Desk review and referencing

Volunteering

Overview

Conduct desk research and literature reviews on air pollution.

You have:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in public health, international development, political science, environmental economics, or a related field is required.
• Prior experience in desk research is required.
• Excellent written English skills are required.
• Proven experience with academic or policy referencing, including confident use of Zotero for managing sources.
• Fluency in French is a strong advantage.
• Experience or strong interest in health and air pollution is an asset.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

UNDP Strategic Plan covers the period 2026-2029 and is centred on the overarching goal of advancing human development while safeguarding the planet's resources and systems. The plan, which has been endorsed by the UNDP Executive Board, is structured around four main strategic objectives powered by three "accelerators". Four Strategic Objectives The strategic direction for the period is defined by the following four objectives: 1. Prosperity for all: Focusing on inclusive economic growth, job creation, and social protection. 2. Effective governance: Supporting accountable, inclusive, and effective institutions to address complex challenges. 3. Crisis resilience: Helping countries and communities prepare for, mitigate, and recover from shocks and crises, including conflicts, natural hazards, and economic volatility. 4. Healthy planet: Assisting governments in protecting and valuing natural assets, integrating environmental planning into national economies, and accelerating the transition to clean energy.

The Online Volunteers will conduct desk research and literature reviews to support projects on air pollution across various low- and middle-income countries. Volunteers will be assigned to one country and will use UNDP’s Guidance Note to conduct the research, with the aim of identifying historical and current barriers to tackling air pollution, mapping institutional and governance arrangements and capacities, and assessing key political economy drivers.

Volunteers will also support the finalization of written outputs by reviewing and copy-editing draft reports for clarity, consistency, and alignment with UNDP style. The Online Volunteers will also use Zotero to compile and organize references for reports, and to generate consistent in-text citations and bibliographies, in line with UNDP’s referencing guidance. Where applicable and depending on the Online Volunteers’ language skills, translation support between French and English may also be requested.

The UNDP Health Team will provide clear information, guidance, and support throughout the assignment. Upon completion, volunteers will be given due credit and will receive a Certificate of Appreciation for their contribution. No financial compensation is provided for this online volunteering opportunity.

Online Volunteers are expected to demonstrate strong attention to detail and prior experience in desk research, including the ability to synthesize evidence clearly and accurately. Volunteers should have excellent written English skills and proven experience with academic or policy referencing—including confident, practical use of Zotero to manage sources and produce consistent in-text citations and bibliographies.

At minimum, a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in public health, international development, political science, environmental economics, or a related field is required. Experience and/or a strong interest in health and air pollution is an asset. Fluency in French is a strong advantage, particularly to support translation between French and English.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: unv.org