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Master's Degree - 2 year(s) experience ... (37 ) experience... (19 ) Master's Degree - 5 year(s) experience ... (19 ) Master's Degree - 7 year(s) experience ... (16 ) In Person: Research Intern to Support the Knowledge Project in Dubai, UAE "Job Details" Education & Work Experience Bachelor's Degree Desired Languages French language skills would be an asset but not necessary for the assignment
Job Description
Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
The Knowledge Project is a joint initiative between UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) established in 2008. It aims to promote knowledge societies and policies as transformational means to achieving sustainable development in the Arab States region and beyond. The project builds on the Arab Knowledge Reports, the Arab Knowledge Index, the knowledge4all portal, the Arab Reading Index, the KnowTalks series, the Future of Knowledge Foresight Report series and the Global Knowledge Index (GKI). Moreover, the project has recently launched an ambitious initiative to develop the skills of citizens in the Arab States region. In 2024, the Knowledge Project has a multifaceted work plan aimed at advancing its mission on multiple fronts. It is set to produce GKI 2024 through a data update. Through the FutureSkills4All initiative, the project is committed to reskilling and upskilling 6,000 learners, empowering them with essential skills for the future. Additionally, the project is set to organize the Knowledge Summit and host a series of engaging KnowTalks events, providing platforms for thought leaders to discuss critical topics and disseminate valuable insights.
To enhance knowledge accessibility, the project will focus on improving its knowledge4all portal and mobile application, making information readily available to a wider audience. Furthermore, the integration of the pilot artificial intelligence (AI) policy tool into the portal represents a significant step toward leveraging AI for knowledge dissemination. Simultaneously, the Knowledge Project will commence the revision of the GKI ensuring that it remains accurate and relevant, which is scheduled to be launched in 2025 as GKI 2025.
In addition to these efforts, the Knowledge Project will implement a robust outreach and dissemination strategy to maximize the impact of its project outputs, ensuring that its valuable resources reach a diverse and global audience.
Accordingly, the project is seeking the services of a Research Intern to support the GKI sub-team in data collection and validation, literature review, research, compiling information for the GKI and the knowledge4all portal.
Duties and responsibilities:
The intern will be based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Under the direct supervision of the Project and Research Associate and overall supervision of the Policy and Data Specialist, responsibilities may include, but will not be limited to, the following:
• Assist in compiling, cleaning and tabulating data for variables from international sources in order to compute the Global Knowledge Index 2024;
• Provide research, writing and editing support on topics related to knowledge society, education, RDI, ICT and economy;
• Contribute to running quality checks on the datasets gathered before analysis and treatment;
• Assist in revising the structure of the Global Knowledge Index by mapping and suggesting new variables;
• Assist in searching for replacement variables for the discontinued variables used in the previous versions of the Global Knowledge Index;
• Support in preparing tables, graphs, fact sheets, written reports and presentations summarizing and analysing data results and findings;
• Assist in compiling material for the knowledge4all portal, including information about variables definitions, sources, upcoming events, publications, etc.;
• Ensure the recency, accuracy, and rich diversity of the datasets available for the project's reference and perusal, including the datasets made available on the portal in both Arabic and English;
• Perform any other substantive task that might be requested.
Competencies:
Functional Competencies:
• Strong sense of collaborative work, excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Keen attention to detail;
• Proven record of interest and work in the development field;
• Excellent analytical and research skills;
• Research experience;
• Interest in the Arab States region and possibly some background in researching the region;
Professionalism:
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex issues/problems;
• Ability to negotiate and to influence others to reach agreement;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Shows pride in work and in achievement;
• Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
• Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
• Remains calm in stressful situations;
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work;
• Takes responsibility for incorporating the perspective of youth and ensuring the equal participation of young people as in all areas of work.
Communication:
• Speaks and writes clearly, concisely and effectively;
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Teamwork:
• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise;
• Is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda;
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Planning and Organizing:
• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
• Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required;
• Allocates appropriate amount of time and resource for completing work;
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning;
• Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary;
• Uses time efficiently.
Accountability:
• Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honor commitments;
• Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards;
• Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules;
• Supports subordinates, provide oversight and take responsibility for delega
