Research and Data Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting is from 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's mission is to support member states in achieving sustainable development through evidence-based policy-making and regional cooperation. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, focusing on various thematic areas such as economic governance, social development, and environmental sustainability. ESCWA employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to providing analytical support and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the capabilities of member states.

Job Overview:
The Research and Data Assistant position is crucial for supporting the timely delivery of ESCWA's analytical outputs. The role involves providing accurate, well-structured, and reliable data and research inputs that contribute to the availability of consolidated datasets, analytical summaries, and supporting materials. These outputs are essential for strengthening evidence-based analysis in areas such as competition policy, consumer protection, and national development planning. The assistant will engage in various tasks that include data collection, validation, and analysis, ultimately aiding in the production of high-quality reports and policy recommendations. The position requires collaboration with project teams and stakeholders to ensure that the data-driven insights effectively inform policymaking and support national development goals.

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

• Collecting, compiling, and organizing quantitative and qualitative data from various national sources, surveys, administrative records, trade databases, and ESCWA datasets for assigned projects.
• Reviewing, cleaning, and validating datasets to ensure their accuracy, consistency, and completeness, while flagging any data gaps or inconsistencies to the supervising officer.
• Supporting descriptive, comparative, and trend analyses related to market structures, pricing dynamics, production capacity, trade flows, competitive conditions, and sector performance.
• Assisting in the analysis of performance indicators and targets under national development plans and other ESCWA initiatives, utilizing appropriate statistical and analytical tools under supervision.
• Preparing data visualizations such as charts, tables, dashboards, and infographics to support analytical outputs, presentations, and policy discussions.
• Supporting the development and documentation of indicators and basic measurement tools for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks.
• Assisting in the preparation and updating of analytical dashboards and summary tables used to track key performance indicators and project progress.
• Preparing analytical summaries, technical notes, tables, graphs, and narrative inputs for inclusion in ESCWA reports, briefs, and presentations.
• Supporting the drafting and finalization of analytical sections and annexes, ensuring internal consistency, accuracy, and adherence to agreed methodologies. 1
• Coordinating closely with ESCWA staff to harmonize data sources, validate outputs, and ensure timely delivery of assigned tasks. 1
• Participating in team meetings, consultations, and quality assurance processes as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Statistics, Business Analytics, Business Administration, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. All candidates are required to submit a copy of their educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Additionally, a minimum of four years of professional work experience in research and data analysis is required, with experience supporting socio-economic or policy-oriented analytical work being desirable. Familiarity with data analysis, statistical software, and basic dashboarding tools is also desirable, along with experience in data visualization and preparation of analytical charts and tables. Previous experience working with international or regional organizations is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Economics, Statistics, Business Analytics, Business Administration, or related disciplines. In cases where candidates possess a first-level university degree, they must also have two additional years of qualifying professional experience to be considered for the role. This educational requirement ensures that candidates have a solid foundation in analytical skills and methodologies necessary for effective data analysis and research.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of professional work experience in research and data analysis. Candidates should have a proven track record of supporting socio-economic or policy-oriented analytical work, which is highly desirable. Experience with data analysis, statistical software, and basic dashboarding tools is also preferred. Additionally, familiarity with data visualization techniques and the preparation of analytical charts and tables will be beneficial. Previous experience working with international or regional organizations is considered an asset, as it demonstrates the ability to operate in a multicultural and diverse environment.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat and ESCWA. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. While English and Arabic are mandatory, knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the United Nations.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of six months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, meeting, processing, or training. Furthermore, the organization does not concern itself with information regarding applicants’ bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.