Research Assistant

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Economic Development Division. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Economic Development Division. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the five regional Commissions of the United Nations. It was founded in 1948 with the purpose of contributing to the region’s economic and social development. Its mission includes the design, monitoring and evaluation of public policies and the provision of advisory services, expertise and training to Governments, as well as support for regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. 

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Economic Development Division, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Researches, extracts and compiles basic information and technical data on macroeconomic issues.
• Sorts, consolidates, extracts and processes data and enter into relevant database.
• Assists in monitoring developments/issues on subjects or areas assigned by collecting, selecting, analyzing and compiling materials from multiple sources, e.g., relevant databases, the library and the Internet.
• Assembles original statistical material; adjusts reported data from different sources and load data into computerized database system.
• Assists in the evaluation and examination of data sets for accuracy, clarity and validity.
• Assists in the maintenance of relevant computerized databases.
• Prepares a variety of reports, presentations, tables, lists, graphs, charts and/or diagrams for information and review by senior officers.
• Prepares abstracts/bibliographic descriptions for inclusion in documents, articles, books and publications.
• Reviews, stores, classifies, and maintains relevant computerized databases.
• Takes notes and drafts executive summaries of meetings.
• Collects organizes and disseminates relevant UN and media information.
• Coordinates and sets up press briefings, press statements, pamphlets or other public awareness campaigns to educate public on any specific issue.
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.
• Provides guidance/training to new/junior staff.
• Provides administrative and technical support, and prepares materials, including reports, to track the implementation of project.
• Performs other related work as required.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent is required. NOTE: For positions in the General Service category, candidates are required to clearly indicate in their Applicant Profile (AP) relevant information confirming completion of High School.

Work Experience

• At least five (5) years of experience in collecting and researching data across various areas of economic development, including macroeconomics, or related areas is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to three (3) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in data management and statistical analysis of macroeconomic variables, including employment, real, external, fiscal, and monetary sectors is desirable. One year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English and Spanish is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Source: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/242717?language=en