Senior Research Assistant - Social Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located at the Social Development Division of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), which is one of the five regional Commissions of the United Nations. ECLAC was founded in 1948 with the mission to contribute to the economic and social development of the region. The organization focuses on the design, monitoring, and evaluation of public policies, providing advisory services, expertise, and training to governments, and supporting regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. ECLAC operates in various countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, working towards sustainable development and social equity. For more information, visit their website at www.eclac.org.

Job Overview:
The Senior Research Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the Social Affairs Officer by conducting research and analysis on various social issues affecting the region. The position involves selecting and evaluating documents, summarizing pertinent materials, and preparing background materials for assessment papers, studies, briefs, and reports. The Research Assistant will be responsible for collecting and analyzing data related to poverty, income distribution, social protection, gender issues, and the needs of marginalized populations, including people with disabilities. The role requires systematic retrieval and compilation of information from diverse sources, as well as the preparation of visual outputs such as charts and graphs for reporting purposes. Additionally, the Research Assistant will assist in formulating project proposals and coordinate the monitoring, implementation, and evaluation of these projects. This position demands a high level of analytical skills and the ability to produce both quantitative and qualitative elements necessary for the elaboration of documents and reports. The Research Assistant will also be involved in organizing seminars, meetings, and workshops, drafting agendas, and taking notes during technical meetings and conferences. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including NGOs and other organizations, to ensure effective data collection and dissemination.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Research Assistant include: selecting and evaluating a variety of documents; summarizing pertinent material; collecting and analyzing data; preparing background materials for assessment papers, studies, briefs, and reports; systematically retrieving and compiling information from various sources; preparing input for electronic databases; assisting in formulating project proposals; coordinating day-to-day monitoring and evaluation of projects; producing analytical elements for documents and reports; building special data sets for specific research needs; designing and updating databases; organizing seminars and workshops; establishing internal databases; participating in technical meetings and conferences; drafting and editing complex texts; processing information using various computer programs; undertaking mission/field work; providing guidance to junior staff; assisting with data presentations and reports; and performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum qualification. A technical or vocational certificate in sociology, economics, social sciences, or a related field is desirable. Candidates should possess strong analytical skills and the ability to work with complex data sets. Familiarity with social development issues and policies is essential, along with the ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken formats. The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. A technical or vocational certificate in sociology, economics, or other social sciences is desirable. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of social development and the analytical skills required for the position.

Experience:
At least ten years of experience in collecting and researching data across various areas of social and economic development is required. However, this minimum experience requirement is reduced to eight years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience working in Latin American and Caribbean countries is desirable, as is a background in contributing to publications related to social development issues and social policies. Candidates should demonstrate a strong track record of relevant work experience that showcases their ability to handle complex data and produce insightful analyses.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is required for this position, as these are the working languages of ECLAC. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in these languages will enable effective communication and collaboration within the organization and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work in Chile regardless of their nationality. Staff members are expected to adhere to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various functions throughout their careers. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce, encouraging female candidates and individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Flexible working arrangements may be available, but these should be discussed at the final stage of the offer process.