The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) continues to play a transformative role in supporting countries as they navigate complex development transitions. In Bangladesh, a nation approaching graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, the need for strong evidence-based policymaking, strategic trade negotiations, and investment-friendly reforms has never been greater. To support these national priorities, UNDP is inviting applications for two Research Associate positions (NPSA-6) based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
This role offers a unique opportunity for development professionals and researchers to contribute directly to Bangladesh’s economic transformation while working within a global organization committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
About UNDP and Its Commitment to Inclusion
UNDP operates in nearly 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. At the heart of UNDP’s mission are the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The organization values diversity as a reflection of the many cultures and nations it serves and actively fosters inclusive environments where everyone can contribute meaningfully.
UNDP maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates undergo rigorous background and reference checks, ensuring the highest ethical standards across its workforce. Individuals from marginalized or underrepresented communities, as well as female candidates, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Context: Bangladesh’s LDC Graduation and Economic Transition
Bangladesh’s graduation from LDC status marks a major development milestone. However, this transition also brings challenges, particularly the gradual loss of LDC-specific trade preferences that have historically supported export competitiveness. To navigate this shift successfully, Bangladesh must adopt a dual strategy: securing transitional trade support while strengthening domestic export capacity and competitiveness.
The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) will play a central role in this process, despite facing constraints in human, financial, and technical resources. To address these gaps, the IP Transformative Economic Policy Programme (TEPP) – II, funded by the UK Government, supports Bangladesh in enhancing trade policy, negotiation capacity, inter-ministerial coordination, and private-sector competitiveness.
At the same time, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) remains critical for sustaining growth and unlocking new economic opportunities. Strengthening investment facilitation, retention, and aftercare services is essential. Through its Research and Analytics Unit (RAU), anchored within the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) under the Prime Minister’s Office, this UNDP-supported initiative promotes data-driven policy reforms to improve the national investment climate.
The Research Associate role sits at the intersection of these efforts, supporting rigorous research, analytics, and stakeholder engagement.
Role Overview: Research Associate (NPSA-6)
The Research Associate will work under the direct supervision of the Policy Analyst (Team Lead – RAU), with guidance from Research Analysts. The position is offered under a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-6) for an initial one-year contract, with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs.
This is a full-time role based in Dhaka, with two vacancies currently open.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Research and Policy Analysis Support
The Research Associate will contribute to both desk-based and field research on emerging economic and investment-related issues. Responsibilities include identifying priority development challenges, conducting data analytics on Bangladesh’s investment landscape, and supporting primary and secondary research efforts. The role also involves drafting policy briefs, research papers, reports, and concept notes to inform policymakers and stakeholders.
2. Support to Commissioned Studies and Consultants
The position plays an important role in supporting the recruitment and management of individual consultants and consulting firms. This includes helping draft Terms of Reference (ToRs), assessing candidates, reviewing work plans and reports, monitoring progress, and ensuring the overall quality of commissioned studies.
3. Partnerships, Policy Engagement, and Knowledge Sharing
The Research Associate will help develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across government, the private sector, UN agencies, international financial institutions, NGOs, INGOs, and research organizations. The role also supports organizing workshops, dialogues, and consultation meetings to disseminate research findings, preparing event reports, and maintaining proper documentation. Contributions to quarterly and annual progress reports are also expected.
4. Additional Support Functions
As part of a dynamic UNDP office environment, the incumbent may perform other duties within their functional profile as required for efficient programme delivery.
Core Competencies and Technical Skills
UNDP seeks candidates who demonstrate strong foundational competencies, including results orientation, innovative thinking, continuous learning, adaptability, determination, partnership building, and respect for diversity and inclusion.
From a technical perspective, the role emphasizes:
- Knowledge generation and applied research
- Working with evidence and data
- Data collection, analysis, and visualization
- Digital storytelling and policy communication
- Understanding of inclusive growth and economic transformation
Required Education and Experience
- Education: Secondary education is required. A bachelor’s degree in Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or a related field is an advantage but not mandatory.
- Experience:
- Minimum 6 years of relevant experience with secondary education, or
- Minimum 3 years with a bachelor’s degree,
in analytical research on economic development issues.
Experience in technical writing, survey design, stakeholder engagement, and quantitative or qualitative data analysis is considered a strong asset.
Language Requirements
Fluency in English and Bangla is required, reflecting the role’s national focus and engagement with both local and international stakeholders.
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Why Apply?
This Research Associate position offers the chance to:
- Contribute to national policy reform at a critical economic juncture
- Work closely with government counterparts and international partners
- Strengthen analytical, research, and policy engagement skills
- Be part of UNDP’s mission to promote inclusive and sustainable development
For professionals passionate about evidence-based policymaking, investment climate reform, and economic transformation, this role provides both impact and professional growth.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) continues to play a transformative role in supporting countries as they navigate complex development transitions. In Bangladesh, a nation approaching graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, the need for strong evidence-based policymaking, strategic trade negotiations, and investment-friendly reforms has never been greater. To support these national priorities, UNDP is inviting applications for two Research Associate positions (NPSA-6) based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
This role offers a unique opportunity for development professionals and researchers to contribute directly to Bangladesh’s economic transformation while working within a global organization committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
For more information and job details
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About UNDP and Its Commitment to Inclusion
UNDP operates in nearly 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. At the heart of UNDP’s mission are the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The organization values diversity as a reflection of the many cultures and nations it serves and actively fosters inclusive environments where everyone can contribute meaningfully.
UNDP maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates undergo rigorous background and reference checks, ensuring the highest ethical standards across its workforce. Individuals from marginalized or underrepresented communities, as well as female candidates, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Context: Bangladesh’s LDC Graduation and Economic Transition
Bangladesh’s graduation from LDC status marks a major development milestone. However, this transition also brings challenges, particularly the gradual loss of LDC-specific trade preferences that have historically supported export competitiveness. To navigate this shift successfully, Bangladesh must adopt a dual strategy: securing transitional trade support while strengthening domestic export capacity and competitiveness.
The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) will play a central role in this process, despite facing constraints in human, financial, and technical resources. To address these gaps, the IP Transformative Economic Policy Programme (TEPP) – II, funded by the UK Government, supports Bangladesh in enhancing trade policy, negotiation capacity, inter-ministerial coordination, and private-sector competitiveness.
At the same time, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) remains critical for sustaining growth and unlocking new economic opportunities. Strengthening investment facilitation, retention, and aftercare services is essential. Through its Research and Analytics Unit (RAU), anchored within the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) under the Prime Minister’s Office, this UNDP-supported initiative promotes data-driven policy reforms to improve the national investment climate.
The Research Associate role sits at the intersection of these efforts, supporting rigorous research, analytics, and stakeholder engagement.
Role Overview: Research Associate (NPSA-6)
The Research Associate will work under the direct supervision of the Policy Analyst (Team Lead – RAU), with guidance from Research Analysts. The position is offered under a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-6) for an initial one-year contract, with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs.
This is a full-time role based in Dhaka, with two vacancies currently open.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Research and Policy Analysis Support
The Research Associate will contribute to both desk-based and field research on emerging economic and investment-related issues. Responsibilities include identifying priority development challenges, conducting data analytics on Bangladesh’s investment landscape, and supporting primary and secondary research efforts. The role also involves drafting policy briefs, research papers, reports, and concept notes to inform policymakers and stakeholders.
2. Support to Commissioned Studies and Consultants
The position plays an important role in supporting the recruitment and management of individual consultants and consulting firms. This includes helping draft Terms of Reference (ToRs), assessing candidates, reviewing work plans and reports, monitoring progress, and ensuring the overall quality of commissioned studies.
3. Partnerships, Policy Engagement, and Knowledge Sharing
The Research Associate will help develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across government, the private sector, UN agencies, international financial institutions, NGOs, INGOs, and research organizations. The role also supports organizing workshops, dialogues, and consultation meetings to disseminate research findings, preparing event reports, and maintaining proper documentation. Contributions to quarterly and annual progress reports are also expected.
4. Additional Support Functions
As part of a dynamic UNDP office environment, the incumbent may perform other duties within their functional profile as required for efficient programme delivery.
Core Competencies and Technical Skills
UNDP seeks candidates who demonstrate strong foundational competencies, including results orientation, innovative thinking, continuous learning, adaptability, determination, partnership building, and respect for diversity and inclusion.
From a technical perspective, the role emphasizes:
- Knowledge generation and applied research
- Working with evidence and data
- Data collection, analysis, and visualization
- Digital storytelling and policy communication
- Understanding of inclusive growth and economic transformation
Required Education and Experience
- Education: Secondary education is required. A bachelor’s degree in Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or a related field is an advantage but not mandatory.
- Experience:
- Minimum 6 years of relevant experience with secondary education, or
- Minimum 3 years with a bachelor’s degree,
in analytical research on economic development issues.
Experience in technical writing, survey design, stakeholder engagement, and quantitative or qualitative data analysis is considered a strong asset.
Language Requirements
Fluency in English and Bangla is required, reflecting the role’s national focus and engagement with both local and international stakeholders.
Why Apply?
This Research Associate position offers the chance to:
- Contribute to national policy reform at a critical economic juncture
- Work closely with government counterparts and international partners
- Strengthen analytical, research, and policy engagement skills
- Be part of UNDP’s mission to promote inclusive and sustainable development
For professionals passionate about evidence-based policymaking, investment climate reform, and economic transformation, this role provides both impact and professional growth.
