Background
Bangladesh is undergoing a historic political transition following the August 2024 uprising and the formation of an Interim Government (IG) committed to advancing critical reforms in governance, accountability, and the rule of law. At the heart of this transition are inclusive and credible elections that will restore democratic governance and public trust. In response to a formal request from the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) and a UN Needs Assessment Mission, UNDP Bangladesh developed the BALLOT project to support this democratic renewal.ย
ย The BALLOT is a three-year initiative designed to strengthen the institutional, technical, and operational capacities of the BEC; create an enabling electoral environment; and promote long-term governance resilience and reform. The project aligns with national priorities, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and UNDPโs Country Programme Document (CPD) Outcome 3.ย
ย The project is structured in two phases. Phase I (Jan 2025 โ Jun 2026) focuses on immediate election support through voter registration updates, civic education, strategic communication, and capacity-building for BEC staff and stakeholders. It also includes piloting out-of-country voting (OCV) and combating election-related misinformation and gender-based violence. Phase II (Jul 2026 โ Dec 2027) aims to institutionalize reforms and strengthen governance mechanisms by expanding regional voter education centers, formalizing stakeholder dialogues, and upgrading electoral infrastructure like Upazila offices.ย
ย The BALLOT places strong emphasis on inclusion, gender equality, youth engagement, and digital innovation. Key tools like the iParticipate and eMonitor+ platforms will support voter education and disinformation management. The project also promotes South-South cooperation, sustainable policy reform, and long-term civic engagement through the Electoral Training Institute (ETI) and the Womenโs Leadership Academy.ย
ย By fostering inclusive, transparent, and peaceful electoral processes, the BALLOT will contribute to building a more accountable, participatory, and resilient democratic system in Bangladesh.ย
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor in coordination with the UNDP Gender Analyst and Senior Governance Specialist, the Project Analyst (Gender) will provide comprehensive assistanceย toย entrench inclusiveness principles at all levels including civic/voter education, candidate nomination and electoral campaigns during, pre-election, and post elections periods, in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders.ย
She/He willย perform the following duties and responsibilities in collaboration with the UNDP and BEC:
Extend advice on gender issues to be taken into consideration when designing and implementing the various components of the BEC capacity and needs assessments and planning; Design and implement activities that build awareness amongst relevant stakeholders on challenges facing womenโs participation in elections; Provide advice to the BEC on international best practices, legal and international human rights and equal opportunity standards that reflect gender equity principles and practices; Design and deliver trainings aiming to increase the capacity of BEC and civil society organizations promoting womenโs participation; Collect and analyze data on women in the electoral process; Ensure coordination, detailed planning, implementation and reporting for all gender activities; Support and advice media campaigns using messaging that promotes peaceful elections, security and safety for women candidates and voters through various communication channels; Support documentation of contribution of women to promoting free, fair and peaceful elections; Contribution to regular reporting and documents that reflect full participation of women in decision-making, knowledge sharing in line with international best practices and norms; Any additional responsibility provided by CTA.Impact of Results
The Project Analyst (Gender) is expected to have a positive impact on the electoral processes of Bangladesh. In particular, on the delivery of BECsโ capacity to plan, develop and implement its policies and activities making the electoral processes effective through gender and following the principles of inclusiveness.
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4.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Institutional Arrangementย ย
The Project Analyst (Gender) will work under the overall guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) of the BALLOT project and in close coordination with the UNDP Gender Analyst. Any other related activities as assigned by the Project Manager and UNDP Programme Analyst/ UNDP management. The Chief Technical Advisor will be the contract administrator for the assignment and will supervise the activities, evaluate the performance, and approve the deliverables of the Project Analyst (Gender).ย ย ย
Competencies
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies: ย
Thematic Area ย ย ย ย Name ย ย ย ย Definitionย
2030 Agenda: Engagement and Effectiveness ย ย ย ย SDG Integration ย ย ย ย Knowledge of electoral assistance and democratic governance as enablers of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions) and ability to contribute to inclusive, transparent, and accountable processes.ย
2030 Agenda: Engagement and Effectiveness ย ย ย ย SDG Integration ย ย ย ย Familiarity with participatory platforms for democratic transitions, civic education, and stakeholder dialogues aligned with global goals.ย
2030 Agenda: Prosperity ย ย ย ย Inclusive Growth ย ย ย ย Understanding of the role of inclusive political processes and civil participation in driving long-term governance reform and institutional development.ย
Business Direction and Strategy ย ย ย ย Effective Decision Making ย ย ย ย Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with oneโs authority, area of expertise and resourcesย
Business Development ย ย ย ย Knowledge Facilitation ย ย ย ย Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated needย
Business Development ย ย ย ย Knowledge Facilitation ย ย ย ย Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externallyย
Business management ย ย ย ย Partnershipsย
Management ย ย ย ย Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policiesย
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Cross-Functional & Technical competencies: ย
Core Behavioral Competenciesย
Achieve Results:ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively:ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvementsย
Learn Continuously:ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility:ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexibleย
Act with Determination: ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner:ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Required Skills and Experience
Min. Education requirements:
ย Advanced University Degree (masterโs degree or equivalent) in Gender Studies, Political or Social Sciences, Development Studies, or any other related discipline is required. or A first-level university degree (bachelorโs degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.ย
Min. years of relevant work experience:
ย ย Minimum 2 years of progressively relevant professional experience in the area of gender equality and womenโs empowermentยย
Required skills ย ย ย ย ย
At least 2 years of practical working experience in gender inclusivity and women empowerment in governance sector of Bangladesh.ย Promotes values and ethical standards (tolerance, integrity, respect, results orientation, impartiality);ย Experience in capacity building on gender equality and women empowermentย
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section :
Proven experience in leading gender analysis, develop gender-sensitive policies, gender strategy formulation, gender action planning. Experience working with diverse range of partners, international and domestic NGOs, government and private sector institutions. Skills in drafting periodic results reports for development partnersย Experience in organizing events (training, conference, workshop etc). Prior experience working on electoral projects is considered an asset.ยRequired Language(s):
Fluency in English and Bangla is required. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilitiesยย
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.ย
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.ย
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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