This post is located within the ESCWA Centre for Women (ECW) of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia. The Research Assistant reports directly to the First Social Affairs Officer (Gender) and will be under the overall supervision of the Director of ECW.
Responsibilities
- Participates in the substantive and policy discussions of the Centre as a means of information exchange within the team;
- Assembles and examines basic statistical materials to ensure accuracy, clarity and validity, including socio-economic data on gender related issues;
- Assists in monitoring development/issues on assigned subject areas by researching through multiple sources (ie. relevant databases, the library, archives and internet); researches, compiles and summarizes basic background papers related to gender issues;
- Compiles and drafts the terms of references for consultants/subject matter experts as directed;
- Drafts and compiles progress reports on the Centre's implementation of activities for information and/or review by senior officials;
- Delivers internal presentations related to subjects or areas assigned;
- Attends a variety of meetings to follow discussions, takes notes and prepares executive summaries of meetings;
- Assists in substantive and logistics servicing of meetings (e.g. meeting planning and organization, preparing background documents and reports, maintaining budget, reservations, etc...) including servicing as a troubleshooter during meetings;
- Performs other related work as required.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Ability to research, interpret and analyse a wide variety of data; knowledge of the functions and organization of the work unit, and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units; knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures; demonstrates use of initiative and ability to make appropriate linkages in work requirements; 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; takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspective s and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas 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 the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
- Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in data collection and research.
- Languages: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. Arabic is also a working language of ESCWA. For this post, fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic is required.
employment-escwa@un.org
