Research and Programme Support

UN-Habitat is the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future. It promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat India works closely with national, state, and local governments, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners to support sustainable urbanization, housing, climate resilience, urban governance, and inclusive development initiatives across the country. As part of its programme development and knowledge support activities, UN-Habitat India is undertaking research and analytical work to strengthen project design, monitoring frameworks, and evidence-based planning approaches, including development of Theory of Change frameworks for ongoing and proposed initiatives.

UN-Habitat India is supporting programmes and initiatives related to sustainable housing, urban development, climate resilience, and inclusive urban governance. To strengthen programme planning and impact assessment, there is a need for structured research and analytical support for the development of Theory of Change (ToC) frameworks and related knowledge products. The Online Volunteer will support research, literature review, documentation, and analytical inputs for the preparation and refinement of Theory of Change frameworks and associated programme documentation.

The 2 Online Volunteers will work under the supervision of the designated UN-Habitat focal point and will support the following tasks: (i) Research and Analytical Support - Conduct literature review and background research related to housing, urban development, climate resilience, sustainable urbanization and other relevant topics using government reports, policy documents, and publications from organizations such as NITI Aayog, MoHUA, NIUA, the United Nations, World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB). - Support compilation and analysis of secondary data, policy documents, case studies, and programme reports. - Assist in identifying key outcomes, outputs, indicators, assumptions, and pathways for Theory of Change frameworks. - Support preparation of concept notes, background briefs, and analytical summaries. (ii) Theory of Change Development Support - Develop funder-facing documents based on identified Theory of Change - Assist in documenting stakeholder inputs and programme objectives - Support preparation of visual and narrative components of Theory of Change frameworks. - Assist in organizing and synthesizing research findings into structured formats. - Contribute to drafting and reviewing programme-related knowledge products and documentation. (iii) Documentation and Coordination - Support preparation of presentations, summaries, and meeting notes related to programme planning exercises. - Assist in maintaining organized records of research materials and references. - Coordinate virtually with programme teams and research stakeholders, as required. - Undertake any other related research, analytical, documentation, or project support tasks as required by the programme team in support of ongoing activities and initiatives. Kindly note that: - More details on the work distribution and details of tasks will be shared with the Online Volunteers during a virtual orientation call. - Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.