Senior Research Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is an organization established to promote economic and social development in Africa. ECA's mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, informed by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 206

• The organization operates under five strategic directions aimed at addressing the continent's challenges and advocating for Africa's position at the global level. ECA is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to supporting African member states in their economic transformation efforts. The organization is structured into various divisions, including the Macroeconomics, Finance and Governance Division (MFGD), which focuses on effective development planning and economic governance.

Job Overview:
The Senior Research Assistant position is located within the Finance and Domestic Resource Mobilization Section of the MFGD at ECA. The role involves independently identifying and monitoring substantive aspects of the work of the Unit across various regions and countries. The Senior Research Assistant is expected to collect and analyze data, prepare background materials for reports, and assist in project proposal formulation and implementation. The position requires the ability to produce analytical elements for documents and reports, manage databases, and participate in technical meetings and workshops. The role is crucial for supporting the Division's efforts in economic transformation and inclusive growth in Africa, and it demands a high level of professionalism, teamwork, and organizational skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Research Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: independently identifying and monitoring substantive aspects of the Unit's work; selecting and evaluating documents; summarizing pertinent material; collecting and analyzing data; preparing background materials for assessment papers, studies, briefs, and reports; compiling information from various sources; preparing charts and graphs for reporting; assisting in project proposal formulation; producing analytical elements for documents; building special data sets; designing and updating databases; organizing Committee/Task Force meetings; establishing internal databases; participating in technical meetings; drafting and editing complex texts; preparing newsletters; processing information using computer programs; tracking resolutions affecting program content; undertaking mission/field work; providing guidance to junior staff; and assisting with data presentations and knowledge management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of 10 years of experience in collecting and researching data in financial and economic development or related areas is required. Additionally, 1 year or more of experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable. Candidates should have experience in analytical work in economics and development, competence in using financial market software such as Bloomberg and S&P Global, and experience in project management is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. There are no specific job-specific qualifications mentioned, but relevant educational background in economics, finance, or a related field would be beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in collecting and researching data across various areas of financial and economic development. Experience in data analytics or related areas for at least 1 year is desirable. Candidates should also have experience in analytical work related to economics and development, as well as project management experience.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's profile for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be recruited within the country or within commuting distance of the office. Staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to provide complete and accurate information in their applications.