The United Nations is hiring a research assistant. Apply Now

• Job Opening
• Job Opening ID: 246054
• Job Network : Economic, Social and Development
• Job Family : Social Affairs
• Category and Level : General Service and Related Categories, G-6
  Duty Station : GENEVA
• Department/Office : United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
• Date Posted : Oct 29, 2024
• Deadline : Nov 27, 2024

The position is located in Trading Systems, Services and Creative Economy Branch of the Division on International Trade and Commodities, United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Research Assistant works under the direct supervision of the Head of the Branch.

Responsibilities

A research-based job at the United Nations (UN) typically involves a variety of responsibilities focused on gathering, analyzing, and disseminating information to support the UN’s goals and policies. Here are the key responsibilities for a research role within the UN:

1. Conducting Research and Analysis

• Data Collection: Gather qualitative and quantitative data on specific global issues, such as human rights, climate change, poverty, conflict resolution, and sustainable development.
• Literature Review: Review academic papers, reports, governmental and non-governmental publications, and other sources to identify trends, gaps, and insights related to the research topic.
• Policy Analysis: Analyze current policies, frameworks, and initiatives within the UN system and member states to assess their impact and effectiveness.
• Comparative Analysis: Conduct cross-country or regional comparisons to identify best practices and successful interventions.

2. Reporting and Documentation

• Preparation of Reports: Prepare clear, concise, and well-structured reports, briefs, and presentations that summarize research findings and their implications.
• Publishing Research Findings: Contribute to the creation of official UN publications, policy papers, and research documents.
• Data Visualization: Create charts, graphs, and infographics to visually represent research findings for easier understanding by diverse audiences.

3. Advisory and Support

• Policy Recommendations: Provide evidence-based policy recommendations to decision-makers in the UN and other international bodies.
• Advisory Role: Advise senior officials, diplomats, and other stakeholders on the implications of research findings for ongoing programs and projects.
• Technical Support: Assist in the development and implementation of research methodologies, ensuring that they align with UN guidelines and standards.

4. Collaboration and Networking

• Collaboration with Experts: Work closely with subject matter experts, academic institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and other UN bodies to enhance the quality and reach of research efforts.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with stakeholders, including civil society, governmental representatives, and private sector entities, to gather input and ensure the relevance of research.
• Workshops and Conferences: Organize or participate in international conferences, workshops, and panels to share findings and collaborate with other researchers and policymakers.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Tracking Progress: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of UN programs, initiatives, and projects using research methods to assess progress toward development goals (e.g., SDGs).
• Impact Assessment: Conduct impact assessments of UN activities and interventions to ensure alignment with international standards and intended outcomes.

6. Technical Writing and Communication

• Scientific Writing: Write in-depth, technical documents and articles for academic journals, reports for UN bodies, and briefings for policymakers.
• Public Engagement: Contribute to outreach efforts, including writing articles, blogs, and social media posts to inform the public and relevant stakeholders about research findings.
• Translation and Dissemination: Ensure that research findings are accessible to a wide range of audiences, including translating technical language into policy-relevant formats.

7. Project Management

• Research Planning: Plan and manage research projects, including defining objectives, timelines, and deliverables.
• Resource Allocation: Coordinate with colleagues and allocate resources effectively to ensure timely completion of research objectives.
• Grant Writing: Assist in identifying funding opportunities and preparing proposals for research grants.

8. Advancing Knowledge

• Innovative Methodologies: Stay up-to-date on the latest research methodologies, technologies, and trends in the field of study.
• Cross-Disciplinary Research: Engage in interdisciplinary research that crosses areas such as economics, law, international relations, environmental science, and technology.

9. Ethical and Legal Compliance

• Ethical Research Practices: Ensure that research is conducted ethically and adheres to the UN’s guidelines on research ethics and human rights.
• Confidentiality: Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information, especially when dealing with politically or socially sensitive topics.

10. Continuous Learning and Professional Development

• Training and Workshops: Participate in training programs, workshops, and seminars to enhance research skills and knowledge of the UN system.
• Keeping Up-to-Date: Continuously monitor developments in global issues and UN policies to maintain relevance in research.

These responsibilities can vary depending on the specific UN agency or office, such as the UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Environment Programme (UNEP), or the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), but they generally involve these key tasks.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in Trading Systems, Services and Creative Economy Branch of the Division on International Trade and Commodities, United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Research Assistant works under the direct supervision of the Head of the Branch.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of research methodologies, data collection and maintenance. Ability to identify, extract, analyse and format data from a wide variety of standard and non-standard sources. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

• Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

Training in trade statistics or data analytics is desirable.

Work Experience

Seven (7) years of experience in collecting and researching data across various areas of social and economic development or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in analyzing trade data and statistics as inputs to assessment papers, studies, briefs and reports is desirable.

APPLY FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE