Research Analyst [open To Internal And External Applicants]

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand collaborates with the Royal Thai Government to establish the Thailand Policy Lab (TPLab). This platform aims to accelerate innovation in public policy and services by connecting and building capacities of various stakeholders, including government, academia, private sector, and citizens. TPLab also facilitates knowledge exchange with other countries in the Asia Pacific region and beyond, focusing on people-centered, inclusive policy innovation to enhance national competitiveness.

Job Purpose

The Research Analyst will contribute to the Thailand Policy Lab (TPLab) by conducting in-depth research and analysis to support systemic policy transformation and address critical development issues. This role involves leading research initiatives, designing and implementing policy experiments using innovative methodologies, and developing evidence-based recommendations. The analyst will also facilitate stakeholder engagement through workshops and dialogues, and contribute to knowledge management by documenting and sharing learnings from experiments. The ultimate goal is to enhance policy innovation in Thailand, foster a community of innovators, and position the country as a regional leader in this field, aligning with UNDP's mission to drive sustainable development.

Responsibilities

The Research Analyst is responsible for conducting comprehensive research and analysis on complex policy issues, utilizing advanced data analysis techniques and policy innovation tools to generate evidence-based recommendations for systemic transformation and thematic issues. This includes leading the design and implementation of policy experiments within the Thailand Policy Lab, developing clear evaluation frameworks, and analyzing research results to identify actionable lessons. The role involves developing high-quality research papers, policy briefs, and technical reports. Additionally, the analyst will lead consultations, workshops, and policy dialogues with diverse stakeholders, facilitate collaborative problem-solving, and cultivate strategic relationships to coordinate collaborative policy initiatives. The incumbent will also share insights and learnings from experiments with UNDP's network and external audiences, contributing to knowledge products and exchange events.

Work Experience

A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience is required for candidates with a Master's degree, or 4 years for those with a Bachelor's degree. This experience should be in public policy, public sector development, qualitative and quantitative research, preparing analytical reports and policy briefs, and engaging with government counterparts.

Skills

Core Competencies: Achieve Results, Think Innovatively, Learn Continuously, Adapt with Agility, Act with Determination, Engage and Partner, Enable Diversity and Inclusion. Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies: Agile methodologies, Innovation management, Navigating uncertainty and ambiguity, Shaping demand for innovation services, Systems Thinking, Strategic Thinking, Human-centred Design, Knowledge Generation, Working with Evidence and Data.

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