Vacancy Alert: UNDP is Hiring a Human Development Specialist (Home-Based, IPSA-11)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Location: Kabul, Afghanistan (remote-based)
Contract Type: International Personnel Services Agreement
Duration: 3 months
Agency: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Application Deadline: 13 October 2025, 05:59 AM (Kabul time)
Language Requirement: English
Posting Date: 5 October 2025

Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global leader in the fight against poverty, inequality, and climate change, working across 170 countries to support sustainable development. In Afghanistan, UNDP has a long-standing presence, delivering results across areas such as governance, health, climate resilience, gender equality, livelihoods, and rule of law.

In the aftermath of the 2021 political shift, Afghanistan remains in a fragile state. The majority of the population faces extreme vulnerabilities, with high rates of food insecurity and limited access to services. Climate-induced disasters like floods and droughts continue to threaten livelihoods. In response, UNDP has been working to design and implement programming aimed at creating income opportunities, strengthening resilience, and ensuring inclusive access to basic services.

The Policy, Innovation and Knowledge Unit (PIKU) is a key pillar of UNDP Afghanistan, responsible for producing forward-looking analysis and evidence-based policy recommendations. PIKU collaborates closely with internal and external partners to shape innovative development strategies, often through the use of data modelling, scenario analysis, and research-based tools.

Role Overview

UNDP Afghanistan seeks to recruit a Human Development Specialist to lead the development of two knowledge products (KPs) focused on the extractive industries sector, updating the findings of the 2020 National Human Development Report (NHDR), titled “Pitfalls and Promise – Minerals Extraction in Afghanistan.”

Working under the supervision of the Head of PIKU and in collaboration with UNDP colleagues and development partners, the Specialist will produce a technical research paper and an accessible policy brief. The outputs are expected to inform policy dialogue, contribute to future programming, and support inclusive, sustainable resource governance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Paper Development

• Update the 2020 NHDR analysis using recent data on the extractive industries sector.
• Review current policy frameworks, regulatory systems, and their alignment with international standards in environmental, social, and human rights.
• Assess biodiversity risks and climate-related impacts in mining zones using secondary data.
• Examine investment trends and revenue pathways, including implications for public expenditure and economic growth.
• Consult with UNDP global teams and technical experts to ensure coherence with international positioning on extractives and sustainable development.
• Submit the paper for peer review and incorporate feedback for final publication.

2. Policy Brief Production

• Translate the findings of the technical paper into a concise, policy-oriented brief.
• Identify and communicate key challenges and opportunities, especially in relation to vulnerable groups, women, and environmental safeguards.
• Formulate recommendations for future programming, including equitable benefit-sharing and inclusive decision-making.
• Ensure the brief is designed for both technical and non-technical audiences and meets publication standards.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Knowledge Dissemination

• Support internal and external communications related to the knowledge products.
• Assist UNDP leadership in using the findings for advocacy, donor engagement, and strategic partnerships.
• Participate in dissemination efforts, including meetings, briefings, or webinars as required.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, environmental management, social sciences, or related disciplines.
• A bachelor’s degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s.
• A PhD or additional postgraduate training in relevant fields is an asset.

Experience

• Minimum of seven years (with Master’s) or nine years (with Bachelor’s) of professional experience in applied economic, social, or environmental research and policy analysis.
• Prior work related to extractive industries or environmental economics in a development context is required.
• Proven authorship of research papers or technical publications.
• Experience in policy advocacy and working with international organizations is desirable.
• Familiarity with Afghanistan or the South Asia region is an advantage.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently on complex assignments and deliver within tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of predictive modelling and environmental safeguards is beneficial.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and policy communication abilities.

Additional Information

UNDP is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo reference checks and are expected to uphold UNDP’s core values of integrity, accountability, and respect for diversity.

No fees are charged at any stage of the recruitment process.

For more details and to apply, visit the official UNDP careers portal.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.