Description of assignment title
SDG Research & Data Fellow
Assignment country
India
Duty stations
Agartala (2), Vijayawada (2), Bangalore (5), Mumbai (5)
Work location
Remote
Expected start date
10/26/2026
Duration
2 months
Sustainable Development Goal
- Partnerships for the goals
Host entity
UNDP
Modality
Onsite
Type
National
Volunteer category
Community UCoS from Apr2026
Work schedule
Part-time
Number of Assignments
14
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.
Context
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global framework for addressing development challenges and promoting a sustainable future. Adopted by 193 countries, including India, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development came into effect on 1 January 2016. India follows a ‘whole-of-government’ approach to SDG implementation, with NITI Aayog serving as the nodal agency for national coordination. At the subnational level, SDG Coordination Centres (SDGCCs) and Technical Support Units, established in collaboration with State governments and UNDP India, support policy advisory and the integration of SDG priorities into State and district development planning. The UNDP SDG Acceleration and Finance Unit provides technical assistance to State governments to accelerate SDG achievement and advance the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. Drawing on global expertise and national experience, the Unit supports strategic planning, development diagnostics, policy coherence, monitoring and evaluation, and data-driven decision-making. It facilitates SDG acceleration strategies, district convergence plans, monitoring dashboards, and outcome-oriented frameworks, while fostering partnerships among government institutions, development partners, academia, civil society, and the private sector. The Unit also promotes innovative development financing through SDG financing strategies, budget tagging, expenditure analysis, development finance mapping, private sector engagement, and resource mobilization. In line with the SDG commitment to “Leave No One Behind,” the socio-economic advancement of Scheduled Tribes (STs), who constitute approximately 8.6 percent of India’s population, remains a key national priority. Despite sustained efforts, tribal communities continue to face disparities in health, education, gender equality, livelihoods, and access to basic services. UNDP India supports the Government of India through policy advisory, planning, monitoring, and implementation support for tribal development initiatives and central sector schemes. It also provides technical assistance to tribal welfare departments in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Tripura, and Andhra Pradesh, focusing on improving service delivery, strengthening departmental convergence, and promoting sustainable livelihoods for tribal communities. The United Nations Volunteer (UNV) SDG Research and Data Fellow will work closely with UNDP’s SDG Acceleration and Finance Unit and State-level teams to support research, data analytics, surveys, knowledge products, and report writing. Under UNDP’s supervision, the Fellow will contribute to policy analysis, development diagnostics, monitoring frameworks, data visualization, and documentation of good practices. The role will support initiatives related to SDG acceleration, tribal rights, development financing, and strategic partnerships, generating insights to inform State-level policies and programmes and advance inclusive and sustainable development.
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the State Coordinators/ Project managers of the SDG Acceleration and Finance Unit, UNDP, the UN Volunteer will carry out the following tasks:
- Contribute to desk research and evidence generation through literature reviews, background research, policy scans, and preparation of briefing notes to support SDG-related initiatives.
- Support the collection, compilation, validation, and analysis of SDG and Tribal Development data, integrating citizen-generated and official statistics to address data gaps and promote inclusive, representative, and reliable development indicators.
- Support the development of knowledge products and communication materials, including presentations, briefing notes, case studies, success stories, and documentation of good practices and lessons learned.
- Collaborate with UNDP and State teams in documenting emerging insights, innovative practices, and evidence that can inform SDG acceleration, tribal development, development planning, and policy discussions.
Age
18 - 80
Required experience
No experience required
Nationality
There are no nationality requirements for remote assignments. Successful candidates will need to provide proof of citizenship, residency and/or right to work in their remote work location. In the case of refugees, candidates need to provide proof of their protected status in the country. Proof of address will also be required.
Relevant experience
No experience required
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required Hindi, Level: Fluent, Desirable
Required education level
Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Economics, Management, Development Studies, Rural Development and any other related subjects
Competencies and values
- Accountability
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Building Trust
- Commitment and Motivation
- Commitment to Continuous Learning
- Communication
- Creativity
- Ethics and Values
- Integrity
- Planning and Organizing
- Professionalism
- Respect for Diversity
- Self-Management
- Working in Teams
Skills and experience
- Demonstrated interest in the development sector
- Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.
- Self-motivated, with the ability to work with minimal supervision and to work under tight deadlines. [CANDIDATES BASED IN VIJAYAWADA, BENGALURU, MUMBAI, AGARTALA WILL BE GIVEN PREFERENCE.]
Area(s) of expertise
Data science, information management, Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge management, research, reporting, Statistics, population science
Driving license
Other information
Volunteerism is understood as a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good, for which monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.
Living conditions and remarks
Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh: A growing commercial and industrial hub, Vijayawada is known for the Kanaka Durga Temple, agricultural trade, and emerging business opportunities. The city offers a range of living options, from affordable neighbourhoods to modern urban amenities. Bengaluru, Karnataka: India's leading technology and innovation hub, Bengaluru offers diverse professional opportunities, a cosmopolitan culture, and a vibrant social scene. The city is home to numerous educational institutions, technology companies, and modern urban amenities. Mumbai, Maharashtra: India's financial capital, Mumbai is a dynamic metropolitan city known for its economic opportunities, cultural diversity, and extensive professional networks. It offers a vibrant urban lifestyle, although housing and living costs can be relatively high. Agartala, Tripura: The capital of Tripura, Agartala is an administrative and commercial centre known for its cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and welcoming communities. The city offers a relaxed urban environment, local traditions, and access to nearby natural attractions. For this assignment, monthly living allowance and any other entitlement will not be provided - Volunteers will receive the UNV duty-of-care package for the two-month contract period, including insurance and medical clearance. No other entitlements under the Unified Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers will be provided. - Upon successful completion of the assignment, a UNV Certificate of Service will be awarded. [CANDIDATES BASED IN VIJAYAWADA, BENGALURU, MUMBAI, AGARTALA WILL BE GIVEN PREFERENCE.]
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy
Scam warning
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