Project and Research Analyst

United Nations Development Programme; Dubai; On-site; AED 220,000 - 294,000; Full time

Job summary

A global development organization seeks a Project and Research Analyst to manage project activities for the Skills Initiative. The role involves coordinating with various partners, developing research strategies, and ensuring successful implementation of initiatives that focus on skills development. Candidates should possess a Master’s degree, fluency in English and Arabic, and demonstrate strong analytical and communication abilities. This position is based in Dubai, UAE.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, social sciences, or related field.
• Minimum of two years in policy research related to skills development.
• Excellent computer skills and fluency in English and Arabic.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate project activities to support the Skills Initiative.
• Develop a comprehensive research strategy for skills mapping.
• Monitor initiative progress and prepare funding proposals.

Skills

Computer literacy

Report writing

Analytical skills

Fluency in English

Fluency in Arabic

Education

Advanced university degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Background

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 to produce high‑quality knowledge products and promote knowledge sharing and dialogue.

In 2021 the project revisited the Global Knowledge Index, revamped the knowledge4all portal and mobile application, produced the third and final edition of the Future of Knowledge Foresight Report series, and organized Knowtalks. In 2023 the team will begin a pilot implementation of the Regional Skills Initiative, which seeks to strengthen the link between skills development and poverty reduction by equipping talents with core employability, soft, digital and technical skills.

The pilot targets approximately 5,500 Arab learners from eight countries over a 16‑month period starting January 2023, conducting workshops to align with employers’ needs and tailor curricula to emerging skill demands.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Adviser and Project Manager, the Project and Research Analyst will manage and coordinate project activities, provide capacity‑building expertise, and facilitate partnerships with UNDP country offices, the private and public sectors, educational institutions, and entrepreneurs.

Project Management and Development

• Provide analytical and strategic support to ensure successful implementation of the Skills Initiative.
• Develop innovative approaches to address the skills gap in the Arab States, aligning with project objectives.
• Establish and activate collaboration mechanisms with national and international experts to review and enhance skills strategies.
• Support design, strategy, and proposal development, ensuring documents offer strategic recommendations.
• Represent the initiative at national, regional, and international venues.
• Coordinate with similar UNDP initiatives to foster synergies and knowledge sharing.

Research and Knowledge Management

• Develop a comprehensive research strategy, defining key areas, methodologies, and timelines.
• Collect and analyze relevant data to map the skills landscape and employment trends.
• Produce analytical and outreach products to identify gaps and opportunities.
• Support mapping activities, including skill gaps, stakeholder and ecosystem assessments.
• Document best practices and lessons from global youth skilling programs.
• Use findings to inform evidence‑based policies and programmes.
• Contribute to a knowledge‑sharing framework for stakeholders.
• Facilitate workshops, seminars, and conferences for knowledge dissemination.
• Enhance partnerships with academic, research, and think‑tank institutions.
• Assist in developing MEAL frameworks and impact assessment tools.
• Maintain a robust knowledge‑management system, ensuring easy access for the team and stakeholders.
• Promote continuous learning and evidence‑based improvement.

Reporting and Partnerships

• Monitor initiative progress, identifying successes and challenges.
• Support timely reporting and compliance with deadlines.
• Act as focal point with course providers.
• Strengthen relations with partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries.
• Forge new alliances with public and private sectors.
• Prepare funding proposals and donor briefings to mobilize resources.

Communication and Advocacy

• Use varied communication channels to raise awareness.
• Support corporate and advocacy efforts, sharing updates with stakeholders.
• Disseminate project‑related information to maintain transparency.

Team Building and Development

• Ensure team alignment with initiative goals and collaborative work.
• Foster inclusion and diversity within the team.
• Maintain transparent communication of progress, changes, and decisions.
• Create a supportive work environment that values collaboration.
• Facilitate safe spaces for concern expression and resolution.
• Organize teambuilding activities and workshops.
• Support professional growth through training and access to resources.

Institutional Arrangement

The selected Project and Research Analyst will report to the Chief Technical Adviser/Project Manager and supervise the Research and Coordination Associate and Project Assistant.

Competencies

Core Competencies include Achieve Results, Think Innovatively, Learn Continuously, Adapt with Agility, Act with Determination, Engage and Partner, and Enable Diversity and Inclusion.

Cross‑Functional & Technical competencies cover Digital and Innovation, Business Direction & Strategy, System Thinking, Business Development, Knowledge Generation, Business Management, Communication, Partnership Management, Relationship Management, Prosperity, and Inclusive Growth.

Required Skills and Experience

Minimum Education Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, social sciences, economics, business administration, or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree with at least two additional years of qualifying experience may substitute for a Master’s.

Required Years of Experience

• Minimum of two years (Master’s) or four years (Bachelor’s) in policy research and advocacy related to social science skills development, upskilling, reskilling, and employment.

Required Skills

• Excellent computer literacy (MS Office, Windows, Internet).
• Excellent report writing and analytical skills.

Desired Skills

• Proven experience in a similar position in UN agencies or international organizations.
• Extensive experience working in the Arab States region.
• Experience in skilling, workforce development, livelihoods or employability programmes and initiatives, technical or higher education, online programmes.
• Technical knowledge of MOOC and online education systems and platforms.
• Experience in building and maintaining partnerships and collaborations.

Required Language(s)

• Fluency in both oral and written English and Arabic.
• Knowledge of French is a strong asset.

Equal Opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role without discrimination.

Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse of Authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. Selected candidates undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to Select Multiple Candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates. It may also retain applications and consider candidates for other similar positions at the same grade level.

Scam Alert

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