RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Org. Setting and ReportingThe mandate of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asian and Pacific region. ESCAP’s role as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat is to support its membership with policy-oriented research and analysis, normative support and technical assistance and capacity building, to respond to the development priorities and changing needs of the Asian and Pacific region. The ESCAP Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia (SOENEA) works with China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Japan, Mongolia and the Republic of Korea, as well as with Hong Kong, China, and Macao China. In addition, it works with the Russian Federation on matters of technical cooperation. SOENEA also serves as the Secretariat of the North-East Asian Subregional Programme for Environmental Cooperation (NEASPEC). The position is located in the SOENEA, Incheon, Republic of Korea. The incumbent reports to the Deputy Head of Office. ResponsibilitiesUnder the direct supervision of the Deputy Head of Office, ESCAP Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia and overall supervision of the Head of Office, ESCAP Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia, the incumbent is required to perform the following functions: • Researches, extracts and compiles basic information and technical data on specific programmes/projects and related topics and issues. • Sorts, consolidates, extracts and processes data and enter into relevant database and co-operate with research institutes and organizations in the collection of data. • Assists in identifying and monitoring developments/issues on subjects under the North-East Asian Subregional Programme for Environmental Cooperation (NEASPEC), which includes areas such as marine protected areas (MPA), nature conservation and biodiversity, low carbon cities, energy transition or areas assigned by collecting, selecting, analysing and compiling materials from multiple sources, e.g., relevant databases, the library and the Internet. • Assembles original statistical material; adjusts reported data from different sources and load data into computerized database system. Provides statistical data analysis support on assigned programme areas on environmental affairs for the research of supervising senior staff. • Selects and evaluates data sets for accuracy, clarity and validity, and prepare summaries and analysis. • Reviews, stores, classifies and maintains relevant computerized databases and websites such as the NEASPEC website and MS SharePoint databases. • Prepares a variety of reports, presentations, tables, lists, graphs, charts and/or diagrams for information, background materials such as reference documents for NEASPEC official meetings, in addition to drafting progress and outcome reports for implementing projects for review by senior officers. • Prepares programme / project summaries, abstracts/bibliographic descriptions for inclusion in documents, articles, books and publications. • Attends a variety of meetings to follow discussions, takes notes and drafts executive summaries, notes for the file, correspondence, etc. at NEASPEC official meetings and other required workshops or conferences. • Collects organizes and disseminates relevant UN and media information. • Co-ordinates and sets up press briefings, press statements, pamphlets or other public awareness campaigns to educate public on any specific issue. • Provides guidance/training to new/junior staff and interns on work tasks, as well as relevant administrative processes and procedures. • Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. • Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. • Identifies the organizational requirements for conferences and meetings and assists in the preparation of documentation and reports for these meetings, in addition to any other required logistical, secretarial or administrative assistance required. • Performs other related work as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Ability to research, interpret and analyse a wide variety of data. Knowledge of the functions and organization of the work unit, and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units. Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures. Demonstrates use of initiative and ability to make appropriate linkages in work requirements. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Able to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent is required. A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of two years of required experience. University or higher degree in environment, science, international cooperation or other related area is desirable. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five years (or three years if graduated with a first-level university degree) of progressively responsible experience in collecting and researching data related to environmental affairs in East and North-East Asia or related area is required. Experience in the United Nations Common System or international organizations similar to UN Common System is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. Knowledge of at least one or more of the languages in East and North-East Asia is desirable. AssessmentQualified applicants may be evaluated through a competency-based interview and/or other assessment methods. Special NoticeThis position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. Applicants for GS and related positions may apply and be considered for locally recruited positions no matter where they are currently located (including the current serving staff members at other duty stations), provided they are locally available upon appointment. They must be authorized to work in the country regardless of where they live at the time of applying for the job opening. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection. This post is funded from extra budgetary resources. The initial appointment is for a period of one year. Extension of appointment is subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. United Nations ConsiderationsAccording to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.