UN ESCAP Careers: Research Assistant Vacancy
UN ESCAP Careers: Research Assistant Vacancy
Research Assistant
Job Opening ID: 236755
Duty Station: Bangkok, Thailand
Department/Office: Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
Level: G-6
Contract Type: General Service and Related Categories
Application Deadline: 19 July 2024
FOLLOW OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL
JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP
About ESCAP
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) promotes sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asian and Pacific region. ESCAP provides its member states with policy-oriented research and analysis, normative support, technical assistance, and capacity-building to address the development priorities and evolving needs of the region. The Environment and Development Division (EDD) within ESCAP supports member states through advisory services, capacity-building activities, research, and intergovernmental cooperation in environmental sustainability and development.
About the Position
This position is located in the Sustainable Urban Development Section, within the Environment and Development Division. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Sustainable Urban Development Section and supports various activities and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable urban development in the region.
UN ESCAP Careers: Research Assistant Vacancy
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Sustainable Urban Development Section and overall supervision of the Director, Environment and Development Division, the incumbent will be responsible for:
- Research and Data Analysis:
- Assisting in identifying and monitoring substantive aspects of the Section’s work in various regions/countries.
- Selecting and evaluating a variety of documents, summarizing pertinent material, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing background and research materials for meetings, workshops, events, assessment papers, studies, briefs, and reports.
- Systematically retrieving, highlighting, and compiling data and information from various sources.
- Preparing input for electronic databases and the internet and cooperating with research institutes and organizations in data collection.
- Report Preparation:
- Preparing reports, presentations, tables, lists, charts, data sets, and diagrams to facilitate in-depth analysis by section staff and other users.
- Drafting programme/project summaries and coordinating the review and clearance process.
- Coordinating with editors, translation services, and others on the finalization and issuance of publications and reports.
- Meeting and Conference Support:
- Participating in and assisting with the organization of expert group meetings, capacity-building workshops, and other section and division activities.
- Taking notes and preparing summary reports, notes for the file, correspondence, etc.
- Identifying organizational requirements for conferences and meetings and assisting in the preparation of documentation and reports.
- Conducting preparatory meetings with relevant UN agencies and delegations regarding procedural and organizational arrangements for meetings/conferences, whether on-site, virtual, or hybrid.
- Managing video conferencing invitations and operations and updating relevant technical guides with new features and functionalities of conferencing tools.
- Administrative Support:
- Performing administrative support functions related to the Section’s work, including recruitment of interns and preparing and/or processing requests in Umoja (e.g., travel requests, expense claims, authorization of recruitment and payment).
- Providing guidance and training to new/junior staff.
- Performing reference checks, requesting ISBNs and sales numbers, and other related tasks.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Knowledge of research methodologies, data collection, and maintenance. Ability to identify, extract, analyze, and format data from various sources. Shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments and deadlines.
- Communication: Effective communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to listen to others, interpret messages correctly, and respond appropriately. Tailors language, tone, and format to match the audience.
- Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; prioritizes activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates time and resources efficiently; foresees risks and allows for contingencies; monitors and adjusts plans as necessary.
Education
- Required: High school diploma or equivalent.
- Desirable: A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of two years of required experience.
Work Experience
- Required: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in administrative services or in collecting and researching data across various areas of environment, social and economic development.
- Desirable: Experience in MS Office and operating virtual meeting platforms (e.g., MS Teams, Zoom). Experience in the United Nations Common System or similar international organizations. Experience in drafting and/or reviewing documents.
Languages
- Required: Fluency in English.
- Desirable: Knowledge of another UN official language.
Assessment
Qualified applicants may be evaluated through a competency-based interview and/or other assessment methods.
Special Notice
- Local Recruitment: This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants must be authorized to work in the duty station where the position is located.
- Diversity and Inclusion: ESCAP is committed to achieving diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.
- Zero-Tolerance Policy: ESCAP has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination.
- Health and Safety: Appointments are subject to medical clearance and inoculation requirements.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the United Nations Careers Portal by the deadline of 19 July 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Keywords
Research Assistant, ESCAP, Sustainable Urban Development, Data Analysis, Report Preparation, Meeting Support, Administrative Support, Bangkok, United Nations, Local Recruitment, Diversity and Inclusion, Environmental Sustainability, Economic Development, Social Development, Capacity Building, UN Common System, MS Teams, Zoom, Professionalism, Communication, Planning and Organizing
APPLY NOW
