Junior Research & Project Support Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) has been operational in Bangladesh since 2003, with a formal representation established in 201

• The organization aims to provide substantial support to the Government of Bangladesh and other clients in various areas, focusing on a Resilient Infrastructure Approach, Program & Project Management, Fund Management, Procurement, Human Resources, and Financial Management. UNOPS emphasizes building national capacities and improving community resilience to contribute to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The position of Junior Research & Project Support Consultant is integral to the 'Transforming the Built Environment through Sustainable Materials' project, which aims to promote circularity, low-carbon materials, and sustainable construction practices in Bangladesh. The consultant will work closely with various national stakeholders, including the Housing & Building Research Institute (HBRI), Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), Public Works Department (PWD), and Local Government Engineering Department (LGED). The role involves assisting technical experts, supporting research led by HBRI, and contributing to the drafting, reporting, and coordination of project events and engagements. The consultant will be expected to provide research and technical support, write reports and documentation, assist in project coordination, and offer administrative support to ensure the smooth execution of project activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Junior Research & Project Support Consultant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Research & Technical Support: Assisting HBRI in conducting studies related to green building certification, low-carbon construction materials, energy modeling, lifecycle carbon analysis, and literature reviews. This includes primary and secondary data collection, drafting research summaries, and analytical notes.
• Writing Report & Documentation: Contributing to the drafting and editing of technical reports, policy briefs, project briefs, and presentations.
• Presentation & Communication Support: Developing high-quality presentations and infographics, preparing articles and event briefs for communication and outreach.
• Project Coordination & Event Support: Assisting in planning and organizing workshops, seminars, and stakeholder meetings, providing logistical support, and maintaining comprehensive documentation.
• Administrative & Project Support: Maintaining filing systems, tracking deliverables, and supporting procurement and administrative preparations. The consultant will also monitor project deadlines and assist the team in managing multiple priorities.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess strong research and analytical skills, excellent writing and communication abilities, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Familiarity with sustainable construction practices and low-carbon materials is highly desirable. The candidate should also demonstrate accountability, planning and organizing skills, teamwork, creativity, professionalism, and adaptability.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as environmental science, civil engineering, architecture, or a related discipline is required. A master's degree would be an advantage, particularly in areas related to sustainability or project management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 1-2 years of relevant experience in research, project support, or a related field. Experience working with international organizations or in the context of sustainable development projects would be beneficial. Familiarity with the construction industry and knowledge of building codes and standards is also advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in Bengali is mandatory, while proficiency in English is essential as it is the working language of UN agencies. Knowledge of additional languages would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a volunteer role under the UN system, and it may involve a commitment to work full-time. The consultant will be expected to work in Dhaka, which is the capital city of Bangladesh. The living conditions in Dhaka are generally favorable for expatriates, with access to good medical and educational facilities. However, the consultant should be prepared for certain limitations in mobility and should familiarize themselves with the local context. The UN Volunteer Conditions of Service provide further details on entitlements and benefits.