Research Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) was established in 1973 with the mission to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA works to support member states in their efforts to achieve sustainable development and improve the living conditions of their populations. The organization operates in 22 countries across the Arab region and employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to addressing regional challenges. ESCWA's initiatives focus on various areas including economic governance, social development, and environmental sustainability, aiming to foster collaboration among member states and enhance regional integration.

Job Overview:
The Research Assistant position at ESCWA is designed to support the Economic Governance and Planning Section in its mission to promote fair and competitive markets across the Arab region. The role involves assisting in the collection, organization, validation, and preliminary analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data related to competition policy, consumer protection, and market functioning. The Research Assistant will contribute to the preparation of research materials, databases, background notes, presentations, and other outputs that are essential for the effective functioning of the section. This position is particularly important as it aids in the timely and accurate dissemination of information that supports policymaking and regulatory frameworks in the region. The Research Assistant will engage in various tasks that require attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with team members and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Research Assistant is expected to perform a variety of tasks including: researching, extracting, consolidating, and organizing quantitative and qualitative information from various sources; assisting in the validation of collected data for accuracy and completeness; maintaining and updating computerized databases and research files; supporting the review and updating of legislative and regulatory information; preparing reports, presentations, and visual materials to communicate research findings; gathering and summarizing information from national databases and other reliable sources; preparing abstracts and supporting materials for ESCWA documents; contributing to the preparation of research and analytical materials; supporting the organization of events such as the Arab Competition Forum; coordinating with team members and relevant counterparts; and performing other related tasks as required for project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Economics, Business, or a related field. The position requires strong data collection and analysis skills, as well as the ability to work with various research tools and software. Candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree as part of the application process. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No prior experience is required for this role, making it suitable for entry-level candidates who are eager to learn and contribute to ESCWA's mission.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in Economics, Business, or a related area is mandatory for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding economic principles, market dynamics, and regulatory frameworks, which are crucial for the tasks associated with the Research Assistant role.

Experience:
This position is open to candidates with no prior experience, making it an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or individuals looking to start their careers in research and economic governance. The focus is on the candidate's educational qualifications and their ability to demonstrate relevant skills in data collection and analysis.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the working languages of ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all four areas of language use: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. 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:
The recruitment for this position is conducted on a local basis, meaning that candidates must have the legal right to live and work in Lebanon. The position is expected to last for a duration of 2 months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the hiring process is transparent and accessible to all qualified candidates.