Job Opening
Job Opening ID: 226819
Job Network : Economic, Social and Development
Job Family : Social Affairs
Category and Level : General Service and Related Categories, G-5
Duty Station : BEIRUT
Department/Office : Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia
Date Posted : Jan 26, 2024
Deadline : Feb 1, 2024

Org. Setting and Reporting
The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) forms part of the United Nations Secretariat and, like the other regional commissions, operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. ESCWA comprises 21 Arab countries in Western Asia and North Africa. ESCWA provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies for member countries, a platform for congress and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory. ESCWA activities are coordinated with the divisions and main offices of the Headquarters of the United Nations, specialized agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and its subsidiary bodies, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

This temporary position is located in the Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability Cluster. The Research Assistant works under the overall supervision of the Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability Cluster Leader and reports directly to an Economic Affairs Officer.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Research Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Researches, extracts and compiles basic information and technical data on land use/land cover, water bodies and climate change;
• Sorts, consolidates, extracts and processes data and enter into relevant database;
• Assists in monitoring developments/issues on water and land resources and climate change by collecting, selecting, analysing and compiling materials from multiple sources using remote sensing and geospatial analysis, e.g., relevant statistical and geospatial databases 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, briefing notes, 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;
• Co-ordinates and sets up pamphlets or public awareness campaigns to educate the 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;
• Performs other related work as required.
Competencies
• PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to research, interpret and analyse a wide variety of data on water and land resources and climate change. Knowledge of the functions and organization of the work unit. Demonstrates use of initiative and ability to make appropriate linkages in work requirements. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Able to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making.

• COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

• TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Job – Specific Qualification
First-level degree or an advanced university degree in a field related to water resources, environment or natural resource management is desirable.

Work Experience
A minimum of five years of experience in collecting and researching data across various areas related to climate change or natural resource sustainability is required.

The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to three for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher.

At least 1 year of experience generating maps and geospatial analysis using ArcGIS 10 or ArcPro is required.

Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT) is required.

At least 1 year of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Experience using remote sensing tools and analysing related datasets is desirable
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. In addition, Arabic is a working language at ESCWA.

For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required.

Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.