Research Assistant – Insurance & Risk Finance

Contract

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

Since 1972, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been partnering with the people and communities of Bangladesh at various levels to build a resilient nation with strong focus on sustainable human development-led growth. Since its inception, UNDP and its partners accomplished key results in the areas of governance, poverty reduction, environment, energy and climate change, disaster management, and achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Over the years of dedicated partnership with government agencies and partners, UNDP Bangladesh is viewed as an honest broker, bringing about transformational changes in the lives and livelihoods of the people of Bangladesh.

Insurance and Risk Finance Facility (IRFF) is a flagship of the UNDP SDG Finance Sector Hub. It stands at the forefront of a transformative approach to development, focusing on the symbiotic relationship between insurance, investment, and sustainable progress. By scaling up insurance initiatives, the IRFF not only bolsters economic investment but also enhances social protections for individuals, alleviating the fiscal burden on governments during disasters. This virtuous cycle not only fortifies resilience but propels communities in emerging economies towards sustainable development.

Bangladesh has a long history of natural disasters. The geographical location, land characteristics, multiplicity of rivers and the monsoon climate render Bangladesh highly vulnerable to natural hazards. Every year, over 5 million people are affected by floods, cyclones, riverbank erosion, and salinity intrusion. Being world’s 7th most climate vulnerable country the frequency of hazards are increasing and with its continuous financial growth, necessary financial tools needs to be explored and implemented to support the post-disaster relief. Hence IRFF-UNDP is planning to develop sovereign risk insurance to support the government which will work as an ex-ante financial mechanism for the GoB and initiate quick finance to government in the post disaster scenario. UNDP country office is looking for a UNV University Volunteer who will assist to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our mission by conducting relevant research work related to insurance and risk finance mechanism of government.

UNDP Bangladesh is seeking a dedicated Research Assistant to support the Insurance and Risk Finance Facility (IRFF) in conducting research and analysis on insurance-related initiatives and risk finance strategies. The Research Assistant will play a pivotal role in gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing data, contributing to the advancement of IRFF's objectives and the promotion of sustainable development in Bangladesh.

Under the direct supervision of National Programme Officer – Insurance & Risk Finance Facility, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Analyses Insurance projects reports from Bangladesh to understanding the existing and evolving narrative related to sovereign insurance gaps.
2. Collaborate with IRFF team members and external partners to identify research priori-ties, methodologies, and dissemination strategies.
3. Assist in the development of research reports, policy briefs, and other knowledge products to support IRFF's advocacy and capacity-building efforts.
4. Supporting the development of the narrative for insurance in the national and global policies.
5. Support the organization and facilitation of workshops, seminars, and meetings related to insurance and risk finance initiatives.
6. Any other research-related tasks, as requested by the management.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required 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 in-stance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • 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.

Skills and experience:

• Preferably 03 months of experience in banking/finance/insurance is added advantage. • Having basic skills on MS office, excel and PowerPoint. • Have knowledge on quantitative and qualitative research methods and statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, NVivo, etc.) • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex in-formation clearly and concisely. • Previous experience in research, data analysis, or related field is desirable.

• Integrity Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Working with teams • Communication • Integrity • Judgement and Decision-making • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity

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• Minimum 03 months of experience in banking/finance/insurance is required. • Having basic skills on MS office, excel and PowerPoint. • Have knowledge on quantitative and qualitative research methods and statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, NVivo, etc.) • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex in-formation clearly and concisely. • Previous experience in research, data analysis, or related field is desirable.

Dhaka is located in central Bangladesh. Not only is it the capital city, but it is also the largest in the country. It is the centre of political, cultural, and economic life in Bangladesh. The official language is Bengali, while English is the working language of UN Agencies. Good English-speaking medical, dental services, and educational centres are available for internationals.

In recent decades, Dhaka has seen the modernization of services, communications, and public works. The city is attracting large foreign investments and greater volumes of commerce and trade. It is also experiencing an increasing influx of people from across the nation; this has reportedly made Dhaka one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Dhaka is connected to other cities by rail, road, and by air and internationals can move easily from one city to another. Dhaka has venerable green spaces, including many gardens and parks, historical places, and nice restaurants.

The weather is tropical - hot and very humid during the summer monsoon season (April-September) and drier and cooler in the winter (October-March). Historically, Bangladesh has been a safe country for internationals so far. While Dhaka is not categorized as a hardship station, the volunteer should be prepared for limitations in freedom of movement on foot, by public transport, and to certain locations.