Individual Contractor (IC) Research Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN operates in various sectors, including humanitarian aid, development, and human rights, with a focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203

• The UN Development System reform, initiated in 2019, aims to enhance the effectiveness of the UN's efforts in supporting countries in their development agendas, particularly through the work of Resident Coordinator Offices (RCOs) that coordinate the collective efforts of UN Country Teams (UNCTs).

Job Overview:
The Individual Contractor (IC) Research Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the UN Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO) and the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Saudi Arabia. The primary function of this position is to deliver comprehensive research packages that include sector mapping, policy briefs, and strategy notes. These outputs will be instrumental in guiding the RC and UNCT in their collaborative efforts to advance sustainable development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The IC will be expected to conduct thorough literature reviews and provide well-researched insights that align with the national aspirations outlined in Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This position is vital for enhancing the strategic planning and coordination capabilities of the UN in KSA, ensuring that the collective work of the UN entities is effectively directed towards achieving the country's development objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The IC Research Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Conducting in-depth research on various sectors relevant to sustainable development in KSA, including but not limited to economic, social, and environmental aspects.
• Preparing detailed sector mapping reports that identify key stakeholders, challenges, and opportunities within each sector.
• Developing policy briefs that summarize research findings and provide actionable recommendations for the RC and UNCT.
• Assisting in the formulation of strategy notes that outline the UN's approach to supporting KSA in achieving its Vision 2030 goals and the SDGs.
• Collaborating with other UN entities and stakeholders to gather data and insights that inform research outputs.
• Presenting research findings to the RC and UNCT in a clear and concise manner, facilitating informed decision-making.
• Supporting the Head of the Resident Coordinator's Office in various administrative and operational tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) in Law, Economics, Statistics, or a related field in Social Sciences. Strong research and writing skills are essential for this position, as the IC will be required to produce high-quality research outputs that meet the standards of the UN. All applicants must submit a copy of their educational degree, and incomplete applications will not be considered. No prior work experience is required, making this an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or individuals looking to gain experience in international development and research.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Law, Economics, Statistics, or other related Social Science disciplines is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for conducting research and analysis relevant to the UN's work in KSA.

Experience:
No prior work experience is required for this position, making it suitable for recent graduates or individuals seeking to enter the field of international development and research. However, strong research and writing skills are mandatory, as the role involves producing comprehensive research packages that will inform the UN's strategic initiatives in KSA.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is required for this position, as it is essential for conducting research and communicating effectively within the local context. Additionally, knowledge of English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. French is also a working language of the UN, but it is not mandatory for this position. Fluency in Arabic means a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding, while knowledge of English requires a rating of 'confident' in at least two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of this position is 6 months. The role is part-time, and the UN emphasizes that there are no fees associated with the recruitment process. The United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage, including application, interview, or training, and does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.