Attention! Please note that this is an Online Volunteering assignment. It's a short-term, task-based and non-contractual remote assignment; Online Volunteers are not UN Volunteers and do not receive any allowance or entitlements as part of the Online Volunteer assignment but receive a certificate of appreciation after successful completion. In addition, UNV is not involved in the selection process or collaboration.
General
Description of assignment title
Desk Based Research and Analysis Support for UNDP
Assignment country
Thailand
Sustainable Development Goal
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
Host entity
UNDP Youth Empowerment Portfolio in Asia and the Pacific (YEP-AP)
Modality
Online
For how many hours per week will the volunteer be required?
11 - 15 hours per week
Number of Assignments
4
Duration
4 weeks
Advertisement end date
2026-10-02
Details
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.
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 type
Research data gathering
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.
Assignment requirements
Required 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.
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Other information
Volunteerism
Volunteerism is understood as a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good, for which monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy
Scam warning
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
Background or interest in governance, civic engagement, youth participation, or international development; familiarity with Asia-Pacific; strong desk research skills; proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets; fluent English; ability to work independently.
Key Responsibilities
- conducting desk research
- collecting and organizing data
- analyzing information
Skills & Tools
Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets
Job Details
- Category: Research and Development (R&D)
- Seniority: No Prior Experience Required
- Commitment: Volunteer
- Workplace: Remote — Thailand
- Languages: English
About United Nations Volunteers
A United Nations programme that mobilizes volunteers for development and peace. — Industry: Non-Profit Organizations and NGOs