Job - Behavioral Insights Task Lead, UNDP, Armenia

Behavioral Insights Task Lead

Location : Yerevan, ARMENIA

Application Deadline : 05-Nov-18 (Midnight New York, USA)

Time left : 18d 18h 7m

Type of Contract : Individual Contract

Post Level : National Consultant

Languages Required : English  

Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 15-Nov-2018

Duration of Initial Contract : 15 Nov 2018 – 31 Dec 2019 (up to 270 work days)

Background

The complexity and interconnectedness of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) require novel approaches, methodologies, strong data systems, and institutions that would have the capacity to provide ‘out of the box’ solutions to the problems faced by the global community. 

In response, the United Nations and the Government of Armenia have established the Armenia National SDG Innovation Lab as a platform for collaboration, experimentation, analytics and world class human resource development to accelerate the implementation of the Agenda 2030. The Lab is the first of its kind in country platform to support SDG implementation at country level. To do this, the Lab has adopted a toolbox of innovative methodologies such as behavioral experimentation, data analytics, impact investment and capacity building in the Lab’s most advanced public policy techniques.

After the completion of its start-up phase (Phase I, Nov 2017 – Feb 2018), which involved initial set up, recruitment of core staff, resource mobilization, the Lab is now entering its Phase II with several projects already in the pipeline from Phase I and many more at concept stage ready to be implemented.

The ultimate goal of the Lab is to contribute to Armenia’s National Development Strategy. To do so, the Lab closely cooperates with the office of the Prime Minister, SDGs Inter-Agency Working Groups, local and international partners to support the achievement of the SDGs that are priorities for the Government of Armenia.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Behavioral Insights Task Lead will work under the guidance of the SDG Lab Lead. Specifically, the incumbent will perform the following functions:

• Lead the Behavioral Experimentation service line of the SDG Innovation Lab in close cooperation with the Data Analytics and Capacity Building Task Leads to shape the SDG innovation agenda;
• Supervise the implementation of the projects that have been identified and conceptualized in the Behavioral Science Roadmap in the inception phase of the Lab;
• Expand the projects listed in the Behavioral Science Roadmap in collaboration with the Government;
• Lead a team of Research Assistants working on Behavioral Insights;
• Work on the development of key analytical knowledge products of the Lab and make periodic updates to the management;
• Identify funding sources for randomized controlled trials and participate in fundraising efforts of the Lab;
• Establish local and international contacts with academia experts, innovation labs and think tanks that conduct policy-relevant work in behavioral science; 
• Liaise directly with potential partners in the development organizations and foreign embassies with a view to identify areas for possible cooperation in the field of Behavioral Science;
• Provide other support and assistance as required.

Deliverables

Expanded list of feasible project ideas in Behavioural Science to be implemented with Government counterparts;

Organization and coordination of the implementation of identified behavioral experiments;

Support in the data analytics projects included in the Data Analytics roadmap;

Production of key SDG-related knowledge products;

Support to capacity building and SDG-related activities, as required;

Identified partnership and resource mobilization opportunities for the SDG Innovation Lab and the RCO;

1-2 funding proposals submitted (conditional on the availability of calls for proposals).

Competencies

Strong research skills;

Strong statistical skills with proficient knowledge of various statistical software (e.g., R, STATA, SPSS).

Interest in innovation for development;

Excellent ability to write and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism;

Experience in supporting research and capacity building efforts and providing relevant administrative support;

Creative flair and originality;

High level of motivation, ability to show initiative and work independently;

Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively across different constituencies.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree in Behavioral Economics, Behavioral Science or Social Psychology. PhD degree is highly preferred.

Experience: 

At least 1-2-year work experience in the field of behavioral science/ behavioral economics either in an academic or a non-academic environment.

Track record of scientific publications or project reports in behavioral science/behavioral economics will be considered as a strong advantage. 

Language Skills:

• Fluency in Armenian and English is required (written and oral), knowledge of Russian will be considered an asset.