Research Assistant
Organizational Context
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), a regional commission of the United Nations, aims to contribute to the economic and social development of the region. The Social Development Division, where this role is situated, focuses on policy design, monitoring, evaluation, and advisory services. This Research Assistant position supports the division's work, reporting to a Senior Officer.
Job Purpose
The Research Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the Social Development Division's initiatives by assisting in the identification and monitoring of substantive work across various regions. This involves meticulously collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing data from diverse sources to prepare background materials for studies, briefs, and reports. The role contributes to informed decision-making by ensuring data accuracy, validity, and accessibility through the preparation of various reports, presentations, and datasets. Furthermore, the position supports the division's engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including research institutes and UN agencies, to facilitate data collection and coordination efforts, ultimately contributing to the division's mission of promoting economic and social development.
Responsibilities
The Research Assistant is responsible for identifying and monitoring substantive aspects of the Unit's work, evaluating documents, and summarizing pertinent material. This includes collecting and analyzing data, and preparing background materials for studies and reports. The role involves systematically retrieving and compiling information from various sources, preparing input for databases and the internet, and collaborating with research institutes for data collection. The incumbent will assemble and examine statistical material for accuracy and validity, and prepare reports, presentations, tables, charts, and data sets to aid analysis. Participation in substantive and policy discussions, maintaining contacts with other departments and organizations, and coordinating data collection efforts are also key duties. Additionally, the role involves managing and updating files and databases, drafting programme summaries, coordinating publication processes, assisting with conference preparations, attending meetings to take notes and prepare summaries, and updating information materials like web pages.
Work Experience
Seven years of experience in collecting and researching data in social and economic development or related areas is required. This requirement is reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in research on social policies in Latin America and the Caribbean, administrative support, and organizing seminars/conferences is desirable. One year or more of experience in data analytics is also desirable.
Skills
Professionalism (research methodologies, data collection/maintenance, data analysis/modeling/interpretation), Teamwork, Client Orientation, English and Spanish proficiency.