The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking a Research Associate to support a major climate action and land restoration project in New Delhi, India. The opportunity is offered through the UN Volunteers (UNV) programme and is ideal for professionals with experience in research, environmental science, agriculture, forestry, statistics, climate change or natural resource management.
The assignment is a 12-month, full-time, on-site national UN Volunteer opportunity, with the possibility of extension subject to funding, operational requirements and satisfactory performance.
🌍 UNDP Research Associate Opportunity
The Research Associate will support the implementation of UNDP’s Sustainable Management and Restoration of Degraded Landscapes for Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) in India project.
The project works toward restoring degraded agricultural, forest and pastoral lands and surface water bodies while supporting biodiversity conservation, climate action, carbon sequestration and sustainable land management.
The successful candidate will work with the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) National Project Management Unit and collaborate with UNDP, government institutions, technical agencies and other development partners.
📌 Job Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Research Associate |
| Organization | UNDP |
| Programme | UN Volunteers |
| Location | New Delhi, India 🇮🇳 |
| Work Arrangement | On-site |
| Contract Type | National UN Volunteer |
| Volunteer Category | Specialist UCoS |
| Work Schedule | Full-time |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Expected Start Date | 30 September 2026 |
| Number of Positions | 1 |
| Experience Required | At least 3 years |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Languages | Fluent English and working knowledge of Hindi |
| SDG | SDG 13 – Climate Action |
| Application Deadline | 16 September 2026 at 02:00 |
| Duty Station | New Delhi |
🌱 About the Project
The Research Associate will contribute to a UNDP-supported project focused on achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) in India.
The initiative aims to create additional carbon sinks and restore degraded landscapes through ecosystem-based approaches. It focuses on agricultural, forest and pastoral lands as well as surface water bodies.
The project is being implemented in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and contributes to India’s national goal of restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
The project also supports:
- Sustainable land management
- Biodiversity conservation
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation
- Ecosystem and land restoration
- Nature-based livelihoods
- Carbon sequestration
- Land degradation monitoring
- Sustainable development
- Knowledge sharing and South-South cooperation
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💼 Key Responsibilities
The Research Associate will support the National Project Management Unit with research, coordination, documentation, data analysis and project implementation.
Key responsibilities include:
🔎 Research and Analysis
- Collect, analyze and organize project data.
- Conduct research relevant to climate action, environmental management and land restoration.
- Review research literature and extract important findings.
- Prepare technical documents, reports, presentations and publications.
- Provide analytical and technical support to project activities.
📊 Project Monitoring and Reporting
- Support implementation and tracking of project activities.
- Assist with annual work plans and monthly targets.
- Support preparation of annual progress reports and donor reports.
- Assist with project reviews, financial reports and audit-related documentation.
- Identify operational and financial challenges and contribute to developing solutions.
🤝 Coordination
- Coordinate with the National Project Management Unit, UNDP and MoEFCC.
- Work with government and non-governmental organizations.
- Coordinate with technical agencies and project partners.
- Organize and participate in project meetings.
- Prepare meeting agendas and minutes.
- Follow up with partners to ensure timely delivery of project outputs.
📢 Communication and Administration
- Support development and implementation of communication strategies.
- Prepare communication and knowledge-sharing materials.
- Provide logistical support for workshops and meetings.
- Handle routine correspondence and communication.
- Provide administrative and operational support during project implementation.
🎓 Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas or a related discipline:
- Environmental Sciences
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Statistics
- Natural Resource Management
- Climate-related disciplines
- Other relevant subjects
Experience
Applicants need at least three years of relevant experience, particularly in:
- Research
- Documentation
- Data analysis
- Project support
- Environmental programmes
- Related areas
Experience in climate change adaptation and mitigation, agriculture, natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration or land restoration will be an advantage.
🌐 Language Requirements
- English: Fluent
- Hindi: Working knowledge
🌍 Nationality Requirement
Because this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, candidates must be a national, legal resident or recognized refugee in the country of assignment, according to the stated eligibility requirements.
🧠 Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- Excellent analytical skills
- Strong research and writing abilities
- Excellent drafting and reporting skills
- Strong coordination and networking abilities
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to synthesize research and communicate key findings
- Good organizational and planning skills
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to meet tight deadlines
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Professionalism and integrity
- Commitment to continuous learning
- Ability to work effectively in multicultural teams
- Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Word and Excel
- Familiarity with databases and digital office tools
Experience working with government institutions, development organizations, communities or other stakeholders is an added advantage.
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💰 UN Volunteer Allowances and Benefits
The assignment includes several UN Volunteer entitlements.
Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance
The stated Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is INR 70,158.41.
This allowance is intended to help cover housing, utilities and normal living expenses.
Other Entitlements
The assignment also provides:
- Entry lump sum: USD 350 equivalent in INR
- Relocation support: USD 175 at the beginning and end where applicable
- Exit allowance: USD 120 for each month served, payable upon successful completion
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Permanent disability coverage
- Coverage for malicious acts
- Health insurance for up to three dependents, subject to applicable conditions
- Annual leave: 2.5 days per month
- Access to UNV learning and career development resources
The exact application of allowances and benefits is governed by the applicable UNV Conditions of Service.
📅 Important Dates
Application Deadline: 16 September 2026 at 02:00
Expected Start Date: 30 September 2026
Assignment Duration: 12 months
The assignment may be extended depending on funding availability, operational requirements and satisfactory performance. However, there is no guarantee of renewal.
👩💻 Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is particularly suitable for professionals interested in:
- 🌱 Environmental Science
- 🌍 Climate Change
- 🌳 Forestry
- 🌾 Agriculture
- 🦋 Biodiversity Conservation
- 💧 Natural Resource Management
- 📊 Research and Data Analysis
- ♻️ Ecosystem Restoration
- 🌎 Sustainable Development
- 📑 Project Management
- 🏛️ Environmental Policy
- 🌿 Land Degradation Neutrality
It could be an excellent opportunity for someone looking to strengthen their experience in international development, environmental policy, climate action and sustainable development.
📝 How to Apply for the UNDP Research Associate Position
Interested candidates should apply through the official UN Volunteer recruitment platform.
Step 1: Review the Vacancy
Read the complete assignment description and confirm that you meet the nationality, education, experience and language requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application
Update your CV and ensure that your research, environmental, project coordination and analytical experience is clearly presented.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Complete the online UNV application and submit all required information before the deadline.
Step 4: Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed, and candidates who meet the requirements may be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process.
⚠️ Important Information
This is a National UN Volunteer assignment in India, meaning the successful candidate is responsible for arranging their own housing and other living essentials in New Delhi.
The contract is for 12 months, with possible extension subject to funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance.
Candidates should carefully review the official vacancy information and UNV Conditions of Service before applying.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a UNDP job?
The assignment supports UNDP’s project in India and is recruited through the UN Volunteers programme as a National Specialist UN Volunteer assignment.
Where is the Research Associate position based?
The position is based on-site in New Delhi, India.
How long is the assignment?
The initial assignment is for 12 months, starting around 30 September 2026, with possible extension.
What qualification is required?
Applicants need a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Agriculture, Forestry, Statistics or another related field.
How much experience is required?
At least three years of relevant experience in research, documentation or related areas is required.
What languages are required?
Fluent English and working knowledge of Hindi are required.
What is the monthly allowance?
The stated Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance is INR 70,158.41.
What is the application deadline?
The advertisement closes on 16 September 2026 at 02:00.
🚀 Apply Now
Are you passionate about climate action, environmental sustainability, biodiversity, research and international development?
This UNDP Research Associate opportunity provides a chance to contribute to a major land restoration and climate action project while gaining valuable experience within the UN development system.
Review the eligibility requirements, prepare your application and submit it before the deadline.
🔗 Official Application
Apply through the UN Volunteers recruitment platform and review the complete assignment details, eligibility requirements and conditions of service before submitting your application.
Click to Apply
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