Social Systems Research Associate, LICA-6

South East Asia Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)

The South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. EAPMCO was established in January 2023 following the merger of the Thailand Multi-Country Office, which covered 20 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, and the Cambodia Multi-Country Office, which covered 4 countries South East Asia – 3 countries in the Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam) and the Philippines. EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises nine business units: SEMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia, EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, EAPMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Lao PDR, EAPMCO Philippines and EAPMCO Cambodia.

In 2022, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 95.7 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services.

The Multi Country Office head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the entire Multi Country Office locations. It is also responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.

Background Information – Project

The Global Pulse Asia Pacific, its operation under the UNOPS system, is a regional hub that works at the intersection of innovation and the human sciences to strengthen the ability of the United Nations and its stakeholders to respond and adapt to the challenges of today and tomorrow. As the UN Secretary-General’s Innovation Lab, the hub utilises a set of capabilities on data, innovation, digital expertise, foresight and behavioural science.

Serving the wider Asia Pacific region, the hub is a frontrunner in practising and advocating for inclusive innovation. Drawing on a decade of successes harnessing system design, as well as big data and artificial intelligence for platform development and data analytics, Global Pulse Asia Pacific facilitates co-creation of forward-thinking solutions that inform policy and decision-making.

From enhancing humanitarian crisis response, strengthening climate resilience, and improving the decision-making process in digital transformation, the hub will continue to apply innovation to accelerate the achievement of the sustainable development agenda for a better future.

UN Global Pulse is seeking a Social Systems Research Associate to support the team in crafting research plans and tools, conducting fieldwork and immersion, synthesising insights, organising workshops, and communicating our projects in a fresh, relevant, and compelling way. The Social Systems Research Associate will report directly to UNGP AP’s Social Systems Lead and work closely with the Hub’s Social Systems, Data Innovation and Policy, and Partnership and Advocacy teams.

Functional Responsibilities

Functions / Key Results Expected

The Social Systems Research Associate will be directly supervised by the Social Systems Lead to undertake the following tasks:

1. Support the social systems team in ensuring the effective provision of high-quality, policy-relevant research.
2. Support the development and dissemination of research products and other social systems dissemination activities.
3. Contribute to knowledge building and sharing for the UNGP AP hub.

1. Support the social systems team to ensure the effective provision of high-quality, policy-relevant research:

• Craft research plans, including preparation for fieldwork and immersion
• Compile, summarise, and present data or previous research on specific projects and related topics or issues
• Identify and create relevant tools, methods, and resources for the implementation of qualitative research methodologies on social issues. This should be informed by service design, behavioural insights, and strategic foresight
• Identify appropriate channels and mechanisms to recruit research participants
• Assist the coordination with stakeholders for the implementation of social systems projects
• Coordinate the implementation of fieldwork and/or remote qualitative data collection
• Support the preparation and delivery of reports in line with monitoring and reporting requirements
• Contribute to the analysis, synthesis, and crafting of research outputs in both written and visual forms
• Facilitate brainstorming sessions and co-creation/human-centred design workshops with relevant stakeholders, including online events

2. Support the development and dissemination of research products and other social systems dissemination activities:

• Support in the development of communication materials for social systems research projects, including those for events, project updates, and research results. This includes creating presentations and briefing materials.
• Assist in organising events relevant to the research projects and broader UNGP AP activities, engaging with UN agencies, relevant donors, and project partners.

3. Support knowledge building and knowledge sharing:

• Synthesise lessons learned and best practices in project support management functions.
• Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Contribute to the network for gender mainstreaming, disability inclusion, learning, and knowledge sharing.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Social Systems Research Associate directly impacts the efficient and effective management of financial resources in projects and programmes, demonstrating UNOPS’ effective stewardship of donor and partner funds. These promote the credibility of the organisation as an effective service provider in project services and management.

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Completion of secondary school or high school diploma is required.
• A First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree) or higher qualification in social science (development studies, psychology, anthropology, sociology, economics, international relations), design, communications, business, or a related field of study would be desirable and can substitute for some of the required years of experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of 6 years of relevant working experience within the areas of qualitative research, design research, service design, behavioural science, strategic foresight, or related field is required for candidates with a high school diploma. For candidates with a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience in the above fields is required.
• Experience in conducting field or remote qualitative research is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in crafting research tools and outputs for qualitative research is preferred.

Language Requirements:

• Full knowledge of the working language is essential (English & Indonesian).
• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

• Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Award
• Contract level: LICA 6
• Contract duration: On-going subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Open only to Indonesia nationals or with valid residence.

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.