IC, Research Assistant

Organizational Context

The UN Secretary-General's Development System reform established strengthened UN Resident Coordinator Offices (RCOs) worldwide. The Saudi Arabia RCO, led by the Resident Coordinator, coordinates 27 UN entities to support national development aspirations. This role, an Individual Contractor Research Assistant, sits within the RCO, directly supporting the Head of Office in Riyadh.

Job Purpose

The primary purpose of the Individual Contractor Research Assistant is to provide essential research support to the UN Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Saudi Arabia. This involves preparing comprehensive research packages, including detailed topical and sectoral mapping, in-depth literature reviews, concise policy briefs, and strategic notes. The role's critical contribution is to equip the Resident Coordinator and UNCT with robust, evidence-based insights and analytical tools. This enables them to strategically focus their collaborative efforts on key areas, thereby enhancing and accelerating Saudi Arabia's progress towards its national Vision 2030, the 9 Missions of Sustainable Development, and the broader UN Agenda 2030, including the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The research facilitates informed decision-making and targeted interventions for sustainable development, ensuring the UN's collective work effectively supports national aspirations.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Resident Coordinator's Office, the Individual Contractor Research Assistant will undertake several key responsibilities to bolster the analytical capacity of the UN Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT). A primary duty involves conducting comprehensive and well-researched analyses to produce composite research packages. This includes performing detailed topical and sectoral mapping, which is crucial for identifying key areas for intervention and collaborative action within Saudi Arabia. The assistant will also be responsible for conducting thorough literature reviews, synthesizing vast amounts of information to gather relevant insights and best practices. A significant part of the role involves drafting concise and impactful policy briefs, designed to inform strategic decision-making and policy formulation. Furthermore, the assistant will develop strategic notes, outlining potential approaches, recommendations, and pathways for achieving development objectives. All these research outputs are meticulously crafted to enhance and accelerate Saudi Arabia's development trajectory, specifically contributing to the achievement of its national Vision 2030, the 9 Missions of Sustainable Development, the broader UN Agenda 2030, and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The ultimate goal is to empower the Resident Coordinator and UNCT to effectively focus their efforts on promoting sustainable development across the Kingdom.

Work Experience

No prior working experience is required for this position.

Skills

Strong research skills; Strong writing skills; Fluency in Arabic; Knowledge of English.

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