Research Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV National Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Youth contracts.

The International Poverty Reduction Center in China (IPRCC), based in Beijing, was jointly initiated and established by the Chinese government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other international organizations in December 2004. The IPRCC is designed to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, information exchange and international collaboration in the areas of poverty reduction and development. The IPRCC aims at strengthening national and international capacities to design and implement policies and programs for poverty reduction, with a focus on both income and human dimensions of poverty, through (i) providing an effective platform for knowledge sharing and mutual learning on pro-poor policies and anti-poverty programs between China and other developing/transition economies; (ii) supporting a comprehensive approach to poverty reduction through policy-relevant research work and training initiatives covering both macro-policies and targeted programs for poverty reduction; and (iii) promoting dialogue between policymakers, academics and practitioners around pro-poor policy options and strengthening the links between pro-poor policy research, formulation and implementation processes at different levels. IPRCC will also build up its institutional capacity to develop a global poverty reduction and development partnership, through active networking and partnering for knowledge exchange, joint research and training initiatives with poverty reduction focused institutions in China and other countries.

Brief Portfolio Description: This project is to guide the International Poverty Reduction Center in China’s (IPRCC) five workstreams during 2022-2026. In line with the UNDP Country Programme Document for China 2021-2025, the project with IPRCC will scale up the sharing of the policies, strategies and practices that China has relied on to end extreme poverty at home by 2020 and help the most vulnerable groups including women, children, migrants and the disabled. Since an estimated 131 million people fell back into poverty in 2020, and up to 800 million people are projected to remain in poverty by 2030 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises, the project includes measures IPRCC will take to bolster its institutional capacity to address these challenges. The project will build up IPRCC’s institutional capacities, for it to be able to develop a global poverty reduction and rural development partnership, in order to enhance its worldwide impact in sustainable development towards global poverty eradication, including the contribution to SDG1 (No Poverty) and SDG5 (Gender Equality) through research, pilot demonstration, and capacity building, with focus on women and other vulnerable groups.

With the Project —Building a Global Poverty Reduction and Rural Development Partnership towards Global Poverty Eradication, and under the direct supervision of the Head of the Research Division of the International Poverty Reduction Center in China, the UNV volunteer will undertake the following tasks to support the research, operation, management and foreign affairs and report to the head of re-search division of IPRCC:

• Assist in research program management and undertake part of the administrative work of re-search division; • To participate in the research on poverty reduction and social development, and to assist in the completion of the field trip, etc.; • Participate in the design, planning and strategy analysis of research projects; • Responsible for or participate in the writing of research reports, papers, presentations, and other programme documents etc.; • Participate in research conferences and exchange activities; • Assist in maintaining IPRCC’s partnership and research networking with key partners nationally and internationally • Coordinate translations of key programme documents • Support the preparation and organisation of forums, seminars and conferences for exchanges of poverty reduction policies and practices. • Complete other routine research affairs and other tasks assigned by IPRCC

Furthermore, UN volunteers are encouraged to:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/Expected Output: The UNV Volunteer will contribute towards the following programme outputs; • Strengthened institutional capacity for effective knowledge sharing, mutual learning, and research on poverty reduction through the development of partnership and networking; • Excellent reports and papers on Pro-Poor Development and poverty reduction; • Project professional management and participant support services strengthen the impact of project activities on poverty reduction and capacity for pro-poor development in partner countries; • Identify ways in which poverty reduction can be accelerated in partner countries; and • Project outcomes and recommendations disseminated through Poverty Reduction Exhibition Centre. • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during your assignment such as specific quantification of mobilized volunteers, activities, capacities.

Key Competencies: • Good research, analytical and organizational skills • Good communications and interpersonal skills • Ability to work in a social organization environment and be an effective team-player. • Sound judgment, diplomacy and sensitivity in confidential matters. • Full proficiency in English and Chinese • Excellent IT competency • Full competency to work with Microsoft Office software • Proactive, organized and self-motivated.

relevant fields. • Research and research program management experience with government partners, civil society is highly preferred; • Knowledge in managing development projects in financial, technical and administrative aspects is a great asset; • Demonstrates ability to effective maintain relationships with different stakeholders including government agencies, academia, international and national volunteer organizations; • Innovative forward thinking, sound coordination and organizational skills, teamwork;

The duty station of the national UNV is in the International Poverty Reduction Center in China located in Beijing, where high-quality public infrastructure and health services are available. It is the foremost political and cultural metropolis in China.

In general, rent for apartments in central locations is high relative to other regions in China, but the quality is good. Beijing is well served by many shopping malls, large supermarket chains and international brands. Buses and subways are the most common form of mass transportation. Metered taxis are widely available and domestic and regional travel by train and airplane is popular.

Conditions of Service for national UN Volunteers The National UN Youth Volunteer receives a standard volunteer living allowance (VLA), which is intended to cover their accommodation and basic living expenses. In China the VLA is 8,161.91 RMB per month. The NUNV is entitled to an excellent health, life and disability insurance package. A modest Settling-in Grant and end of assignment allowances will also be provided along with travel to and from the duty station. The NUNV is entitled to 2.5 days personal leave per month and UN official holidays.