Research Analyst

The Research Analyst will conduct comprehensive research and analysis on policy innovation and systems transformation in Thailand. The role involves leading policy experiments, developing knowledge products, and facilitating stakeholder engagement to support the Thailand Policy Lab's objectives in accelerating innovation in public policy and services.

Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive research initiatives on complex policy issues spanning multiple domains, applying advanced data analysis techniques and policy innovation tools to generate evidence-based recommendations.
• Serve as Task Manager for assigned policy pillars, coordinating cross-functional teams throughout the policy development lifecycle.
• Lead the research, design and implementation of policy experiments through the Thailand Policy Lab, utilizing innovative methodologies for testing solutions to complex challenges.
• Develop high-quality research papers, policy briefs, and technical reports that effectively translate complex information into clear, actionable recommendations for stakeholders.
• Systematically lead, document and analyze research results from policy experiments, creating structured reflection opportunities and meaningful, sharable lessons.
• Lead consultations, workshops, and policy dialogues with diverse stakeholders using participatory design principles and inclusive facilitation standards.
• Share insights and learnings from Thailand Policy Lab experiments with UNDP's broader network and external audiences.
• Develop compelling knowledge products, findings, and knowledge exchange events.
• Cultivate strategic relationships with relevant institutions while coordinating collaborative policy initiatives with external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Public Policy, Public Administration, Data Science, Law, Research, Economics, or related disciplines is required, or a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Minimum 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in public policy public sector development and qualitative and quantitative research, preparing analytical reports and policy briefs, and engaging with government counterparts.
• Proven experience in working with governments or international organizations on policy or policy innovation.
• Demonstrated experience in innovative approached in development work.
• Extensive experience of coordinating international and multi-sector stakeholders including private, public and the civil sectors partners.
• Experience on Public Policy and/or Public Sector Innovation.
• Experience in public sector systems.
• Desirable: Experience in UNDP or the UN System.
• Desirable: Experience in working in or with similar policy innovation setting.
• Desirable: Working experience in government sector, Public policy process, Public policy systems, Policy planning, Public sector innovation strategies, Research and data analysis, public innovation units or cross-sector collaboration.
• Desirable: Demonstrated proven experience in Deep Research and data analytics.
• Desirable: Experience in Policy innovation and Innovation tools training and implementation (System thinking, Foresight, Humanistic Approaches, etc.).

Skills

• Policy Analysis
• Qualitative Research
• Quantitative Research
• Policy Brief Writing
• Stakeholder Coordination
• Public Sector Development
• Policy Innovation
• Government Engagement
• Data Analysis
• Research and Reporting
• Systems Transformation
• Policy experimentation
• Knowledge Product Development
• Cross-sector Collaboration
• Public Sector Systems
• Policy Planning and Implementation
• Innovation Tools Implementation
• Systems Thinking
• Foresight
• Humanistic Approaches

Languages

English, Thai