UNDP Bangladesh has been a key facilitator in Bangladesh’s remarkable development story since it first arrived in 1972. It has been a valuable partner throughout this process, acting as an honest broker and a helpful catalyst in promoting transformational changes in the lives and livelihoods of the people of Bangladesh. Through its work, UNDP is also helping Bangladesh to meet its Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. To help the people of Bangladesh reach these ambitious targets. UNDP Bangladesh is focusing on three priorities:

(a) Ensuring economic growth is inclusive and supports economic opportunities, particularly for women;

(b) Improving social policies and programmes, with a focus on good governance and structural inequalities; and

(c) Building resilience and improving environmental sustainability.

In support of these priorities, The Social Protection Policy Support (SPPS) Programme responds to a need to reconfigure the existing social protection system. The programme provides technical assistance, bring global expertise and meet major investment requirements to enable the GoB to roll out a fully functional system in line with the National Social Security Strategy (NSSS) and its Action Plan. It will draw on the NSSS, which provides a functional entry point for effecting changes in the wider social protection system via better governance and oversight of the system.

The first component of the Programme is the improvement of governance of social protection by helping to build coordination, M&E and reporting functions. It will also strengthen research and analysis capacities in order to build a more effective evidence base for effective policy development. The second component of the programme is to strengthen Social Protection System, with the purpose of developing a modern social protection infrastructure capable of supporting a nationally integrated delivery system for reliable, transparent and developmental GoB social transfers and promote linkages to ensure effective coordination. The two SPPS components will function alongside a piloting delivery component that will enable testing and learning and inform social protection strategy and policy through field-based evidence.

The Government of Bangladesh has formulated the National Social Security Strategy (NSSS) with the objective of tackling poverty and vulnerability by contributing to human resource development which will have particular focus on child social protection. Therefore, the NSSS adopts the social protection programmes for families with children as the primary challenge. The SPPS Programme supports the government in implementation of the NSSS which recommends child social protection as the most important agenda of social protection reforms. Thus, the development of child social protection and nutritional upliftment has come to be most prominent engagement of SPPS Programme.

In view of the above, the SPPS Programme is looking for a young professional (with Bangla and English language proficiency) to provide assistance in developing and implementing coordination mechanisms among relevant stakeholders within the social protection system. They will contribute to the preparation of regular reports and updates on governance improvements within the sector and work closely with the team to design and implement modern social protection infrastructure. The volunteer will take detailed notes during meetings and events, prepare running commentary, and assist in documentation processes. Additionally, they will collaborate with the team to prepare data-driven reports and summaries, streamline documentation processes, and improve overall efficiency.

Under the direct supervision of National Project Manager, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Assist in the development and implementation of coordination mechanisms among relevant stakeholders within the social protection system.

• Contribute to the preparation of regular reports and updates on the governance improvements within the social protection sector.

• Work closely with the team to contribute to the design and implementation of modern social protection infrastructure.

• Take notes during meetings, events, and discussions and prepare running commentary.

• Assist in the process of documentation.

• Collaborate with team and prepare reports and summaries based on data.

• Collaborate with team members to streamline documentation processes and improve efficiency.

• Any other task assigned by the Project Manager, SPPS

Results/Expected Outputs:

The NUNV work will be critical in maintaining and updating the project’s website will ensure accurate and timely content, improving visibility and stakeholder engagement. Effective data management will streamline uploads to the website and dashboards, providing easy access to critical information. Technical support will ensure data security and the smooth operation of digital tools, enhancing overall productivity. Assisting with meetings and events will result in well-organized and accessible records, while collaboration on communication and administrative tasks will promote seamless project operations. Flexibility in handling additional tasks will further contribute to the project’s success.

• Integrity Accountability
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Commitment and Motivation
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Working with teams
• Communication
• Integrity
• Judgement and Decision-making
• Planning and Organizing
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity

• Proven experience in creating, maintaining, and organizing documentation ensuring accuracy

• Ability to compile comprehensive reports and summaries from data

• Demonstrated strong analytical and writing skills.

• Experience in communicating with team members and stakeholders to gather necessary information, ensuring clarity and precision in documentation.

• Experience in organizing and managing documentation repositories

• Previous experience with UN is preferred

Dhaka is located in central Bangladesh along the Buriganga River. Not only is it the capital city, but it is also the largest in the country. It is the centre of political, cultural, and economic life in Bangladesh. The official language is Bengali, while English is the working language of UN Agencies. In recent decades, Dhaka has seen the modernization of services, communications, and public works. The city is attracting large foreign investments and greater volumes of commerce and trade. It is also experiencing an increasing influx of people from across the nation; this has reportedly made Dhaka one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Good English-speaking medical, dental services, and educational centres are available for internationals. Dhaka is connected to other cities by rail, road, and by air and internationals can move easily from one city to another.

Dhaka has venerable green spaces, including many gardens and parks, historical places, and nice restaurants. The weather is tropical – hot and very humid during the summer monsoon season (April-September) and drier and cooler in the winter (October-March).

Historically, Bangladesh has been a safe country for internationals so far. While Dhaka is not categorized as a hardship station, the volunteer should be prepared for limitations in freedom of movement on foot, by public transport, and to certain locations.