Senior Researcher and Coordinator, Brasilia, IPC-IG Office

Senior Researcher and Coordinator International Policy Centre For Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG), formerly known as the International Poverty Centre (IPC)

Location: Brasilia, IPC-IG Office

Application Deadline: 28th November 2013

Type of Contract: SC / SB-5

Languages Required: English and Portuguese

Starting Date: 1st January 2014

Duration of Initial Contract: 12 months, with possibility of extension

Background

The International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG) is a joint project of the United Nations Development Programme and the Brazilian Government to facilitate South-South Cooperation on key development issues. The Centre carries out applied research and its ultimate goal is to generate knowledge resources to the global development community.

The main objectives of the center are to contribute applied research-based policy recommendations for inclusive growth and to facilitate South-South exchange and learning on key development issues. Toward these ends, IPC not only conducts research, but also organizes thematic workshops, policy training seminars, advisory and programme evaluation missions for requesting countries, and hosts resident researchers. The Centre regularly publishes Working Papers, issues of Poverty in Focus, Policy Research Briefs and One Pagers to encourage policy debate and dissemination of knowledge. IPC publications are found at: http://www.ipc-undp.org/pages/newsite/menu/about/pub.jsp?active=0

The main thematic areas of focus for the IPC-IG are: social protection, programme evaluation, cash transfers, social policies and population studies. IPC is currently recruiting a Senior Researcher Coordinator under its expanded work on social protection and cash transfer programmes .

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall management of the IPC-IG Director, the selected candidate will provide the following services:

• Coordinate all the projects that are part of IPC working plan for 2014;
• Formulate and assess project proposals and negotiate the involvement of IPC in these projects;
• Coordinate the implementation of household surveys as well as of micro-level analyses of household surveys, particularly, on issues related to social transfers, demographic trends, human development indexes and social policies;
• Supervise the research team undertaking impact and process evaluations of social policies;
• Share research findings with IPC staff and other audiences;
• Work closely with national counterparts like IPEA, SAE and Ministries in the social area to build cooperative relationships and establish the organization as an effective partner.

Competencies

Corporate

• Demonstrates integrity and fairness, by modeling the UN/UNDP's values and ethical standards.
• Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of IPC.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional

• Excellent analytical and writing skills;
• Experience in the production of technical and conceptual papers;
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships. Knowledge of and experience in dealing with Government and nongovernmental institutions.

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Ability to strongly support and build knowledge products.
• Experience in building client relationships with strong networking and advocacy skills.
• Seeks and applies knowledge, information and best practices from within and outside of IPC.

Judgment/Decision-Making

• Mature judgment and initiative.
• Independent judgment and discretion in advising on handling major policy issues and challenges.

Required Qualifications, Skills and Experiences

Essencial

• PhD or equivalent in Social Sciences and other related disciplines.
• Strong background in Statistics and Econometrics with some familiarity with the programme evaluation literature.
• Proven publications record in peer reviewed papers.
• Experience in development policy research with academic, government, research institutions or international organizations.
• Writing experience in economic, demography and social policy issues.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel and Word) and statistical software such as Stata and/or SAS.
• Fluency in English and Portuguese is required.

Desirable

• Knowledge of other UN Laguage.

Application procedures

Applicants must send a detailed CV, P11 form*, a cover letter and a recommendation letter to ipc-hr@ipc-undp.org no later than 28 November 2013 quoting in the subject 'Senior Researcher and Coordinator'.

Applications posted after deadline will not be accepted. *Personal History Form (P11) is available for download at: http://www.pnud.org.br/arquivos/P11.doc Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date (28 th November 2013) will not be given consideration. Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.

This is a national Service Contract position within the IPC-IG/UNDP. International candidates will only have their applications considered if proof of permission to work in Brazil is attached to the application. The IPC-IG/UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for a Brazilian work permit.

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.