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 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 status as well as a series of policy recommendations for the future. In addition, a set of human development indices are updated and published in the Report.
The latest series of HDRs include the 2019 report on inequalities, the 2020 report on the dangers of the Anthropocene, and the 2021-22 report on human development in uncertain, unsettled, times. Together they shine a light on policy blind spots and show how the world is now faced with the challenge of re-defining development, amidst great uncertainty. Building on these findings, HDRO is advancing a future-forward research agenda to identify new approaches and interpretations can inform global policy, advance human development, and help achieve the 2030 Agenda, as well as prepare for a post-SDG world.
Position Purpose
Within the overall vision and the structure of HDRO, the Research Analyst, under the overall guidance by the HDRO Director and direct supervision by the Research & Strategic Partnerships Advisor, will provide analytical, substantive and research contributions to the work of the Lead Author of the HDRs. 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.
Summary of key functions:
1. Research and intellectual work on human development issues (30%)
2. Contributions to writings of the HDRs and other publications of the Human Development Report Office (35%)
3. Work on the human development measurements (20%)
4. Contributions to the overall work of HDRO (15%)
- Undertake research, under the supervision of the Research and Strategic Partnership Advisor, on conceptual and methodological areas of human development.
- Review of background research, communication with background paper researchers and other area experts.
- Contribute to compilation of databases and graphs for indicators related to human development.
- With the guidance of the Research and Strategic Partnership Advisor, support him/her to develop papers suitable for submission to professional conferences and academic journals.
Contributions to the writings of the HDRs and other publications of the Human Development Report Office (35%):
- Provide support to the ideas of the Lead Author and Research and Strategic Partnership Advisor on formulating the theme and structure of the HDR and other publications, participating in brainstorm meetings and in-house discussions on various aspects of report development.
- Provide comprehensive literature reviews and data analysis, draft research notes, research sections, country and case studies to inform HDRO publications.
- Contribute to conceptual and practical organization of workshops and meetings designed to inform the development process of the HDR and other publications.
- Provide support to the finalization of the report, via fact-checking and interaction with editing and production teams.
- Assist in the global launch of the HDR, as requested.
Work on the human development measurements (20%):
- Provide substantive support to the Lead Author and Research and Strategic Partnership Advisor in areas of work on human development measurements and data
- Prepare materials for the launch of the global Report and other HDRO activities, including country fact sheets and briefing materials especially related to statistics and analysis
Contributions to the overall work of HDRO (15%):
- Prepare briefs, notes and background documents for the Lead Author
- Contribute to the preparation of communications materials.
Provide substantive support to the Lead Author for the presentation in the pre and post- launch activities - Work on other assignments as and when requested by the HDRO management
- Use of Official time for self-learning
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Staff will oversee the work and deliverables of staff, IPSAs, as required by the organizational structure.
Competencies
Core:
Achieve Results:
- Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively:
- Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
Learn Continuously:
- Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility:
- Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination:
- Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously
Engage and Partner:
- Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:
- Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Cross-Functional & Technical:
Business Development – Knowledge generation:
- Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for content, or responsive to a stated need
Business Development – Human-Centered design:
- Ability to develop solutions to problems by involving the human perspective in all steps of the problem-solving process
Business Management – Communications:
- 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
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
2030 Agenda: Prosperity Inclusive Growth:
- Poverty and Human Development
2030 Agenda: Prosperity Inclusive Growth:
- Multidimensional Poverty and Human Development
- Master’s degree or equivalent in a social science with a focus on social, economic, or political aspects of development.
- Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience, preferably in areas of research.
- Have a good grasp of substantive and policy issues related to the study of social and economic development, and of the human development knowledge and the human security concept and capabilities approach.
- Familiarity with the process of producing a leading global development report within an international organization is highly desirable
Language:
- Excellent written and spoken English skills are required for this position (ideally with experience in preparing written briefs, papers, and reports, and communicating their findings)
- Knowledge of another UN language is desirable