[country or region] Human Development Report [tentative year]:
[working title: state the theme]
[date of circulation]
The authors of a national or regional Human Development Report hold a position that is key to the success of the report because they are charged with ensuring the quality of the logical framework, the soundness of the analysis and the accuracy and appropriateness of the accompanying data. The authors should therefore also be able to help guide the national or regional report team in data collection and the measurement of development indicators. Obviously, the authors must be experts in the disciplines associated with the theme and the related issues. The theme of this HDR is [theme]. Moreover, the authors should carry out these responsibilities with an eye to the effectiveness of the advocacy effort and follow-up after the launch of the report. The authors should likewise be prepared to provide advise to the core report team in the development and implementation of an efficient media and communications strategy in pursuit of this advocacy.
1. Position information
Job title: [name of the discipline] expert author
Department: [lead unit in the UNDP Country Office, Regional Bureau, or Regional Centre]
Activity: [country or region] Human Development Report [year]: [theme]
Supervising team member: HDR team leader or lead author
Time-frame: [expected duration of contract]
Contract: special service agreement
2. Organizational context
Under the direct supervision of the team leader or the lead author, the [name of the discipline] expert author is in charge of the preparation of [number of the HDR chapter(s) or the subject of the requested background paper(s)] according to the attached concept note. The expert author will also work in close collaboration with the institutional focal point — usually located in the UNDP Country Office, Regional Bureau, or Regional Centre — and the national report team. The author will provide assessments and recommendations on the theme and related issues in terms of the author’s field of discipline and the associated human development dimensions.
3. Functions and expected outcomes
The following are the functions of the HDR author and the outcomes expected from the work of the author:
a. Develop [number of the HDR chapter(s) or the subject of the requested background paper(s)] by presenting and assessing relevant achievements and obstacles and the current situation in the country or region based on the latest available data. This work should reflect an awareness of HDR standards in terms of quality. Wherever possible, there should also be a focus on human development considerations, including gender and inequality issues.
b. Supply a complete list of data sources and bibliographic references.
c. Rely on consultation and other participatory approaches involving colleagues and local stakeholders, including in the collection of new data and qualitative information to fill knowledge gaps. Ensure consistency in the logical links among the various contributions to the final product that relate to the author’s field of expertise.
d. Participate in brainstorming sessions and other efforts to establish an appropriate methodological approach in the preparation of the report. Help define the final structure of the report.
e. Provide well-documented recommendations based on the particular analysis relevant to the author’s field of expertise. The recommendations should be directed at national or regional stakeholders and regional and international partners. Contribute to the identification of general conclusions and recommendations for the report.
f. Participate in the launch of the report and other follow-up events to address media inquiries and public requests for information about relevant report findings. Contribute to the development of the media and communications strategy and the efforts at outreach and advocacy that are to be undertaken following the launch.
4. Recruitment qualifications
a. Education: a recognized degree, preferably a Ph.D., in the area of expertise
b. Language requirements: excellent command of [the language of the report]; proficiency is desirable also in English or French and in [name of the major national or regional language]
c. Experience: at least 10 years of relevant experience in academia or research in the area of expertise
The author should also have demonstrated the following:
