SENIOR RESEARCH ASSISTANT (POPULATION AFFAIRS)

Organizational Context

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), a regional commission of the United Nations, contributes to the economic and social development of the region. This Senior Research Assistant position is within the CELADE-Population Division, reporting to the Chief of Demographic and Information on Population Area. ECLAC's mission includes policy design, monitoring, evaluation, and providing advisory services to governments.

Job Purpose

The Senior Research Assistant will independently monitor substantive aspects of the Population Division's work in various countries. This involves selecting and evaluating documents, summarizing material, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing background information for studies and reports. The role contributes to the elaboration of analytical and quantitative elements for regular and extraordinary work programs. Responsibilities include designing and updating databases, preparing data visualizations, and assisting in organizing meetings and workshops. The position supports the division's mission by ensuring the systematic collection, processing, and dissemination of demographic information and contributing to policy-relevant research and reporting.

Responsibilities

Independently monitor substantive work in various countries, including data collection and analysis. Evaluate documents, summarize pertinent material, and prepare background information for studies and reports. Systematically retrieve, compile, and analyze information from diverse sources, contributing to electronic databases and the internet. Prepare charts, graphs, and other data outputs for reporting and presentations. Assist in formulating project proposals and coordinate project monitoring and implementation. Produce analytical, quantitative, and qualitative elements for documents and reports. Design, update, and manage databases, ensuring data integrity and accessibility. Organize and prepare for meetings and workshops, drafting agendas and procedural notes. Liaise with internal and external parties, including delegates and NGOs. Draft and edit complex technical texts and prepare newsletters and other program-related communications. Process and update gathered information using computer programs for wider access. Track legislative decisions affecting program content and update relevant databases. May provide guidance to junior staff and undertake field work.

Work Experience

At least ten years of experience in collecting and researching data in social and economic development or related areas is required (eight years with a university degree). Seven years of experience in producing official sociodemographic information and experience in collecting, processing, analyzing, and disseminating demographic and census data are required. Experience providing technical assistance on population and housing censuses in Latin America is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Teamwork, Client Orientation, data analysis, data interpretation, research, information gathering, judgment, meeting commitments, persistence, calm under stress, gender perspective integration, modeling, collaboration, valuing others' input, client needs identification, partnership building.

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