Remote Research Associate Job at UNDP 2026 — Earn $187,297 (2 Openings) | Dhaka, Bangladesh | Full Job Description & Application Guide. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is recruiting two Research Associates under a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-6) for 2026, offering an annual salary equivalent to USD 187,297. These full-time roles, based in Dhaka with remote-work flexibility, support Bangladesh’s transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by strengthening research, data analysis, investment climate assessments, evidence-based policy recommendations, and commissioned studies. This detailed guide explains eligibility, responsibilities, competencies, hiring arrangements, and step-by-step application instructions. This article is for informational and advertising purposes only— I am not affiliated with UNDP, and all applications must be submitted directly on the UNDP Careers Portal.

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H2: Background & Job Description

Bangladesh is approaching a historic development milestone—its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. While this achievement reflects decades of economic progress, it introduces new complexities requiring targeted policy responses. Loss of LDC-specific trade preferences means Bangladesh must strengthen export competitiveness, negotiate transitional arrangements, and enhance national capacity to manage economic shocks.

To support these reforms, UNDP is implementing the IP Transformative Economic Policy Programme (TEPP-II), funded by the UK Government. One of TEPP-II’s key objectives is to strengthen evidence-based policy analysis, trade reforms, investment climate assessments, and public-private dialogue. The programme directly assists:

• The Ministry of Commerce (MoC)
• The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA)
• The Research and Analytics Unit (RAU)
• Other public and private stakeholders

Within this context, UNDP is hiring two Research Associates (NPSA-6) to strengthen research capacity and support policy decisions related to investment, economic growth, and post-LDC transition planning.

These positions play a vital role in generating the evidence policymakers need to make informed decisions. The Research Associates will combine data analytics, policy research, consultant support, partnership coordination, and dissemination activities to influence economic reforms.

The role is particularly suitable for professionals with strong analytical capabilities, experience in economic research, and an interest in development policy. UNDP values diversity and encourages applications from women, individuals from marginalized groups, and professionals belonging to underrepresented communities.

This job post is published purely for informational purposes. I am not affiliated with UNDP, and applicants must apply directly through the official UNDP platform.

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Remote Research Associate Job at UNDP 2026 — Earn $187,297 (2 Openings)

H2: Tasks

The Research Associate role is divided into four major functional areas:
A) Research and Policy Analysis
B) Consultant and Commissioned Research Management
C) Partnerships, Events, and Reporting
D) Additional duties supporting the operational efficiency of the RAU

Below is a deeply expanded version suitable for a 3000-word professional job guide.

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H3: A. Research & Policy Analysis (Primary Responsibility)

The Research Associate will play a central role in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data related to investment, economic trends, and the overall performance of Bangladesh’s economic sectors.

1. Conducting Desk Research

• Review academic papers, policy documents, UN reports, and global investment trends.
• Identify new developments that may influence Bangladesh’s investment landscape.
• Produce summaries highlighting policy relevance for government partners.

2. Supporting Field Research

• Assist in designing survey instruments for investors, private sector firms, and regulatory bodies.
• Support qualitative interviews, stakeholder consultations, and targeted data collection exercises.
• Take part in field missions when required, gathering first-hand insights on investment barriers.

3. Data Analytics and Interpretation

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis of Bangladesh’s investment trends.
• Examine FDI inflows, sector-wise competitiveness, business climate indicators, and export resilience.
• Use statistical tools (SPSS, STATA, R, Excel, Power BI) to extract meaningful insights.
• Transform raw datasets into policy-relevant findings for decision-makers.

4. Contributing to Policy Products

Research Associates will:

• Draft policy briefs
• Develop research papers
• Prepare technical reports
• Produce concept notes
• Contribute to economic modelling exercises

Policy products will support the MoC, BIDA, and the Prime Minister’s Office in preparing for LDC graduation.

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H3: B. Consultant & Commissioned Study Management

The TEPP-II programme relies heavily on specialized consultants and research firms. The Research Associate plays a critical role in ensuring quality control and effective coordination.

1. Supporting Consultant Recruitment

• Help draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for hiring individual consultants or firms.
• Review candidate profiles for technical suitability.
• Assist in shortlisting applicants based on qualifications and experience.

2. Monitoring Consultants’ Work

• Review work plans, methodology documents, interim reports, and final submissions.
• Compare deliverables with contractual requirements.
• Track progress through regular check-ins with consultants and firms.

3. Ensuring Quality Assurance

• Review the academic rigor of studies.
• Provide feedback to consultants on data quality, analytical clarity, and presentation.
• Support the Research Analyst in ensuring studies meet UNDP standards before dissemination.

4. Liaising with Stakeholders

• Communicate with government partners, external agencies, and private-sector actors to ensure their contributions are captured in commissioned studies.

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H3: C. Partnership Development, Policy Engagement & Reporting

1. Partnership Mapping

The Research Associate will help build and maintain a database of key stakeholders, including:

• Government ministries
• Private sector associations
• UN agencies
• International Financial Institutions (IFIs)
• Research organizations
• NGOs and INGOs

2. Organizing Policy Dialogues

• Plan and facilitate workshops, dialogues, and consultation meetings.
• Coordinate invitations, prepare agendas, and organize event logistics.
• Document discussions and prepare event reports.

3. Dissemination of Research Findings

• Support the presentation of research insights to government officials and development partners.
• Help create PowerPoint presentations, briefing notes, and summary documents.
• Assist in designing communication materials for policy audiences.

4. Progress Reporting

• Prepare quarterly and annual reports for the Research and Analytics Unit (RAU).
• Maintain organized documentation of all research activities.

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H3: D. Additional Duties

• Support ad-hoc tasks as required by the Policy Analyst (Team Lead – RAU).
• Contribute to resource mobilization efforts, donor reporting, and internal knowledge sharing.
• Assist in strengthening digital data systems and internal research management tools.

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H2: Qualifications (Education & Experience)

H3: Education Requirements

Candidates must meet one of the following:

• Secondary education with 6 years of relevant experience, OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with 3 years of experience

Preferred academic fields include:

• Economics
• Development Economics
• Development Studies
• International Development
• Public Policy
• Social Sciences
• Applied Statistics
• Business or related fields

A higher degree is beneficial but not mandatory.

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H3: Experience Requirements

Minimum Experience

• 6 years (with secondary education) OR
• 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of experience in economic research

Preferred Experience

• Demonstrated experience producing:
  • Policy briefs
  • Research papers
  • Technical reports
  • Analytical summaries
  • Book chapters
• Experience designing surveys and data collection tools
• Familiarity with government institutions and private sector engagement
• Experience collaborating with development partners (UN, IFIs, INGOs)

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H3: Technical Skills

• Strong data analysis skills (STATA, SPSS recommended)
• Ability to conduct literature reviews
• Capacity to synthesize large volumes of information
• Competence in presenting research findings to diverse audiences
• Ability to interpret economic trends and translate them into policy implications

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H3: Required Languages

• Fluency in English and Bangla is mandatory

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H2: Additional Information

Contract Details

• Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-6)
• Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh (with remote flexibility)
• Schedule: Full-time
• Duration: 1 Year
• Agency: UNDP
• Practice Area: Governance
• Bureau: Regional Bureau for Asia & the Pacific

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Salary

The advertised compensation for this NPSA-6 Research Associate role is USD $187,297 annually.
Note: UNDP salaries may vary according to local payroll rules.

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Competency Expectations

UNDP evaluates cross-functional competencies such as:

• Achieving Results
• Thinking Innovatively
• Learning Continuously
• Adapting with Agility
• Acting with Determination
• Partnering and Engaging
• Enabling Diversity & Inclusion

Technical competencies include:

• Knowledge generation
• Data collection and cleaning
• Data analytics and visualization
• Inclusive growth frameworks
• Digital storytelling

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Safeguarding & Ethics

UNDP enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy towards:

• Sexual exploitation and abuse
• Harassment
• Abuse of authority
• Discrimination

All selected candidates undergo:

• Rigorous background checks
• Reference verification
• Ethical compliance screening

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How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Visit the official UNDP Careers site.
2. Search Job ID 30425 – Research Associate (NPSA-6).
3. Create a UNDP Talent Management System (TMS) profile.
4. Upload:
   • Updated CV
   • Cover letter
   • Certificates
   • Work samples (optional)
5. Submit before the deadline: 17 December 2025.
6. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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