Job Advertisement

Position Title: Research Assistant
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Trading Systems, Services and Creative Economy Branch of the Division on International Trade and Commodities at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). UNCTAD was established in 1964 and is dedicated to promoting the integration of developing countries into the world economy. The organization focuses on trade, investment, and sustainable development, and operates in over 190 countries, employing thousands of staff members worldwide. UNCTAD's mission is to support developing countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable development through trade and investment, and it plays a crucial role in shaping global economic policies.

Job Overview:
The Research Assistant will play a vital role in supporting the work of the Trading Systems, Services and Creative Economy Branch. This position involves a range of responsibilities including the collection and Analysis of data, preparation of reports, and participation in policy discussions. The Research Assistant will assist in identifying and monitoring substantive aspects of the branch's work, which includes evaluating documents, summarizing pertinent materials, and preparing background materials for various assessments. The role requires systematic retrieval and compilation of information from diverse sources, ensuring the accuracy and clarity of statistical data, and maintaining electronic databases. The Research Assistant will also be involved in drafting summaries, coordinating the review process for reports, and preparing documentation for meetings. This position demands a proactive approach to research and Data Analysis, as well as effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders within the UN and external organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Research Assistant will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties including: assisting in the identification and monitoring of substantive aspects of the branch's work; selecting and evaluating a variety of documents; summarizing pertinent materials; collecting and analyzing data and statistics; preparing background materials for assessment papers, studies, briefs, and reports; systematically retrieving and compiling information from various sources; preparing input for electronic databases; assembling and examining original statistical material for accuracy; designing and maintaining country profiles based on survey responses; preparing reports, presentations, tables, lists, charts, and diagrams; participating in substantive and policy discussions; maintaining contacts with other departments and organizations; preparing and updating files and databases; drafting program/project summaries; coordinating the review and clearance process; identifying organizational requirements for conferences; attending meetings to take notes and prepare summary reports; providing guidance and training to new/junior staff; and performing other related work as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Training in trade statistics or Data Analytics is desirable. The position requires knowledge of research methodologies, Data Collection, and maintenance. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to identify, extract, analyze, and format data from various sources. Professionalism, effective communication skills, and technological awareness are essential for success in this role. Candidates should also show a commitment to Gender Equality and the equal participation of women and men in all aspects of work.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Additional training in trade statistics or data analytics is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of experience in collecting and researching data across various areas of social and Economic Development or a related field. However, this requirement is reduced to five years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in analyzing trade data and statistics as inputs to assessment papers, studies, briefs, and reports is also desirable, indicating a strong background in data analysis and research.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's competitiveness for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in Geneva, where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station will be responsible for any relocation expenses. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits that are exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and will provide reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities upon request. The recruitment process will adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs.