SDG Research & Data Fellow

Host entity: UNDP

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Data science, information management, Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge management, research, reporting, Statistics, population science

Application deadline: 21/10/2026

Mission and objectives

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience. UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

Assignment context

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global framework for addressing development challenges and promoting a sustainable future. Adopted by 193 countries, including India, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development came into effect on 1 January 2016. India follows a ‘whole-of-government’ approach to SDG implementation, with NITI Aayog serving as the nodal agency for national coordination. At the subnational level, SDG Coordination Centres (SDGCCs) and Technical Support Units, established in collaboration with State governments and UNDP India, support policy advisory and the integration of SDG priorities into State and district development planning.

The UNDP SDG Acceleration and Finance Unit provides technical assistance to State governments to accelerate SDG achievement and advance the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. Drawing on global expertise and national experience, the Unit supports strategic planning, development diagnostics, policy coherence, monitoring and evaluation, and data-driven decision-making. It facilitates SDG acceleration strategies, district convergence plans, monitoring dashboards, and outcome-oriented frameworks, while fostering partnerships among government institutions, development partners, academia, civil society, and the private sector. The Unit also promotes innovative development financing through SDG financing strategies, budget tagging, expenditure analysis, development finance mapping, private sector engagement, and resource mobilization.

In line with the SDG commitment to “Leave No One Behind,” the socio-economic advancement of Scheduled Tribes (STs), who constitute approximately 8.6 percent of India’s population, remains a key national priority. Despite sustained efforts, tribal communities continue to face disparities in health, education, gender equality, livelihoods, and access to basic services. UNDP India supports the Government of India through policy advisory, planning, monitoring, and implementation support for tribal development initiatives and central sector schemes. It also provides technical assistance to tribal welfare departments in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Tripura, and Andhra Pradesh, focusing on improving service delivery, strengthening departmental convergence, and promoting sustainable livelihoods for tribal communities.
The United Nations Volunteer (UNV) SDG Research and Data Fellow will work closely with UNDP’s SDG Acceleration and Finance Unit and State-level teams to support research, data analytics, surveys, knowledge products, and report writing. Under UNDP’s supervision, the Fellow will contribute to policy analysis, development diagnostics, monitoring frameworks, data visualization, and documentation of good practices. The role will support initiatives related to SDG acceleration, tribal rights, development financing, and strategic partnerships, generating insights to inform State-level policies and programmes and advance inclusive and sustainable development.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the State Coordinators/ Project managers of the SDG Acceleration and Finance Unit, UNDP, the UN Volunteer will carry out the following tasks :

• Contribute to desk research and evidence generation through literature reviews, background research, policy scans, and preparation of briefing notes to support SDG-related initiatives.
• Support the collection, compilation, validation, and analysis of SDG and Tribal Development data, integrating citizen-generated and official statistics to address data gaps and promote inclusive, representative, and reliable development indicators.
• Support the development of knowledge products and communication materials, including presentations, briefing notes, case studies, success stories, and documentation of good practices and lessons learned.
• Collaborate with UNDP and State teams in documenting emerging insights, innovative practices, and evidence that can inform SDG acceleration, tribal development, development planning, and policy discussions.

Skills and experience

• Demonstrated interest in the development sector
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work with minimal supervision and to work under tight deadlines.




[CANDIDATES BASED IN KOHIMA WILL BE GIVEN PREFERENCE]

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Building Trust
• Commitment and Motivation
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Communication
• Creativity
• Ethics and Values
• Integrity
• Planning and Organizing
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity
• Self-Management
• Working in Teams

Living conditions

Kohima, Nagaland: The state capital, Kohima, is surrounded by scenic hills and is known for its indigenous heritage, community traditions, and cultural festivals. It offers a quieter pace of life and opportunities to experience the region's distinctive culture and natural beauty.

For this assignment, monthly living allowance and any other entitlement will not be provided.

- Volunteers will receive the UNV duty-of-care package for the two-month contract period, including insurance and medical clearance. No other entitlements under the Unified Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers will be provided.

- Upon successful completion of the assignment, a UNV Certificate of Service will be awarded.

[CANDIDATES BASED IN KOHIMA WILL BE GIVEN PREFERENCE]

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