Research Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Youth contracts.

Pakistan has important strategic endowments and development potential. The increasing proportion of Pakistan’s youth provides the country with a potential demographic dividend and a challenge to provide adequate services and employment. The country is currently confronted with the need for key structural reforms to deal with important macro-economic imbalances and unleash its potential to reach a sustainable growth path. With a current portfolio of 58 projects worth US$13.88 billion in commitments, the World Bank in Pakistan is supporting the government in improving human capital, supporting sustainable energy, mitigating and adapting to climate change, agriculture and sustainable economic growth.

The Pakistan Country Management Unit (CMU) anchors all operations in the country which will be governed by the upcoming Country Partnership Framework. The CMU oversees the portfolio in the country as well as the pipeline of operations under preparation.

The WBG has an active engagement in Pakistan, including through lending operations and analytics.

Under the direct supervision of the Operations Manager, the Research Officer will undertake the following tasks:

Coordinate closely with the Country Management Unit in the monitoring and quality assurance of the World Bank portfolio in Pakistan, including any analytical work that may be required as inputs.  

Support federal and provincial portfolio focal points in preparing inputs for regular portfolio review meetings, including working with teams to obtain updates and inputs for dialogue and presentations to the government.  

Provide technical and administrative support as required, including writing briefs, preparing outreach material, setting up clinics or seminars, providing research inputs, communications support and other tasks as needed. 

Provide support for dissemination activities for country engagement products, such as the upcoming Country Partnership Framework.  

Provide cross-sectoral support in the form of analytical inputs for reports or event management support to thematic sectors (human development, economic, infrastructure or sustainable development) under the guidance of sector leaders as assigned. This may include support for conferences, webinars, and other dissemination sessions for World Bank products.

☒Accountability

☒Adaptability and Flexibility

☒Client Orientation

☒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 (ideally one year) in research and analytics, ideally in qualitative and quantitative research or portfolio management  

An ability and willingness to liaise closely with research firms and to coordinate field visits while representing the World Bank 

The ability to provide well-grounded, quality analytical inputs with pragmatism and a focus on results 

The ability to think innovatively and strategically in dealing with policy issues  

Hard working, able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously 

Proven ability to work in multicultural settings and teams  

Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded; 

Fluency in English reading and writing are essential  

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Power Point, Excel)

Pakistan is situated in South Asia. Located along the Arabian Sea, it is surrounded by Afghanistan to the west and northwest, Iran to the southwest, India to the east, and China to the northeast. Pakistan has an extremely varied geographical outlook, including mountains, deserts, major rivers and the sea. Pakistan experiences frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe, especially in north and west.

Security: Islamabad is a family duty station. For all official travel, UN Security Clearance is required/mandatory. Registration with home embassy is highly recommended. International Staff deployed in Pakistan are required to report to Security Unit for detail briefing.

Health: State of the art health facilities are available throughout the country and especially Islamabad. Dental care facilities are also available. There are no mandatory vaccines required to travel to Pakistan. Currently dengue fever is on the rise in Pakistan especially in Punjab. Mosquito repellents are recommended. There are other health facilities in Islamabad which have been recognized by WHO.

Diet, Food and Water: There are many local markets around Islamabad as well as various supermarkets that are stocked with imported goods. Islamabad has a large number of restaurants and cafes. Tap water is not advisable and bottled water is available almost everywhere. Using alcoholic drinks in public is illegal in Pakistan.

Respect: Pakistan is a conservative country and it is advisable for women to wear long skirts or trousers in public (Pakistani women wear the traditional shalwar kameez, but in the big cities, women wearing jeans and khakis is not very uncommon sight, especially in casual settings, shopping malls and around picnic spots). Dress codes for men are more lax, though shorts are uncommon. Men should never shake hands with or touch a woman they don't know very well. As with most of South Asia, the right hand is used for eating, shaking hands and giving or receiving everything (including money), while the left hand is reserved for handling shoes and assisting in toilet duties.