UNV Research Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, has been working for 70 years to protect the rights of every child across 190 countries and territories. The organization focuses on improving the lives of children and their families by promoting their rights and well-being. UNICEF's mission is to advocate for measures that ensure children have the best start in life, emphasizing the importance of early childhood development and education, particularly for girls. The organization works to immunize children against diseases, prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, and support families affected by these issues. UNICEF collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and research organizations, to achieve its goals and improve design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design based on research findings.

Job Overview:
The UNV Research Officer position is part of UNICEF’s country program in Lebanon, focusing on research related to education programming while also supporting the overall research agenda of the Country Office. The role involves contributing to the collection and analysis of data on child deprivation and poverty, assisting in the planning and implementation of nationally representative surveys, and supporting ongoing research initiatives such as the longitudinal study on children in the Makani Non-Formal Education programmes. The Research Officer will report to the National Research Officer and will play a crucial role in ensuring that data and evidence are effectively utilized to monitor outcomes for children and improve program design.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UNV Research Officer will be responsible for several key tasks, including:

• Supporting the collection, analysis, and presentation of data on child deprivation and multi-dimensional child poverty.
• Assisting in the planning and implementation of nationally representative surveys.
• Contributing to the research on the Makani programme in collaboration with GAGE and MindSet.
• Supporting child-focused rapid assessments to gather timely data.
• Ensuring the effective use of data and evidence regarding the situation of children.
• Collaborating with the Planning and Monitoring team to develop and maintain the annual integrated monitoring, evaluation, and research plan (IMERP).
• Compiling and disseminating information from both quantitative and qualitative research.
• Supporting knowledge-sharing platforms and events to promote program results.
• Building and sustaining partnerships with national and international stakeholders. 1
• Strengthening the capacity of UNICEF colleagues and national partners to generate and utilize reliable data for advocacy and interventions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UNV Research Officer position should possess strong analytical skills, with a background in research methodologies and data analysis. They should demonstrate the ability to present data in a user-friendly manner and have experience in conducting surveys and assessments. Additionally, candidates should have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and be able to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders. A strong commitment to child rights and a passion for improving the lives of children are essential.

Educational Background:
A degree in social sciences, statistics, public health, or a related field is required for the UNV Research Officer position. Advanced degrees or specialized training in research methodologies or data analysis would be an asset. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of child rights and the challenges faced by children in vulnerable situations.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 1-2 years of relevant experience in research, data analysis, or program evaluation, preferably in the context of child rights or social development. Experience working with international organizations, NGOs, or government agencies in a research capacity would be highly beneficial. Familiarity with UNICEF's mission and programs is also advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNICEF. Proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable, given the local context of Lebanon. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the communities served by UNICEF.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, and the selected candidate will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The position is based in the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Beirut. National UN Volunteers are part of a malicious insurance plan and are expected to be culturally sensitive and adapt to local customs and traditions. The benefits package includes a monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of USD 1,606.56, annual and learning leaves, medical and life insurance, and free access to various learning platforms. For more information on UN Volunteer benefits and entitlements, candidates are encouraged to visit the UNV website.