Research Assistant

Contract

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

UNDP Bangladesh’s in-house data collection team, Cox’s Bazar Analysis and Research Unit (CARU) is the only institutional provider of real-time data on violence, criminality, and social tensions in districts affected by the Rohingya Crisis in Bangladesh. This second phase of the programme (2021 -2026) builds on the foundations of the project’s first phase (2017-2021) that supported Bangladesh’s efforts to understand sources of violence, changing pattern of social tension, tracking the media reports, providing briefings and presentations to the stakeholders.

UNDP partners with research groups, universities, government agencies and international donors to maximize the capacity and appeal of local organizations supportive of peaceful development. Research Facility of CARU: Knowledge, understanding, and insights into the drivers of conflict, violence, and extremism improved, and stronger capacity to analyse the sources and nature of disinformation, exclusion, and intolerance in Bangladesh. CARU provides a service essential for Bangladeshi policymakers, humanitarian agencies, diplomatic partners, and civil society organizations defending women, refugees, minorities, and vulnerable communities. CARU is now looking to hire a Research Assistant who can support the unit in monitoring and maintaining the database on the historical data on security incidents, and drivers of social tension in Bangladesh Cox's Bazar District. This individual would provide substantive and administrative support to UNDP's research and data components.

The Research Assistant will report to the Technical Specialist, Research and Survey Analysis under the Cox’s Bazar Analysis & Research Unit (CARU) which is a part of UNDP Sub Office in Cox’s Bazar. S/he will closely coordinate with staffs of CARU and UNDP as well.

Under the direct supervision of the Technical Specialist: Research and Survey Analysis, the National UN Volunteer will undertake the following, but not limited to, tasks:

• Collect and analyse open-source data on security incidents related to the Rohingya refugee crisis, with a focus on Cox's Bazar;

• Compile and maintain a database of historical security incident data from January 2017 to 2021;

• Identify trends, patterns, and key factors contributing to security incidents in the area.

• Assist in producing reports and briefings based on the analysed data;

• Collaborate with other team members to ensure accuracy and quality of research findings;

• Stay informed about developments related to the Rohingya refugee crisis and relevant security issues; overall;

• Provide support in gathering historical data regarding security incidents and factors contributing to social tension. Input this data into the database and aid in research activities for CARU in Cox’s Bazar.

Results/Expected Outputs:

• The Research Assistant is to provide integral support and boost the efficiency of the CARU team. Accurate media monitoring, data entry and analysis of information for both internal and external audiences will strengthen the capacity of the team and promote UNDP efforts in this new area. The candidate's initiative will be decisive in achieving high quality results. • Full compliance of administrative activities with UNDP rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. • Quality maintenance of internal systems and files.

 Respectful and helpful relations with all partners and colleagues  Confidentiality  Knowledge of UNDP Rules and Regulations is an advantage  Leadership and Self-Management  Focuses on results for the stakeholders and responds positively to feedback  Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, and constructive attitude  Remains calm, in control, and good humoured under pressure  Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities  Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills  Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view

• proven ability/skills in at least one of these research areas:

conflict prevention, governance, or violence and crime in relation to research and data management with advanced IT skills, skill in monitoring historical data on open source and MS office package and data analysis.

• Prior experience in research, historical data monitoring and data analysis, or monitoring security incidents is desirable;

• Proven ability/skills in professionally preparing data in graphs, charts, and other forms of graphic design an advantage;

• Proficiency in data analysis software/tools (e.g., Excel, SQL or similar);

• Experience on humanitarian context and / or knowledge on the Rohingya and Cox’s Bazar culture and language desirable.

• Knowledge of Chittagonian, Rohingya, Rakhine or Burmese language will be an advantage.

Bangladesh is a tropical country and densely populated. The total area of Bangladesh is 147,570 square kilometers but the total population is more than 164 million. The countryside is green and full of natural beauty.

The incumbent will be based in Cox’s Bazar, which is famous for long natural sandy beach, and it is infamous for the largest refugee camp in the world. It is located 150 km (93 mi) south of the divisional headquarter city of Chittagong.

The average temperature in Cox’s Bazar is around 26 °C. The highest monthly average temperature occurs in May and the lowest monthly average temperature occurs in January. Load shedding to manage the power shortfall is common at any time of the day without prior announcement.

The law-and-order situation is stable however precautionary measures are required at the office as well as in the residence to avoid unwanted situations. Markets are available and kept open from morning to evening.

Cox’s Bazar has private mode of transportation (rickshaw, Auto Rickshaw, etc). Air flights, trains and buses are available to travel outside the city.