Senior Research Assistant, Population Affairs
Organizational Context
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), a regional commission of the United Nations, aims to foster economic and social development in the region. This Senior Research Assistant position is within the Population Division (CELADE), reporting to the Coordinator of the Population and Development Area. The role supports ECLAC's mission through policy design, monitoring, and advisory services.
Job Purpose
The Senior Research Assistant will independently identify and monitor substantive aspects of the Population Division's work across various countries. This involves selecting and evaluating documents, summarizing materials, 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 assigned work programs. Responsibilities include building data sets, designing and updating databases, and preparing charts and graphs for reporting. The position also supports project formulation, monitoring, and the organization of meetings and workshops, ensuring efficient data management and dissemination for informed decision-making and program activities.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include independently identifying and monitoring substantive work aspects in various countries. The role involves selecting and evaluating documents, summarizing pertinent material, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing background materials for studies and reports. This includes systematically retrieving and compiling information from diverse sources, preparing input for electronic databases and the internet, and cooperating with research institutes for data collection. The position requires preparing charts and graphs for data presentation, assisting in formulating project proposals, and coordinating project monitoring. It also involves producing analytical elements for documents and reports, building special data sets, and designing/updating databases. Furthermore, the role supports organizing meetings and workshops, drafting agendas, establishing and managing internal databases, and participating in technical meetings. The incumbent will liaise with internal and external parties, draft and edit technical texts, prepare newsletters, and process information using various computer programs. The role also tracks legislative decisions affecting programs, oversees database preparation, and may provide guidance to junior staff.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of experience in data collection and research in social and economic development is required, reduced to eight years with a university degree. Eight years of research experience in population and development, and five years in sociodemographic research are also required. Experience in systematizing, processing, analyzing, and disseminating sociodemographic data is necessary. Desirable experience includes providing technical assistance on population and development issues in Latin America and the Caribbean, knowledge of Redatam software, and data analytics.
Skills
Professionalism, Teamwork, Planning & Organizing. Ability to identify, extract, interpret, and analyze data. Research and information gathering skills. Data analysis, modeling, and interpretation. Good judgment, conscientiousness, efficiency, persistence, and ability to remain calm under stress. Collaborative work, valuing others' input, and supporting team decisions. Goal setting, prioritization, resource allocation, risk assessment, and time management.