• Identify partnerships to improve the scope, audiences, and strategic impact of the SWVR among diverse stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for the policy-oriented launch of the SWVR including in key research forums (conferences, executive committees, task forces, etc.).
• Participate , as requested, by UNV in technical missions, conferences, task forces, and other key knowledge events to communicate research findings, give presentations, expand strategic partnerships, alliances and provoke conversations and debates.
• Engage in online discussions and provide substantive inputs to relevant communities of practice as well coming up with a comprehensive policy dialogue plan for the dissemination of the SWVR research findings and recommendations.
• Prepare speeches, presentations, background technical papers, documentation, and reports, upon request on SWVR.

Facilitating Knowledge Management and Building Partnerships

• Plan and implement external knowledge brokering and outreach events with key audiences to promote the State of the World’s Volunteerism Report 2026 and UNV's Volunteer Index.
• Lead the documentation and dissemination of key information on the SWVR and Index development.

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

Institutional Arrangement

• She/he organizes innovative ways for engaging external and internal stakeholders in activities and events designed to help gather, generate, and share knowledge on volunteerism which will feed into the preparation of knowledge products. She/ he works closely with the Knowledge Management Specialist, UNV Regional Offices, UNV New York Office, External Relations and Communication Section, and external research stakeholders on knowledge brokering efforts by the organization.

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results:

• Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact

Think Innovatively:

• Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems

Learn Continuously:

• Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility:

• Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands

Act with Determination:

• Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner:

• Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:

• Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

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 on other parts of the system.

Knowledge Generation

• Ability to research and turn information 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.

Communication:

• Ability 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

Digital Awareness and Literacy:

• Ability to monitor new and emerging technologies, as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value. Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others to use them as needed. Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.

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

Marketing research and data analysis

• Ability to create actionable marketing intelligence based on primary and secondary research and data analysis

Relationship management

• Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Sociology, Research, Development, Communications or related area 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.
• A research degree (masters or bachelors) is an advantage.

Required Experience:

• Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant work experience in research and knowledge management, including demonstrated experience in applying research methodologies is required.
• Research and knowledge management, including demonstrated experience in applying research methodologies.

Desire Experience:

• Experience in development programming on SDGs preferably in a national setting.
• Experience publishing analytical and research papers, think pieces, and blogs.
• Knowledge of and experience in volunteerism with its diverse manifestations, preferably in a development setting.
• Experience in the UN system or other international organizations.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of another official UN language, preferably French, Arabic and/or Russian is a strong asset.

Disclaimer

• Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
• The successful candidate will hold a UNDP PSA contract.
• This vacancy announcement is open to Tier 0,1 & 2 candidates only.

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.

Scam alert

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