Job - Behavioral Insights Task Lead, UNDP, Armenia

Behavioral Insights Task Lead

Location: Yerevan, ARMENIA

Application Deadline: 14-Feb-19 (Midnight New York, USA)

Type of Contract: Individual Contract

Post Level: National Consultant

Languages Required: English  

Starting Date:

(date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 01-Mar-2019

Duration of Initial Contract: 1 March – 1 September 2019 (80 consultancy 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.

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

Lead the Behavioral Experimentation service line of the SDG Innovation Lab in close cooperation with the Data Analytics task lead and Public innovation and Innovation Financing mechanisms service line leads to shape the SDG innovation agenda;

Supervise the implementation of the ongoing Behavioral Science projects;

Define novel avenues of collaboration and shape Behavioral Science projects in collaboration with UN agencies and Government representatives;

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;

Participate in the development of policy briefs based on the results of the randomized controlled trials;

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

• 2-3 project proposals ready for implementation shaped in collaboration with UN agencies and Government counterparts;
• Organization and coordination of behavioral experiments;
• Light support in the data analytics projects implemented by Armenia National SDG Innovation Lab;
• Production of key SDG-related knowledge products;
• Support to capacity building (organization of trainings in Behavioural Science) 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 3 years of experience in the fields of sociology, economics, psychology and research with specific focus on behavioral science/ behavioral economics either in an academic or a non-academic environment for at least one year.

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.

INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS WILL BE EVALUATED BASED ON THE FOLLOWING METHODOLOGY:

Candidates will be evaluated using a cumulative analysis method taking into consideration the combination of the applicants' technical qualifications,  experience and financial proposal. The contract will be awarded to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as technically responsive/compliant/acceptable to the requirements of the ToR and received the highest cumulative (technical and financial) score out of below defined technical and financial criteria.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points in the technical evaluation would be considered for financial evaluation.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation - max. 70 points

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation - max. 30 points.

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION.

UNDP Personal History form (P11): http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/corporate/Careers/P11_Personal_history_form.doc.

Financial Proposal and Availability form : OFFEROR’S LETTER TO UNDP

General Conditions of Contract is available here: http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/documents/procurement/documents/IC%20-%20General%20Conditions.pdf.

Note: Please note you can upload only one document to this application (scan all documents in one single PDF file to attach).

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.

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.