Research Associate, (GS-6), Beijing, China, #109425 (open to Chinese nationals only)

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, champion

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

How can you make a difference?

With China’s growing role in international development cooperation, the South-South cooperation component of UNICEF China has significantly increased. Under the guidance of the Deputy Representative, and technical supervision of Partnerships Specialist the research associate is expected to engage in a variety of information gathering activities and research on selected policies, legislation, programmes and issues linked to South-South Cooperation and Partnerships in China and beyond and extract and translate this work in Chinese and English for programme related and advocacy work.

We are now seeking committed and professional Research Associate to support our work on partnerships and South-South Cooperation between China and countries in Africa and Asia for the benefit of the most disadvantaged children.

Key functions, accountabilities, and related duties/tasks:

• Providing technical translation services as and when required on various occasions based on the programmatic, advocacy and representational needs of the office;
• Translating South-South cooperation project documents including but not limited to proposals, updates, reports and visibility materials;
• Providing summary translation of key materials, policy documents, UNICEF programme technical documents, from English to Chinese and vice versa, as needed.
• Providing research assistance on policy updates on issues related to South-South Cooperation and Partnerships between China and the world, and on specific issues as required by supervisor(s), utilizing and extracting material as needed from a variety of sources, including Chinese and international research databases, literature reviews, internet and other media, available studies and evaluations.
• Maintaining proper filing system of key reference materials and research/other documents both electronically and physically.
• Support the implementation of South-South programme and other related communication materials preparation.
• Performing other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to research and translation and interpretation.
• A minimum of six years of administrative work or work in the context of universities or research. Required years of work experience may be replaced by additional studies.
• Experience in multi-or bilateral organizations would be an asset.
• Fluency in speaking, reading and writing of English and Mandarin, such that research and translation of technical content are accurate.
• Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Skills:

• Current knowledge of development and South-South Cooperation issues, strategies, as well as policies in international development cooperation.
• Ability to effectively manage the programme related material resources and monitor its budget.
• Ability to conduct policy research and analysis.
• Strong organizational, planning and prioritizing skills and abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of the administration which underpins UNICEF country office programme/project operations, including monitoring and evaluation processes.
• Ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• High attention to detail.
• Experience using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other UNICEF software such as SharePoint.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

Core Competencies

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
• Works Collaboratively with others (1)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

Functional Competencies

• Analyzing (2)
• Applying technical expertise (2)
• Planning and organizing (2)
• Following Instructions and Procedures (2)

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. 

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be cancelled.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.