Research Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional commission established in 1973 to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA aims to foster cooperation among member states and provide a platform for dialogue on regional issues. The organization focuses on various areas including sustainable development, social justice, and economic empowerment, particularly for marginalized groups. ESCWA operates in 17 member countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by the Arab region.

Job Overview:
The Research Assistant position at ESCWA is designed to support the Disability Team in implementing its program workplan, particularly focusing on extra budgetary projects aimed at the economic empowerment of persons with disabilities. The individual contractor will engage in high-quality desk research and analysis regarding the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in the Arab region. This role involves compiling relevant information for meetings, preparing reports and training materials, and providing administrative and logistical support for events organized by the disability team. The contractor will also contribute to background documents related to the commemoration of International Disability Day, ensuring that disability inclusion is effectively mainstreamed into national policies and strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Research Assistant include:

• Providing substantive research support on topics related to the disability team's work, including reviewing existing literature and assisting in formulating research questions.
• Supporting the implementation of UNCRPD Articles and assisting in mainstreaming disability inclusion in Arab countries.
• Preparing and reviewing written outputs published by ESCWA, such as background papers, technical papers, and sections of reports.
• Assisting in the preparation of presentation materials using appropriate technology and software.
• Drafting inputs for presentations and research papers.
• Organizing expert group meetings, conferences, or workshops related to the disability team's work, including the annual meeting of the Intersectional Group of Experts on Disability (IGED).
• Preparing minutes of meetings and performing a variety of office support, administrative, and coordination functions.
• Carrying out other duties as assigned by the program manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in social science, economics, public policy, or other relevant fields. A minimum of nine years of professional work experience in economics, public policy, or social science is required. Knowledge of disability inclusion is essential, and relevant experience in the Arab region is desirable. Candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a bachelor’s degree in social science, economics, public policy, or other relevant areas. This foundational education is critical for understanding the complexities of disability inclusion and the socio-economic factors affecting persons with disabilities in the Arab region.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of nine years of professional work experience in fields such as economics, public policy, or social science. This extensive experience is necessary to ensure that the contractor can effectively contribute to the disability team's objectives and understand the regional context of disability issues.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the working languages of ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all four areas of language use: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
This position is recruited on a local basis, meaning that the incumbent must have the legal right to live and work in Lebanon. The expected duration of the contract is 2.5 months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.