UNDP-IICPSD is looking for a RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

IICPSD- RESEARCH ASSOCIATE FOR INCLUSIVE MARKETS AND BUSINESS MODELS
Location :	Istanbul, TURKEY
Application Deadline :	31-Oct-14
Type of Contract :	Service Contract
Post Level :	SB-3
Languages Required :	English
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)	17-Nov-2014
Duration of Initial Contract :	12 Months
Expected Duration of Assignment :	12 Months (with a possibility of extension)
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Background

1. Background The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (IICPSD) is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) global organization mandated to leverage the role of the private sector in development. The IICPSD was established in Istanbul, Turkey on the basis of the Partnership Framework Agreement signed between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the United Nations Development Program in March 2011. The center is one of the six global thematic centers of UNDP, advocating and facilitating the contribution of the private sector to human development and inclusive growth. More specifically, IICPSD’s main goals are to: Support the development of inclusive and competitive markets and inclusive business models; Foster private sector engagement and advocacy for the achievement of the MDGs and other internationally agreed development goals; Become a center of excellence in capacity development activities that harness Trilateral Development Cooperation and South-South partnership; Convene business and supporting actors to expand dialogue and create actionable partnerships. As a global policy center aiming at leveraging the contribution of the private sector to poverty reduction and social inclusion, the IICPSD has engaged in developing knowledge products on topics of relevance for the corporate Strategic Plan (2014-2017) overall goals. In particular, the IICPSD’s Research & Development work is designed to identify ways and map practices of private sector in development seeking solutions that are replicable and innovating towards underpinning achievement of the Strategic Plan: Outcome 1:  Growth is inclusive and sustainable, incorporating productive capacities that create employment and livelihoods for the poor and excluded Outcome 3: Countries have strengthened institutions to progressively deliver universal access to basic services Outcome 4: Faster progress is achieved in reducing gender inequality and promoting women’s empowerment Outcome 6: Early recovery and rapid return to sustainable development pathways are achieved in post-conflict and post-disaster settings Outcome 7: Development debates and actions at all levels prioritize poverty, inequality and exclusion, consistent with our engagement principles For the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and other internationally agreed development commitments, an active engagement of the private sector is critical for the much needed acceleration in the progress. Through its core business activities, inclusive market practices and above all on-going corporate social responsibility activities, the private sector has proved its pivotal role in ensuring sustainable development and contributing to job creation, growth and expanded access to products and services. The new development agenda will be more complex, universal and addressing many more issues than the MDGs. The last eighteen months has been a growing engagement by the private sector in the post 2015 process. Inclusive business models can be the strategic framework that provides a higher potential for engagement of the private sector in the post 2015. The potential of better aligning corporation core businesses with the future Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can change the role of private sector in development. According to UNDP’s Private Sector Strategy, IICPSD is exploring innovative approaches of inclusive market development (IMD) and inclusive business models to engage the private sector and other stakeholders in enlarging opportunities for the poor to participate in the markets as producers, employees or consumers. To this end, the center has prioritized four major thematic areas:  Private Sector's Role in Skills Development Procurement Leveraging for Local Content Building Impact Investment and Financing for Social Enterprises Inclusive Business Models (IBM) 2. Context - IBM UNDP actively seeks to understand, enable and inspire the development of more inclusive business models around the globe that will help to create new opportunities and better lives for many of the world’s poor. IICPSD contributing to this vision works to demonstrate how business can significantly contribute to human development by including the poor in the value chain as consumers, producers, business owners or employees (‘inclusive business models’). Realizing the mutual benefit for both the disadvantaged and the private sector, UNDP IICPSD aims to support the development of inclusive business models towards poverty alleviation and human development through research and implementation. The center aims to become a source of expertise on creating the types of business models that are positive for new home-grown businesses and for generating more employment and improved livelihoods. To improve the overall business environment, it is crucial to effectively engage diverse players and mobilize unutilized resources. To this end, IICPSD will play a catalytic role in promoting marked-based solutions through research, advisory services, capacity development and private sector engagement to maximize positive impacts that inclusive business can deliver.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Associate (RA) will be responsible for bringing solid research and technical expertise and knowledge to the IBM thematic area within IICPSD. Working to ensure quality research towards advancing UNDP’s credibility in the thematic area with the main objectives of To research on inclusive business models and value chains for inclusive market development; To share the model of Inclusive Business and its transformative effect in business operations and development; To promote research on and sharing of lessons-learned about how to engage and cooperate with private sector for development. S/he should work in consultation with and under the guidance and supervision of the UNDP IICPSD Technical Specialist. Specifically, his\her responsibilities are but not limited to the following duties: Research and Data Management Contributes to the methodological design, resource planning, data collection, data analysis and report on results of the research activities under “Inclusive Business” thematic area; Oversee and monitor the research inputs from consultants according to the timetable; Provides both substantive and organizational support to IICPSD research studies and manage research project from conception to publication; Research private sector and inclusive market development topics and compile information on national and regional level projects; Undertake research on related donors initiatives and inclusive business activities by the private sector;  Serve as a resource for identifying new trends, evidence building and analysis.  Programme Implementation Assists in the day-to-day work of IICPSD in Inclusive Markets; Support the contribution of IICPSD to national / interregional IBM projects ( conduct geopolitical analysis, act as focal point, draft project document, budgets, periodic progress reports etc); Assists in the delivery and organization of trainings and workshops under “Inclusive Business” thematic area; Ensures synergy with the related projects and other research initiatives of IICPSD; Ensures the timely and effective management of the activities as scheduled.  Knowledge Management and Communication Support the development and coordination of the academic partnership and manage its inputs Assist in developing and disseminating of IICPSD Knowledge Products; Broker strategic partnerships among private sector stakeholders for furthering “Inclusive Business” thematic area; Support the Community of Practice; Prepare relevant communications materials; Support updates of social media and Teamworks as required. Impact of Results: Academic basis for further research provided through draft publications on the role of the Private Sector in Development through Inclusive Business; Develop key knowledge products in IBM addressed to the business community; Contribute to the inclusive market development projects/programs of UNDP country offices; Inclusive business models or value chains analyzed

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards; Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP and IICPSD; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability. Technical Competencies: Knowledge of private sector and pro-poor market development; Strong analytical aptitude, communication and presentation skills; Excellent research, coordination and communication skills; Demonstrates strong organizational and management skills,; Promotes team work, contributes towards building team consensus. Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; Good teamwork and leadership skills; Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills both in Turkish and English; Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure; Experience in private sector in development and inclusive market development; Ability to coordinate with diverse range of partners, including academics, private sector representatives, government officials and other stakeholders; Good presentation and oral skills. Personal Competencies Strong project management skills; Positive, constructive attitude and approaches work with energy; Demonstrates openness to change and ability to receive / integrate feedback; Good networking skills to engage with both internal and external partners.

Required Skills and Experience

1. General Qualifications Minimum Requirements University degree in related field such as social sciences, international relations, business administration, economics, public administration. Full proficiency in English and Turkish. Excellent command of office software. Assets Masters degree or higher in social sciences, economics, international relations, business administration, economics, public administration. 2. Professional Experience and Qualifications Minimum Requirements Minimum 4 year of professional experience. Assets Experience in private sector’s role in development. Knowledge on the role of businesses in inclusive market development. Minimum of 2 year experience in project/programme/policy development and implementation Minimum of 1 year experience in the planning and implementation of projects funded or executed by international organizations. 3. Specific Experience and Qualifications Minimum Requirements Experience in research and policy formulation support (analytical papers, policy notes, working papers, literature review, background research notes, drafting letters, etc). Assets Minimum of 1 year of experience on research on the role of private sector in development such as inclusive market development, responsible business practices, corporate social responsibility, inclusive business models, inclusive market development, value chains, etc. Experience with Project Cycle Management system. Notes: Internships (paid/unpaid) are not considered professional experience. Obligatory military service is not considered professional experience. Professional experience gained in an international setting is considered international experience. Experience gained prior to completion of undergraduate studies is not considered professional experience. Documents that demonstrate participation to project cycle management are not considered an internationally recognized project management certificate. Services and Facilities Provided by UNDP IICPSD UNDP IICPSD in Istanbul shall provide the Research Associate with an office space, access to the Internet and a local telephone line in Istanbul. Payment The consultant shall be paid in TL on a monthly basis. The amount to be paid to Research Associate shall be gross and inclusive of all associated costs such as social security, pension and income tax etc. The Non UN Salary Scale for the position is: SB 3  Evaluation Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications listed in the Terms of Reference will be short-listed and called for an interview. Application Information Interested candidates should submit the following application documents: A cover letter stating an expression of interest with a possible starting date for the entire duration of the contract; Most updated CV; Proof of his/her recent work in the relevant area (web links, summary of produced reports, etc) along with at least three professional references who can confirm or familiar with your work; Women candidates are encouraged to apply. Applicants should submit their CVs and the UN Personal History Form (http://www.undp.org.tr/jobDocuments/Personal_History_Form_SC_SSA.doc) through; http://jobs.undp.org/ or http://www.tr.undp.org/content/turkey/en/home/operations/jobs/ no later than 31 October 2014. HARD-COPY APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FAX APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED E-MAIL APPLICATIONS TO UNDP STAFF WILL NOT BE ACCPETED

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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Source: http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=50784