Research Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Division for Gender Affairs of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), which is one of the five regional Commissions of the United Nations. ECLAC was founded in 1948 with the mission to contribute to the economic and social development of the region. The organization focuses on the design, monitoring, and evaluation of public policies, providing advisory services, expertise, and training to governments, and supporting regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. ECLAC operates in various countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, working towards sustainable development and gender equality. For more information, you can visit their official website at www.eclac.org.

Job Overview:
The Research Assistant position entails a variety of responsibilities aimed at supporting the Division for Gender Affairs within ECLAC. The individual in this role will be expected to conduct research, extract and compile information, and assist in monitoring developments related to gender issues and social affairs. The Research Assistant will work closely with the Senior Social Affairs Officer and will be involved in data collection, analysis, and the preparation of reports and presentations. This position requires a proactive approach to gathering and organizing information from multiple sources, including databases, libraries, and the internet. The role is crucial for ensuring that accurate and relevant data is available for decision-making and policy formulation within the organization. The Research Assistant will also play a part in public awareness campaigns and will be responsible for maintaining computerized databases and preparing various informational materials.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Research Assistant will have a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to: researching, extracting, and compiling basic information and technical data on specific programs and projects; monitoring developments on assigned subjects; assembling original statistical material and adjusting reported data; maintaining computerized databases; preparing reports, presentations, and visual materials; drafting executive summaries of meetings; collecting and disseminating relevant UN and media information; coordinating press briefings and public awareness campaigns; providing guidance and training to junior staff; assisting with data analysis and presentations; and performing other related tasks as required. The role demands a high level of professionalism and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. It is essential for applicants to clearly indicate their educational background in their Applicant Profile (AP). Additionally, candidates should have a strong understanding of data collection and research methodologies, particularly in the context of social and economic development. The ability to work with various data sources and maintain databases is crucial, as is the capacity to prepare reports and presentations that effectively communicate findings and insights.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates in the General Service category must clearly indicate their completion of high school in their application. While a higher educational qualification is not mandatory, it can reduce the required work experience for applicants, particularly those with a first-level university degree or higher.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of experience in collecting and researching data across various areas of social and economic development. However, this requirement is reduced to three years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Additionally, at least one year of experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable. Experience in gender equality-related issues is also a critical requirement for this role, as it aligns with the mission of the Division for Gender Affairs.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Spanish is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates should demonstrate a minimum required level of proficiency in these languages according to the UN Language Framework. Knowledge of French is also beneficial but not mandatory. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is essential for collaboration and information sharing within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The job is a full-time position based in Santiago, Chile. The role may involve working with international teams and requires a commitment to the principles of gender equality and social development. While the specific contract duration is not mentioned, candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that may involve various projects and responsibilities. Compensation and benefits details are typically provided during the hiring process.