Research Associate, Inequality Between and Within Countries

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization established within the United Nations System. Its mission is to engage in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination to further the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Over the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on critical global issues such as sustainability, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers operating across 12 countries, UNU's expertise encompasses the full spectrum of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge aimed at fostering positive global change. The organization collaborates closely with various UN entities and leading research institutions worldwide, making it a pivotal player in addressing pressing global challenges. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

Job Overview:
The Research Associate position at UNU-WIDER focuses on the maintenance and development of the World Income Inequality Dataset (WIID) and conducting research on inequality and development economics. The role requires the individual to contribute to the maintenance, updating, and further development of the WIID, which includes yearly updates, data validation, documentation, and quality assurance processes. The Research Associate will also supervise external consultants, develop academic research and policy documents, and produce research papers related to the WIDER work programme. Additionally, the position involves building an evidence base on the links between inequality and related thematic areas such as poverty, taxation, climate change, and social programs. The Research Associate will be expected to undertake statistical and econometric analyses, synthesize findings, and write various types of publications including policy briefs and academic journal papers. Furthermore, the role includes assisting in organizing events and multi-stakeholder meetings, managing event logistics, and providing support for convening activities. The position also entails supervising visiting PhD fellows and performing other relevant tasks as assigned by the supervisor, with a focus on timely and quality delivery of research outputs and engagement with other researchers and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain and strengthen the World Income Inequality Dataset (WIID) by contributing to its maintenance, updating, and further development, including yearly updates; conducting data validation, documentation, and quality assurance processes; supervising external consultants by providing technical and academic guidance; and developing academic research and policy documents on inequality.
• Conduct research in support of the Institute’s programme of work on inequality, producing research papers individually or collaboratively, contributing to building an evidence base on the links between inequality and thematic areas such as poverty and taxation, undertaking statistical and econometric analyses, and writing policy briefs and academic papers.
• Assist in organizing events and multi-stakeholder meetings, identifying speakers and resource persons, facilitating their engagement, documenting activities, and managing event logistics.
• Provide programme support and education and capacity development, including supervising visiting PhD fellows and performing other relevant tasks as assigned.
• Ensure timely and quality delivery of planned research publications and other outputs, while maintaining quality engagement with researchers and partners.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: A PhD (completed or expected soon) in economics, political science, or a related discipline with strong quantitative skills.
• Skills and Experience: A minimum of two years of work/research experience, research publications on inequality analysis or development economics in reputable journals, proven skills in STATA and R, knowledge of advanced econometric techniques, international experience, excellent time management skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse environment. Desired skills include proficiency in Python or other statistical software, experience in policy research, and familiarity with low- and middle-income country settings.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a PhD in economics, political science, or a related discipline, with strong quantitative skills. The PhD should be completed or expected to be completed within the coming year, ensuring that the candidate is well-prepared for the research and analytical demands of the position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant work or research experience. Candidates should have a proven track record of research publications in the field of inequality analysis or development economics, demonstrating their ability to contribute effectively to the Institute's research agenda.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is mandatory, with excellent drafting skills. Knowledge of another UN official working language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The successful candidate will be employed under a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract, with an attractive compensation package that includes an annual net salary of EUR 68,385.69, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave and a health insurance scheme. The initial contract duration is one year, with the possibility of renewal based on requirements and satisfactory performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six years, and the mandatory retirement age for PSA holders is 65 years. The starting date for the position is as soon as possible. Applications must be submitted by 23:59 UTC +3 on the deadline date, and late submissions will not be accepted. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all backgrounds.