Desk Based Research and Analysis Support for UNDP

Host entity: UNDP Youth Empowerment Portfolio in Asia and the Pacific (YEP-AP)

Application deadline: 02/10/2026

Mission and objectives

UNDP works across Asia and the Pacific to advance people-centred governance, strengthen civic space, and promote inclusive participation in public decision-making. As part of its Youth Empowerment Programme and in alignment with the Open and Inclusive Public Sphere (OIPS) agenda, UNDP supports research, data, and knowledge products that foster trust, accountability, and inclusive governance. Advancing an open and inclusive public sphere is core to UNDP's Governance for People and Planet approach and is essential to building resilience and achieving sustainable development across the region. Accurate mapping initiatives and thematic research is a foundational step in supporting regional learning and evidence-based programming.

Assignment context

Asia and the Pacific is a diverse and rapidly changing region where economic transformation, climate vulnerability, demographic shifts, and digitalization are reshaping the relationship between citizens and institutions. Many countries are simultaneously facing governance challenges such as declining public trust, shrinking civic space, information integrity risks, persistent corruption, and uneven institutional capacity. These dynamics highlight the growing need for governance systems that are more open, inclusive, accountable, and capable of responding to complex and overlapping crises.

An open and inclusive public sphere is a critical foundation for people-centred governance and for achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It refers to the spaces—both online and offline—where people can access information, express views, engage in public dialogue, and participate meaningfully in decision-making processes. When these spaces are inclusive, safe, and trusted, they strengthen social cohesion, improve policy effectiveness, and ensure that the voices of women, young people, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, and other marginalized groups are reflected in public decisions.

Task description

The Online Volunteer will support UNDP’s Open and Inclusive Public Sphere (OIPS) agenda in Asia and the Pacific through targeted research, data collection, and analysis.

Under the supervision of the Programme Specialist, Civil Society and Youth, the Online Volunteers will support the development of a research repository and analytical overview of the Open and Inclusive Public Sphere landscape across the region. Specific tasks include:

- Conduct desk-based research on reference materials, case studies, practitioners, organizations, trainings, and events (approx. 50-70 relevant resources) in Asia and the Pacific relevant to the OIPS agenda.
- Collect, clean, and organize information using the provided guidance and Excel template, including categorizing, tagging, interpreting, and contextualizing findings.
- Analyse the information gathered to identify key trends, gaps, relevant actors, and potential entry points for UNDP engagement at the country and regional levels.
- Prepare a concise 2–3-page summary report, including relevant visualizations, to present key findings and insights.

Skills and experience

Required skills and experience:
- Background or demonstrated interest in governance, civic engagement, youth participation, international development, or a related field.
- Familiarity with the Asia-Pacific region and the ability to work across diverse country contexts and varying levels of information availability.
- Strong desk research skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to identify relevant sources, interpret and synthesize information into clear, concise summaries.
- Proficiency in organizing and managing data using Excel, Google Sheets, or similar tools.
- Ability to analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative information and identify connections across findings.
- Strong written communication skills in English.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and incorporate feedback.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.