Description of assignment (DoA) details
UNDP
Research & Documentation Associate - SDG Acceleration and Finance
India · New Delhi · 6 months
1 assignment · Fully funded
General
Description of assignment title
Research & Documentation Associate - SDG Acceleration and Finance
Assignment country
India
Duty stations
New Delhi
Work location
On UN premises
Expected start date
12/01/2026
Duration
6 months
Sustainable Development Goal
- Partnerships for the goals
Host entity
UNDP
Modality
Onsite
Type
National
Volunteer category
Associate UCoS from Apr2026
Work schedule
Full-time
Number of Assignments
1
Details
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 localisation, sustainable development policies, programmes and emerging development 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.
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 - 80
Required experience
1 month
Donor priorities
.
Nationality
Candidate must be a national, legal resident or hold refugee status in the country of assignment.
Additional eligibility criteria
This assignment is funded by the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and therefore only students currently enrolled at KIIT University are eligible to apply. Students from Scheduled Tribes communities are especially encouraged to apply.
Assignment requirements
Relevant experience
1 month
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Hindi, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable
Required education level
Bachelor's degree in (Current enrolled) in Development Studies, Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, Statistics, Data Science, Journalism, Mass Communication, Business Administration, Rural Management or another relevant field.
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
Skills and experience
Demonstrated interest and/or experience in:
- Sustainable development, the Sustainable Development Goals, public policy, development programmes or related areas.
- Research, documentation, data analysis, communications or preparation of academic/project-based outputs.
- Previous experience as a volunteer, intern, student researcher or participation in academic/community initiatives would be an asset. Experience of another culture through studies, volunteer work or internships would also be highly regarded.
Skills in:
- Desk research, information gathering and synthesis from credible sources.
- Written communication, drafting, editing and documentation.
- Basic data collection, compilation and analysis.
- Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Preparing presentations, summaries and other knowledge products.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work collaboratively while also completing assigned tasks independently.
Area(s) of expertise
Economics, poverty reduction, livelihoods, Communication, advocacy, public information
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
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.
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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