Research and Data Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA was founded in 1973 and has since been working to support member states in achieving sustainable development goals through research, policy analysis, and capacity-building initiatives. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, focusing on various areas including economic governance, social development, and environmental sustainability. ESCWA employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to providing evidence-based solutions to complex regional challenges, and it collaborates with various stakeholders including governments, civil society, and international organizations to enhance regional cooperation and development.

Job Overview:
The Research and Data Assistant position is crucial for supporting the timely delivery of analytical outputs at ESCWA. The role involves providing accurate, well-structured, and reliable data and research inputs that contribute to the availability of consolidated datasets and analytical summaries. The ultimate goal is to strengthen evidence-based analysis in key areas such as competition policy, consumer protection, and national development planning. The Research and Data Assistant will engage in various tasks that include collecting and organizing data from national and international sources, conducting quantitative and qualitative assessments, and preparing analytical materials for ESCWA studies and reports. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about data-driven analysis and are eager to contribute to impactful research that informs policymaking in the Arab region.

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

• Collecting, compiling, and organizing quantitative and qualitative data from various sources including national 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, and 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 in 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, or Business Administration. Candidates with a first-level university degree may still qualify if they have two additional years of relevant professional experience. It is essential for candidates to provide proof of their educational qualifications as part of the application process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of professional work experience in research and data analysis. Candidates should have a strong background in supporting socio-economic or policy-oriented analytical work. Experience with data analysis, statistical software, and data visualization tools is highly desirable, as is previous experience working with international or regional organizations, which can enhance the candidate's understanding of the context in which ESCWA operates.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the working languages at ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate fluency in all four areas of language proficiency: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. While French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, proficiency in French is not mandatory for this role but may be considered an asset.

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 any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process and does not require any financial information from applicants.