UNDP is offering a six-month National UN Volunteer opportunity in New Delhi for students interested in SDG research, documentation, data analysis and sustainable development.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is offering a Research & Documentation Associate – SDG Acceleration and Finance opportunity in New Delhi, India.
The six-month, full-time National UN Volunteer assignment supports UNDP India’s SDG Acceleration and Finance Unit through research, documentation, data organisation, knowledge management and stakeholder engagement.
Opportunity Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | UNDP |
| Opportunity | Research & Documentation Associate – SDG Acceleration and Finance |
| Location | New Delhi, India |
| Assignment type | National UN Volunteer |
| Volunteer category | Associate UCoS |
| Work arrangement | Onsite |
| Schedule | Full-time |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Expected start date | December 1, 2026 |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree, currently enrolled |
| Required experience | 1 month |
| Required language | Fluent English |
| Desirable language | Working knowledge of Hindi |
| Monthly VLA | INR 56,126.74 |
| Application deadline | October 16, 2026 at 02:00 |
What the UNDP Assignment Involves
The UN Associate Volunteer will support the SDG Acceleration and Finance Unit with research, documentation and knowledge-management activities.
The role is designed to provide a university student with practical exposure to development programming within the UN system while contributing to research and programme materials.
Research and Data
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting desk research on the Sustainable Development Goals and SDG localisation.
- Researching sustainable development policies, programmes and emerging priorities in India.
- Collecting and organising reports, studies, policies and publications.
- Supporting basic collection, organisation and analysis of SDG-related data and indicators.
- Identifying good practices and development initiatives.
Knowledge Products
The volunteer will contribute to research notes, background materials, briefs, factsheets, presentations and other programme-related outputs.
The role also includes maintaining organised knowledge repositories and supporting reports, progress updates and concept notes.
Meetings and Stakeholder Engagement
The assignment includes supporting meetings, consultations, workshops and stakeholder engagements through preparation of background materials, presentations and meeting notes, as well as tracking follow-up actions.
Eligibility
There is a specific eligibility condition for this assignment.
The vacancy states that it is funded by the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and therefore only students currently enrolled at KIIT University are eligible to apply. Students from Scheduled Tribes communities are especially encouraged to apply.
Candidates must also be a national, legal resident or refugee in the country of assignment.
Education Requirements
Applicants must currently be enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, including:
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Public Policy
- Social Sciences
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Statistics
- Data Science
- Journalism
- Mass Communication
- Business Administration
- Rural Management
Other relevant fields may also qualify.
Skills and Experience
The vacancy highlights interest or experience in:
- Sustainable development and the SDGs.
- Public policy and development programmes.
- Research and documentation.
- Data analysis.
- Communications.
- Academic or project-based outputs.
- Volunteering, internships or student research.
Useful skills include desk research, information synthesis, writing and editing, basic data analysis, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, presentation preparation, organisation and attention to detail.
Language Requirements
English: Fluent and required.
Hindi: Working knowledge is desirable.
Volunteer Allowance and Benefits
The assignment provides:
- Monthly Voluntary Living Allowance: INR 56,126.74.
- Entry lump sum: USD 350 equivalent in INR.
- Relocation costs: $175 at the beginning and end if the duty station is outside commuting distance, as determined by UNV.
- Exit allowance: $120 for each month served upon successful completion.
- Comprehensive health, life and malicious-acts insurance.
- Annual leave of 2.5 days per month.
- Access to UNV learning and career-development resources.
The vacancy lists the assignment as fully funded. However, the National UN Volunteer is responsible for arranging their own housing and other living essentials.
Duty Station
The assignment is based at the UNDP India Country Office in New Delhi and is primarily office-based.
The expected start date is December 1, 2026, and the assignment lasts six months.
Application Deadline
The deadline is:
October 16, 2026 at 02:00.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official United Nations Volunteers platform.
Search for Research & Documentation Associate – SDG Acceleration and Finance under UNDP in India.
Application Tips
Eligible KIIT students should highlight:
- Current KIIT University enrollment.
- Their relevant degree and academic background.
- Research or data-analysis experience.
- Writing, documentation and presentation skills.
- Knowledge of the SDGs or sustainable development.
- Microsoft Office proficiency.
- Volunteer, internship or student-research experience.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UNDP Research and Documentation Associate opportunity?
It is a six-month National UN Volunteer assignment supporting UNDP India’s SDG Acceleration and Finance Unit.
Where is the opportunity located?
The position is based in New Delhi, India.
Who can apply?
Only students currently enrolled at KIIT University are eligible because the assignment is funded by KIIT.
What degree is required?
Applicants must currently be enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Development Studies, Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, Statistics or Data Science.
How much is the monthly allowance?
The Monthly Voluntary Living Allowance is INR 56,126.74.
Is Hindi required?
No. Fluent English is required, while working knowledge of Hindi is desirable.
How long is the assignment?
The assignment lasts six months.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is October 16, 2026 at 02:00.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This UNDP assignment combines SDG research, documentation, data analysis, knowledge management and development programming. The most important eligibility condition is that applicants must currently be KIIT University students.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed is sharing this opportunity for informational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with UNDP, UNV or KIIT University and do not recruit applicants on their behalf.
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