Research & Documentation Associate - SDG Acceleration and Finance

UNDP - United Nations Development Programme

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Application deadline in 7 days: Thursday 15 Oct 2026 at 00:00 UTC

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The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, provide a shared framework for addressing interconnected development challenges, including poverty, inequality, environmental sustainability, inclusive institutions and sustainable economic development. India has established institutional mechanisms at national and subnational levels to monitor and advance progress towards the SDGs. Accelerating SDG implementation requires continued efforts in areas such as evidence generation, SDG localisation, policy analysis, institutional strengthening, knowledge management, partnerships and innovative development financing.

The SDG Acceleration and Finance Unit contributes to these efforts through research, analysis, documentation, knowledge generation, stakeholder engagement and support to programme initiatives. The Unit develops and supports a range of knowledge products, research outputs, presentations, programme documentation and stakeholder engagements related to SDG acceleration and sustainable development financing.

The UN Associate Volunteer will support the Unit in research, documentation and knowledge management activities. The assignment will provide a young university student with practical exposure to development programming within the United Nations system, while contributing to the preparation and organisation of research, information and programme materials supporting the Unit’s work.

Under the direct supervision of the Policy Specialist, SDG Acceleration and Finance Unit, the UN Associate Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support desk-based research on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SDG lo-calisation, sustainable development policies, programmes and emerging develop-ment priorities in India. • Assist in collecting, compiling and organising relevant data, reports, policies, studies, frameworks, publications and good practices from credible national and international sources. • Contribute to the preparation of knowledge products, including research notes, background materials, briefs, factsheets, presentations and other programme-related outputs. • Support the documentation of SDG-related initiatives and good practices, including documenting relevant innovations, institutional approaches, lessons learned and experiences at national and subnational levels. • Assist with the collection, organisation and basic analysis of SDG-related data and indicators, including information from publicly available datasets and institutional sources. • Support meetings, consultations, workshops and stakeholder engagements, including preparation of background materials, presentations, meeting notes, summaries and follow-up actions. • Assist with knowledge management and programme documentation, including maintaining organised repositories and supporting inputs for reports, progress updates, concept notes and other Unit deliverables. • Support communication, coordination and other programme activities of the SDG Acceleration and Finance Unit, including updating communication materials, following up with relevant colleagues and stakeholders, and undertaking other related tasks assigned by the supervisor.

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Building Trust • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Communication • Creativity • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Knowledge Sharing • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity • Self-Management • Technological Awareness • Working in Teams

Demonstrated interest and/or experience in:

• Sustainable development, the Sustainable Development Goals, public policy, development programmes or related areas. • Research, documentation, data analysis, communications or preparation of academic/project-based outputs. • Previous experience as a volunteer, intern, student researcher or participation in ac-ademic/community initiatives would be an asset. Experience of another culture through studies, volunteer work or internships would also be highly regarded.

Skills in: • Desk research, information gathering and synthesis from credible sources. • Written communication, drafting, editing and documentation. • Basic data collection, compilation and analysis. • Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint. • Preparing presentations, summaries and other knowledge products. • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail. • Ability to work collaboratively while also completing assigned tasks independently.

New Delhi is the capital of India and hosts the headquarters of the Government of India as well as a large number of United Nations agencies, international organisations, diplomatic missions, civil society organisations and development partners. The city offers extensive public and private transport options, accommodation, healthcare, educational institutions, banking facilities and other essential services. English and Hindi are widely used in professional and public settings.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in New Delhi. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.

The UN Associate Volunteer will be based at the UNDP India Country Office and will work primarily in an office-based environment. New Delhi is a large and diverse metropolitan city with a wide range of cultural, social and recreational opportunities. The Volunteer will be expected to comply with applicable UN security, health and safety procedures and guidance throughout the assignment.

You can check full entitlements at https://app.unv.org/calculator .

For information specific to your assignment, please see below:

• Monthly Voluntary Living Allowance (VLA): INR 56,126.74 • Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 350 (equivalent in INR) • Relocation costs: $175 at the beginning and end of the assignment if the duty station is outside of commuting distance (as determined by UNV) • Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment): $120 for each month served, paid on completion of contract • Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for health, life, and malicious acts • Annual leave: 2.5 days per month • Learning: Access to UNV's learning and career development resources.

Added 6 days ago - Updated 5 hours ago - Source: unv.org