Research Assistant on Trade

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), which was established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA aims to foster regional cooperation and integration, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration among member states. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, focusing on various issues including trade, transport, and sustainable development. ESCWA employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by the region and enhancing the capacity of its member states.

Job Overview:
The position of Research Assistant on Trade involves conducting research analysis to develop technical reports on trade and transport. The individual contractor will support the project coordinator with administrative and reporting tasks. The role is crucial in the context of the evolving landscape of international trade, where non-tariff measures have become significant barriers. The contractor will engage with emerging technologies, particularly blockchain, to enhance trade processes. This position is part of a project aimed at improving the capacity of trade and customs officials to leverage blockchain technology for trade facilitation, ultimately leading to more efficient and secure trade processes. The contractor will be responsible for drafting reports, assisting in the preparation of various documents, and conducting specific analyses related to trade and transport.

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

• Drafting reports on trade facilitation and digitalization issues.
• Assisting in the preparation of reports, papers, and minutes of meetings.
• Undertaking specific analyses on selected subjects related to trade and transport.
• Researching, compiling, analyzing, summarizing, and presenting basic information/data related to regional integration activities in the Arab region.
• Systematically following through and retrieving, highlighting, and compiling information on trade integration in the Arab region from various information sources.
• Preparing statistical tables and graphs and assisting in the preparation of presentations and background material on trade integration deliverables.
• Assisting in administrative tasks related to projects and activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in applied economics, law, business administration, or any relevant field. All applicants are required to submit a copy of their educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Additionally, a minimum of 3 years of professional work experience in research and analysis is required. Candidates should have experience and knowledge of statistics and sustainable development issues, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Knowledge of trade, logistics, and digital transformation is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as applied economics, law, or business administration. This foundational education is essential for understanding the complexities of trade and transport issues, as well as for conducting effective research and analysis in these areas.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of professional work experience in the field of research and analysis. This experience should ideally include work related to trade, transport, and sustainable development, providing the candidate with the necessary skills to perform the duties outlined in the job description.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic and English is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat and ESCWA. Knowledge of French is considered desirable. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of a language is defined as a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
The position is for a duration of 3 months, and 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. The organization also does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.