Research and Coordination Associate

The Knowledge Project is a joint initiative between UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) established in 2008 and aimed at producing high-quality knowledge products and promoting knowledge sharing and dialogue.

2021 marked the beginning of a new phase of the Knowledge Project where main activities consisted of revising           the Global Knowledge Index, revamping the knowledge4all portal and mobile application, producing the third and last edition of the Future of Knowledge Foresight Report series, and organizing Knowtalks. Among the 2023’s main activities, the Knowledge Project team will start the pilot implementation of its newly launched Regional Skills Initiative. The latter aims at strengthening the transmission mechanism between skills development and poverty reduction by equipping talents in the region with core employability and soft skills, foundational digital skills and technical skills to increase their likelihoods in finding and retaining jobs.

The initial phase of this initiative; i.e. the pilot phase, targets around 5,500 Arab learners from eight Arab countries and is expected to last 16 months, starting in January 2023. This phase consists of conducting workshops to bring together public sector, private sector, and educational institutions representatives in each of the targeted countries to discuss and update the skills gap analysis to tailor the offer to the priorities and challenges. Moreover, the project will start by pinning down the skills gap and planning for the future skills of the targeted groups and translate                   the identified needs of employers into skills that can be acquired through the proposed curricula. Applying thorough pre-selection and selection surveys, the learning content will be tailored to support the development of the right skills for the right people.
 

The Research and Coordination Associate will work as part of the Knowledge Project team, reporting to the Project and Research Analyst in Dubai. He/she will support in the following tasks and responsibilities:

1. Programme Coordination:

• Ensure seamless coordination and execution of these events to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity-building. Prepare technical content and choreography for consultations and workshops within the Regional Skills Initiative. 
• Strengthen and build existing relationships to ensure smooth implementation of project activities. Assist in liaising and forging partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including government entities, private sector organizations, and other partners. 
• Set up robust tracking and monitoring tools to ensure effective project management and progress tracking. Support the review and monitoring of initiative activities, including the onboarding and engagement of learners. 

2. Research and Knowledge Management:

• Conduct desk research as needed to gain insights into the skills landscape in the region. 
• Map key stakeholders, existing skills initiatives, and strategies in the Arab region include countries of focus such as Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
• Prepare various knowledge products, including background notes, surveys, skills matrix, briefs, fact sheets, written reports, and presentations. Focus on topics related to the labor and job landscapes in the Arab States region to inform decision-making and advocacy efforts.
• Collect data from national and international sources related to employment, skills, educational mismatch, extent of training, and other relevant aspects. 
• Analyse the data to derive meaningful insights and inform evidence-based interventions.

3. Reporting and Partnerships:

• Support the preparation of periodic narrative and financial reports, including donor and UNDP corporate reporting. Ensure timely and accurate reporting to provide stakeholders with updates on project progress and achievements.
• Assist in the establishment and fostering of partnerships with all relevant stakeholders, including government entities, private sector organizations, and other partners. Strengthen existing relationships to maximize collaboration and support for the project.

4. Communication and Advocacy:

• Assist in developing communication materials, including project presentations, short scripts, and invitation letters, as required. Ensure that the materials effectively communicate the objectives and impact of the project.
• Support advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the project’s objectives and achievements. Engage with stakeholders at local, regional, and international levels to garner support and recognition for the initiative.
• Coordinate with relevant teams to promote public engagement and awareness of the project’s activities and outcomes. Utilize various communication channels, including social media and traditional media, to reach a wider audience.

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT

The selected Research and Coordination Associate will be working under the direct supervision of the Project and Research Analyst and overall supervision of the Chief Technical Adviser/Project Manager. Also, the incumbent is expected to maintain effective working relationships with the various stakeholders, donor and colleagues at the Hub and country offices.