Research Consultant for Predictive Poverty Mapping and Policy in Brazil

Job Posting Organization:
The Human Development Report Office (HDRO) is a part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and is dedicated to advancing human development. Established to promote innovative ideas and advocate for practical policy changes, HDRO aims to expand opportunities, choices, and freedoms for individuals globally. The office operates independently within the UN system, allowing it to challenge prevailing narratives and explore frontier issues in human development. HDRO collaborates with multi-stakeholder partners worldwide to achieve its goals through research, data analysis, outreach, and advocacy work. The organization is involved in various initiatives, including the development of a Global Innovation Lab on Human Development, which focuses on new analytical approaches to understanding human development challenges, particularly in the context of rapid technological and environmental changes. HDRO's mission is to contribute to the 21st-century Human Development agenda, particularly in areas such as poverty, climate change, and technological transition, making it a pivotal player in the global discourse on human development.

Job Overview:
The Research Consultant for Predictive Poverty Mapping and Policy in Brazil will play a crucial role in advancing the objectives of the Human Development Report Office (HDRO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Brazil. This consultancy focuses on neighborhood-scale demographic analysis in Brazil, where poverty levels can vary significantly across and within municipalities. The primary goal of this position is to provide technical assistance to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) in developing new methodologies for calculating human development indicators that align with the contemporary Human Development agenda. The consultant will engage in innovative research that combines geospatial data and artificial intelligence to create indicators that address emerging development challenges. This role will involve downscaling development indicator estimates at the city-block level, particularly in cities like Rio de Janeiro and Recife, and informing predictive policies related to poverty, climate, and demographic changes. The consultant is expected to contribute to the development of granular diagnostics that will inform targeted municipal poverty reduction policies, thereby making a meaningful impact on human development in Brazil.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Research Consultant include:

• Conducting detailed demographic analysis at the neighborhood level to understand poverty dynamics across municipalities in Brazil.
• Collaborating with HDRO and UNDP-Brazil to develop innovative methodologies for calculating human development indicators.
• Assisting the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) in implementing new approaches for data-driven public policy formulation.
• Engaging with thematic experts to identify research frontiers and emerging challenges in human development.
• Utilizing geospatial data and machine learning techniques to construct high-resolution estimates of human development indicators.
• Informing predictive policies that address poverty, climate change, and technological transitions.
• Preparing reports and presentations that communicate research findings and policy recommendations to stakeholders.
• Participating in meetings and workshops to discuss research progress and gather feedback from experts and policymakers.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Research Consultant position should possess the following qualifications:

• A strong background in social sciences, economics, or a related field with a focus on human development.
• Proven experience in quantitative research methodologies, particularly in demographic analysis and spatial data analysis.
• Familiarity with machine learning techniques and their application in social research.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets and translate findings into actionable policy recommendations.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present research findings to diverse audiences.
• Experience working with governmental or international organizations, particularly in the context of development policy.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have at least a Master's degree in social sciences, economics, statistics, or a related field. A Ph.D. is preferred but not mandatory. Relevant coursework or training in quantitative research methods, data analysis, and human development indicators will be considered an asset.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in research, particularly in the fields of human development, poverty analysis, or social policy. Experience working with geospatial data and predictive modeling is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of conducting independent research and contributing to policy development in a relevant context.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory, as the consultant will be working primarily in Brazil. Proficiency in English is also required, as the consultant will need to communicate findings and collaborate with international stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly Spanish, is considered a plus.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is expected to last for a period of 4 months. The position is classified as an individual contractor role, and the consultant will be expected to submit proposals directly through the UNDP supplier portal. The deadline for proposal submission is set for August 4, 2026, at 12:30 PM New York time. The consultant will work remotely but may be required to engage with local stakeholders in Brazil as needed. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the selection process.