Researcher/Writer/Editor

Job ID/Title:Researcher/Writer/Editor
Category:Management
Brand:UNDP
Application Deadline:05-Mar-15
Duty Station:Jeruslem
Languages Required :Arabic, English,   
Duration of Initial Contract :One year
Expected Duration of Assignment:One Year

Background:
The situation in the oPt is susceptible to rapid changes, and is highly volatile, which challenges the ability of all actors and agencies, both national and international, involved in the region to be pro-active in their policies, programming and interventions. Increasingly, uncertainty, insecurity, and lack of positive prospects are also taking their toll on the morale of the Palestinian population.
There is a broad consensus among national and international stakeholders that there is a wide gap in up-to-date, regular, timely, reliable, and shared development and conflict sensitive information and analysis that could equip them adequately in planning, policy-making, well-targeted interventions and responses, as well as in evaluating interventions through regular monitoring. There is an equally shared acknowledgement that there is a shortcoming in communicating such information to the various levels of Palestinian society, and in utilizing this information in order to stimulate debate, dialogue, creativeness, and – more generally – participation and sensitization of the public.
In order to increase the preparedness of all, there is an urgent need to develop a mechanism that is based in its core on comprehensive data collection, monitoring, and policy-oriented reporting. Such a mechanism is an essential tool for all actors, including the national government, civil society, the private sector, international agencies, and donors. This mechanism would help improve the utilization of resources through the monitoring and evaluation of impact, and enhance readiness and responsiveness through early warning and forecasting. Additionally, the mechanism should be designed to address and analyze the root causes of socio-economic, political, and peace and conflict related issues, and not merely monitor the symptoms that may emerge as a result of certain events. Beyond that, the proposed mechanism should not merely reach development practitioners and policy makers, but should include methods that stimulate debate and dialogue in and between all segments of society and in all sub-regions of the oPt on a wide range of issues that could lead to solutions.
Besides the obvious need for a credible and sustained monitoring mechanism in the oPt, such an initiative would very much feed into UNDP/PAPP’s internal strategic and programme developments. The proposed mechanism would directly fall under PAPP’s historical aims to promote sustainable livelihoods, economic recovery and self-reliance, as this mechanism would provide a base for other UNDP flagship reports, such as the PHDR, the MDG progress report, or the Poverty report, and occasional position papers. Furthermore, UNDP/PAPP’s targets to mitigate crises and conflicts and to improve security would also be substantively underpinned by this initiative as it should incorporate methodologies and address cross-cutting issues that prevent and, ideally, resolve crises and conflict. The proposed mechanism, furthermore, through its design and methodology goes to directly ,affect and underpin all PAPP’s aims and interventions, whether it concerns enhancing the development of efficient and accountable institutions, the strengthening of inclusive participation or the improvement of the capacity and practices of institutions. In short, the proposed mechanism should form the substantive base in the overall goal of UNDP/PAPP to work together with the Palestinian people to fulfil their vision of a peaceful, sustainable and equitable society.
UNDP/PAPP- is seeking a candidate to fill the position of researcher /writer/editor, under the overall guidance of the team leader and the direct supervision of the Senior Policy Advisor.  As this position is related to Palestinian’s Perceptions in the occupied Palestinian territory with an expected duration of 12 months, the Service Contract extension will be conditioned to satisfactory performance evaluation as well as availability of funding under the project

Description of Responsibilities:
The Researcher/Writer/Editor  is expected to provide the following:
follow up surveying/polling contractors and lead on of logistical management of the production of the produced documents;
Collection and analysis of socio-economic data;
Maintaining up to date database of socio-economic indicators;
technical support to the consultants and researchers contracted by UNDP;
Assist in the design and development of instruments for the conduct of surveys and assessments;
Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing;
Collection, storage, analysis and presentation of the socio-economic data for the preparation and of the development monitor quarterly publications;
Participate in technical meetings and workshops and prepare reports, minutes and other Documentations.
Perform other duties as may be required.


Impact of Results
The Researcher/Writer/Editor will work under the supervision of the senior policy advisor of the office of the Special Representative.  In addition the Research Associate will coordinate with the Communication officer of UNDP.
 
Competencies :
Essential requirements.
-Solid analytical skills.
-Knowledge of data and polling survey systems such as SPSSE.
-Excellent report writing skills.
-Ability to work within a team.
-Communications abilities. teamwork, technological skills.
-Ability to work under pressure.

Furthermore the following is competencies are required :
Corporate Competencies:

-Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
-Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.
-Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
-Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

-Knowledge Management and Learning.
-Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example
-Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

-Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and development monitoring in particular.
-Knowledge of current development issues particularly those pertinent to UNDP’s Practice Areas.
-Ability to conceptualize issues and analyze data.
-Ability to coordinate the work of others.
-Ability to implement new systems, and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change.

Management and Leadership:
-Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback.
-Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
-Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
-Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills.

 
Qualifications :
Education:
Master Degree in Economics, and or Social studies.

Experience:
-4 to 10 years of experience in data base construction and management, data collection and analysis (SPSS essential), surveys and operational research.
-Proven experience in research and technical writing is highly required.

Language Requirements:
Proficient English, and Arabic.

Apply Now

“UNDP/PAPP is an equal opportunity employer: applications from both internal and external men and women will be considered equally”

UNDP actively supports the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted by the United Nations General Assembly

 

Important message to all applicants!
-Please be aware that the UNDP/PAPP will review your application only if you have uploaded Personal History Form (P.11) to your application. Please download the form from the following link: http://jobs.undp.ps.
-You will get the opportunity to upload the P-11 at when you apply for the position.
-Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration. Please note that only applications that are under consideration will be contacted.
-For more detailed information about UNDP/PAPP please visit our website at www.undp.ps.

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