Research Analyst

The project, initiated in 2008, is a collaboration between UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) which aims to independently analyze and monitor trends and issues affecting knowledge and development. In Arab countries and beyond, it supports Arab States in developing knowledge-based societies by producing high-quality publications such as the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) and Future of Knowledge Foresight Reports, and facilitating exchanges through regular high level forums such as the Knowledge Summit and Knowledge Weeks. In response to evolving need in increasingly knowledge-based economies, project also hosts the FutureSkills4All initiative, dedicated to skills development for the digital economy and future labour markets.

Duties and Responsibilities

SCOPE OF WORK

• The Research Analyst will work under the guidance of the Project, Research, and Communications Specialist and will focus on education and labour market research to support the revision of the GKI and contribute to discussions on human capital development. Key responsibilities include:

Research and analysis:

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research on education and its intersection with the labour market.
• Analyze data to support the revision and enhancement of the GKI.
• Contribute to think-pieces, policy briefs, and empirical research for educational initiatives and labour market trends.
• Coordinate and prepare ad hoc thematic and substantive reports/analysis/briefs as requested.
• Contribute substantively to the knowledge product creation process, ensuring data-driven insights are clearly and compellingly presented.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge and innovation initiatives for different contexts on key emerging policy agendas, in collaboration with policy teams at HQ, the Regional Hubs and country offices.

Data collection and management:

• Lead the collection and analysis of data relevant to education and labour market dynamics.
• Develop and implement robust data collection methodologies.
• Ensure data accuracy and reliability for all project outputs related to education and skills.

Knowledge product development:

• Design and produce analytical reports, policy briefs, and data visualizations that inform on education and labour market trends.
• Collaborate on the production of the GKI and other indices, ensuring they reflect educational and labour market insights.
• Identify and coordinate the work of advisory board members and consultants, including drafting and reviewing terms of references (ToRs), requests for proposals (RfPs), and work specifications, to maintain high standards of project outputs.
• Oversee and ensure the quality of contributions from consultants to align with project standards and objectives.

Policy advice and project support:

• Provide expert advice on educational policies and labour market integration.
• Support the strategic planning and execution of project initiatives.
• Engage with stakeholders to align project outputs with current educational and economic needs.
• Examine the structure of the GKI, assess effectiveness, explore potential changes, and propose enhancements.
• Identify potential advisory board members and assist in commissioning and coordinating their work where requested and comment on their draft papers.
• Mobilize consultants to initiate activities, including drafting and reviewing terms of references (ToRs), request for proposals (RfPs) and work specifications.
• Develop/use rosters of pre-qualified consultants, Implementing Partners (Ips) and other service providers in support of project outputs and activities.
• Oversee the work of national and international consultants that support project implementation.
• Supervise and manage project personnel and consultants. Establish performance objectives and standards and ensure timely and appropriate feedback, guidance and support to ensure optimum performance.

Event and workshop coordination:

• Organize and facilitate workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on education and other related fields.
• Develop content and coordinate logistics for these events to ensure productive discussions and outcomes. 

Required Skills and Experience:

Min. Education requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in education, economics, social sciences, or a related field is required.
• Candidates with a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with two (02) additional years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of a Master’s degree.
• Min. years of relevant work experience
• A minimum of two (02) years (with Master’s degree) or four (04) years (with Bachelor’s degree) of work experience in the areas of policy, research and advocacy in thematic areas related to social sciences, education, labour economics, skills development, and employment.

Required skills

• Excellent research, analytical, data management, and report writing skills.
• Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
• Proven experience in a similar position in leading local, regional or international organizations;
• Experience working in the Arab States region;
• A background in report development;
• Experience in skilling, workforce development, livelihoods or employability research or initiatives.

Required Language(s)

• Fluency in both Arabic and English is required.
• French is an asset.

Source: https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/requisitions/job/21218