Research 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. The organization focuses on various areas including public administration, governance, and institutional reform, and operates in multiple countries across the Arab region. ESCWA aims to foster regional cooperation and knowledge sharing to address the unique challenges faced by its member states, with a mission to enhance the quality of life for people in the region.

Job Overview:
The Research Assistant position at ESCWA is designed for an entry-level candidate who will provide essential support in the collection, organization, validation, and preliminary analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data. This role is crucial for projects related to Public Administration and Institutional Reform, Governance, Accountability, and Innovation, as well as Local Governance. The Research Assistant will contribute to the timely preparation of research materials, databases, background notes, presentations, and other outputs necessary for the effective functioning of the Public Governance and Institutional Transformation Section. The position requires a proactive approach to research and data management, ensuring that all information is accurate, comprehensive, and well-documented. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Chief of the Governance Section and will be involved in various tasks that support the overarching goals of ESCWA in modernizing public institutions and promoting innovative governance frameworks in the Arab region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Research Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: researching, extracting, consolidating, and organizing quantitative and qualitative information from national, regional, and international sources using appropriate research tools and software. The assistant will assist in the collection, review, and validation of data to ensure its accuracy and completeness, flagging any discrepancies for follow-up. Maintaining and updating computerized databases and research files is essential to ensure data integrity and accessibility. The role also involves preparing reports, presentations, tables, graphs, and other visual materials to effectively communicate research findings. The Research Assistant will gather and summarize information from various reliable sources to support ongoing research and project activities, and will contribute to the preparation of analytical materials related to public governance. Additionally, the assistant will support the organization of forums and meetings, including background research and documentation, and will coordinate with team members to facilitate internal meetings and consultations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level degree in Political Science or a related field. It is essential that all applicants submit a copy of their educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be considered. While no prior work experience is required for this position, candidates should demonstrate data collection and analysis skills. Experience in research or related assignments is desirable, indicating a familiarity with the processes involved in data management and analysis.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a first-level degree in Political Science or a closely related area. This educational background is crucial as it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the complexities of public governance and institutional reform, which are central to the role of the Research Assistant.

Experience:
This position is designed for entry-level candidates, meaning that no prior work experience is necessary. However, candidates should possess relevant skills in data collection and analysis, which can be demonstrated through academic projects or internships. The role is ideal for recent graduates or individuals looking to start their careers in public administration and governance.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the working languages of ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in both languages, which includes the ability to speak, read, write, and understand effectively. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, but it is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment, meaning that candidates must have the legal right to live and work in Lebanon. The expected duration of the assignment is four months, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview, and training stages, ensuring that the recruitment process is transparent and accessible to all qualified candidates.