Research Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council Secretariat Branch of the Security Council Affairs Division in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs at the United Nations Headquarters. The United Nations was established in 1945 and has a mission to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations. It operates in multiple countries worldwide, with a diverse workforce dedicated to various global issues. The organization emphasizes the importance of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its operations, and it strives to create a diverse and inclusive environment.

Job Overview:
The Research Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the work of the UN Security Council by assisting in the identification and monitoring of substantive aspects related to its practice and procedure. This position requires the ability to evaluate a variety of documents, summarize pertinent material, and prepare background materials for assessments and reports. The Research Assistant will also be responsible for compiling information from various sources, maintaining databases, and preparing reports and presentations that facilitate in-depth analysis. The role involves participation in substantive discussions and maintaining contacts with other departments and organizations relevant to the work of the Security Council. The position demands a high level of professionalism, communication skills, and the ability to organize and plan effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Research Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: assisting in identifying and monitoring the work of the UN Security Council; evaluating documents and summarizing relevant information; collecting and analyzing data; preparing background materials for assessments and reports; maintaining a comprehensive record of assigned files; preparing reports, presentations, and statistical materials; participating in policy discussions; maintaining contacts with other departments and organizations; drafting meeting summaries; coordinating documentation for Security Council meetings; ensuring the maintenance of the Security Council website; attending meetings to take notes and prepare summaries; providing guidance to new staff; and performing other related tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma as a minimum requirement. A first-level university degree or higher can reduce the required work experience. The position requires a minimum of seven years of experience in research support or a related area, which can be reduced to five years for candidates with a relevant degree. Experience in providing research assistance to intergovernmental organizations is desirable, as is familiarity with documents and meetings management databases.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma. However, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will have a reduced experience requirement, indicating that higher education is valued and may enhance a candidate's eligibility.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in research support or a related field. This requirement is reduced to five years for candidates who hold a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in providing research assistance to intergovernmental organizations is considered desirable, as is experience with documents and meetings management databases.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered a desirable language, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Proficiency in both languages will enhance communication and collaboration within the UN environment.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year and is subject to local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of geographic diversity in its recruitment process and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and ensures that all candidates are treated fairly and equitably.