Research Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) was established in 1973 with the mission 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 17 countries across the Arab region, employing a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by these nations. ESCWA's work encompasses various sectors, including economic development, social policy, and environmental sustainability, with a focus on evidence-based research and policy analysis to support member states in achieving their development goals.

Job Overview:
The Research Analyst position at ESCWA is pivotal in supporting the organization's mission to enhance economic governance and monitor progress towards national development goals in the Arab region. The role involves collecting, processing, and analyzing large datasets to generate insights that inform strategic decisions related to competition, consumer protection, and national development planning. The Research Analyst will engage in evidence-based research, which is increasingly essential for governments aiming to design effective reforms in a rapidly changing economic landscape. The position requires a strong analytical mindset and the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights that can guide policymakers in their efforts to strengthen institutions and promote sustainable development. The Research Analyst will work closely with various stakeholders, contributing to the preparation of technical materials and knowledge products that support ESCWA's advisory services and capacity-building initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The individual contractor in the Research Analyst role will be responsible for a comprehensive set of tasks, including:

• Researching, extracting, consolidating, and processing both quantitative and qualitative data using various analytical tools and software.
• Assisting in the analysis and evaluation of data sets to ensure accuracy, clarity, and validity, making adjustments to reported data as necessary.
• Maintaining and updating computerized databases to ensure data integrity, accessibility, and proper documentation.
• Preparing reports, presentations, tables, graphs, and charts to visualize data and provide clear information to the project coordinator.
• Providing specialized research support by gathering information from multiple sources, including national databases, libraries, online platforms, and ESCWA repositories.
• Preparing abstracts, summary briefs, background notes, and bibliographic descriptions for inclusion in ESCWA documents, reports, and publications.
• Contributing to drafting analytical sections and supporting materials related to ongoing projects in competition policy, consumer protection, national development planning, and business environment assessments.
• Coordinating closely with team members, counterparts, and stakeholders to ensure methodological alignment and smooth integration of research inputs into project deliverables.
• Supporting internal meetings and consultations by preparing materials, taking notes, and summarizing key points as required. 1
• Performing other tasks as needed to support the successful implementation of assigned projects.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Economics, Business, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of economic governance and policy analysis. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate strong data collection and analysis skills, which are critical for the successful execution of research tasks. All applicants are required to submit a copy of their educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Furthermore, candidates should exhibit a high level of proficiency in research methodologies and analytical techniques, enabling them to contribute effectively to ESCWA's research outputs.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced degree, specifically a Master's degree or its equivalent, in a relevant field such as Economics, Business, or a closely related area. This educational requirement ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to perform complex research tasks and contribute to ESCWA's mission effectively. Candidates must provide documentation of their educational qualifications as part of the application process, as this is a critical criterion for eligibility.

Experience:
A minimum of 1 year of professional work experience in collecting and researching data is required for this position. This experience should include practical exposure to data collection methodologies, data analysis, and the ability to synthesize findings into coherent reports and presentations. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of research processes and the ability to work with large datasets, as well as experience in using various analytical tools and software to support their research activities.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory 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. Additionally, knowledge of French is advantageous, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. This multilingual capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of ESCWA.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of 6 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. This policy underscores the organization's commitment to transparency and fairness in its hiring practices. The role is designed for an individual contractor, which may imply a level of flexibility in terms of work arrangements, but specific details regarding full-time or part-time status are not provided in the job description.