The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) continues to play a transformative role in supporting countries as they navigate complex development transitions.
UNDP Research Associate (NPSA-6) Opportunities in Dhaka, Bangladesh: A Strategic Role in Shaping Post-LDC Economic Policy
One such critical moment is Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status—a milestone that signals progress but also introduces new economic, trade, and policy challenges. To support this transition, UNDP is recruiting two Research Associates (NPSA-6) based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, offering qualified national professionals a unique opportunity to contribute directly to evidence-based economic policy and investment reform.
This full-time role sits at the intersection of research, governance, trade policy, and investment analysis, making it ideal for professionals passionate about development economics, data-driven policymaking, and inclusive growth.
Position Overview
- Job Title: Research Associate (2 Openings)
- Agency: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Grade: NPSA-6
- Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement
- Duration: 1 Year
- Practice Area: Governance
- Bureau: Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific
- Application Deadline: 17 December 2025
The position is hosted under UNDP’s policy and research support framework and contributes to national efforts aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s economic resilience in a post-LDC environment.
Strategic Context: Why This Role Matters
Bangladesh’s graduation from LDC status reflects decades of development gains, yet it also entails the gradual loss of preferential trade benefits. Without careful policy planning, these changes could affect export competitiveness, foreign direct investment (FDI), and long-term growth.
To address these challenges, the IP Transformative Economic Policy Programme (TEPP) – II, funded by the UK Government, supports the Ministry of Commerce and other national institutions in strengthening trade policy, negotiation capacity, inter-ministerial coordination, and private sector competitiveness.
In parallel, investment facilitation and retention are becoming increasingly critical. The project therefore also supports the Research and Analytics Unit (RAU) housed within the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) under the Prime Minister’s Office. This unit focuses on data-driven policy reforms to improve the investment climate and attract sustainable FDI.
As a Research Associate, you will be embedded directly in this national reform ecosystem.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Research and Policy Analysis Support
The Research Associate will support both desk-based and field research on emerging economic and investment-related issues. Core responsibilities include:
- Identifying priority economic development and investment topics aligned with BIDA’s needs
- Supporting quantitative and qualitative data analysis on Bangladesh’s investment landscape
- Conducting primary and secondary research to inform policymakers
- Contributing to policy briefs, analytical reports, research papers, and concept notes
This component of the role emphasizes transforming data into actionable insights that directly influence national policy discussions.
2. Support to Commissioned Studies and Consultants
The position also plays a key quality-assurance role in managing externally commissioned research:
- Assisting in drafting Terms of Reference (ToRs)
- Supporting the assessment and selection of consultants and consulting firms
- Reviewing work plans, project documents, and reports
- Monitoring consultant activities and ensuring adherence to timelines and quality standards
This exposure provides valuable experience in large-scale research coordination within an international development context.
3. Partnerships, Policy Engagement, and Knowledge Dissemination
Effective policy reform requires collaboration. The Research Associate will therefore support:
- Building and maintaining stakeholder contact lists across government, private sector, UN agencies, IFIs, NGOs, and research institutions
- Organising policy dialogues, workshops, and consultation meetings
- Preparing event and dissemination reports
- Maintaining documentation and supporting quarterly and annual progress reporting
This function strengthens the link between research evidence and real-world policy uptake.
Institutional Arrangement
The Research Associate will work under the direct supervision of the Policy Analyst (Team Lead – RAU) and receive technical guidance from Research Analysts. Performance evaluations will be conducted by the Policy Analyst, ensuring close mentoring and professional development.
Core Competencies
UNDP places strong emphasis on values-driven performance. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate:
- Results orientation with attention to detail and deadlines
- Innovative thinking and practical problem-solving
- Continuous learning and openness to feedback
- Adaptability in complex and evolving environments
- Determination and resilience under pressure
- Collaborative engagement and relationship-building
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
These competencies align with UNDP’s “leave no one behind” mandate.
Technical and Cross-Functional Skills
The role requires a strong foundation in research, data, and communication, including:
- Knowledge generation and applied economic research
- Working with evidence and data to support decision-making
- Data collection, cleaning, analysis, and visualization
- Digital storytelling and policy communication
- Understanding of inclusive growth and economic transformation under the 2030 Agenda
Experience with statistical software such as STATA or SPSS is a strong advantage.
Required Education and Experience
Education
- Minimum: Secondary education
- Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or related fields (not mandatory)
Experience
- 6 years of relevant experience with secondary education, or
- 3 years of relevant experience with a bachelor’s degree
Relevant experience includes analytical research on economic development, trade, investment, or public policy.
Additional Desired Skills
- Strong research writing skills (policy briefs, technical reports, analytical papers)
- Experience designing and administering surveys
- Engagement with government, private sector, or development partners
- Ability to present complex research findings to diverse audiences
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English and Bangla is required
UNDP’s Commitment to Ethics and Inclusion
UNDP maintains a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation, harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates undergo rigorous background and reference checks.
The organization is an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from women and individuals from marginalized or underrepresented groups. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
UNDP also warns applicants against recruitment scams and reiterates that no fees are charged at any stage of the recruitment process.
Why You Should Apply
This role offers more than employment—it provides a platform to:
- Contribute directly to national economic policy at a historic transition point
- Build advanced research and policy analysis expertise
- Work alongside senior policymakers, economists, and international partners
- Strengthen your career within the UN system
For professionals committed to development impact, evidence-based policymaking, and inclusive growth, this is a rare and meaningful opportunity.
Official Application Link
Apply directly through the UNDP Careers portal using the official link below:
Official Application Link:
https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/30425
