Research Assistant

Result of ServiceThe project is to strengthen national statistical systems in the region to produce and disseminate high quality demographic and social statistics to support and drive evidence-based policy making in the region. Specific outputs expected from the IC include: • Clean datasets for relevant and agreed upon indicators • Revamped online ESCWA database, reflective of updated indicators and relevant data • Automation of online database to the extent possible, including all research and scripts created for this work Work LocationUN-House ESCWA / Hybrid Expected duration6 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: Demographic and social trend data are essential for informed policymaking, economic planning and societal development. However, many countries in the Arab region have data gaps in important social and demographic indicators. These data gaps emphasize the need for improved national data collection procedures, enhanced data processing, analysis and estimation capacity, and better statistical dissemination systems. These needs have been identified by Cluster 4 through questionnaires and numerous expert group meetings with representatives of National Statistics Offices (NSOs) who have outlined the problems they are facing in producing reliable, and timely social and demographic data over time. The “Supporting the Enhancement and Modernization of Demographic and Social Statistics in the Arab states” project seeks to monitor data availability by reporting trends in a set of essential demographic and social indicators, which not only highlight the demographic and social reality of the region but also reveals the availability of data and how it has increased or deteriorated over time. In conjunction with reporting these trends, the Technical Advisory Group, comprised of ESWCA and focal points for NSOs, seek to establish a regional strategy to improve data availability through coordination with NSOs of the region and providing the necessary statistical support. As planned in the project, the section will organize a series of regional workshops on different social demographic issues and will work to update the ESCWA database through online platforms. Duties and Responsibilities: • Compile, process and manipulate data sets derived from a variety of sources • Update database and assist in automation • Develop automotive mechanisms for online processing of data (network for connecting data from source to database) • Prepare data sets upon request, respond to queries • Draft research reports and presentations • Conduct data availability assessment and work on filling the gaps • Assist in estimation modelling • Manage and process data published in different censuses, surveys and questionnaires • Conduct statistical and data analysis using R, Python and/or STATA • Create data visualizations • Do other tasks as requested Qualifications/special skillsA Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Demography, Population, Economics, Business Analysis, Computer Science or Engineering or related area is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. No previous work experience is required for this job opening. Good analytical and management skills,strong communication and teamwork, and ability to work and under pressure to meet tight deadlines is required. Good research and drafting skills with strong computer knowledge, including Microsoft Office Suite and programming languages, such as Python or R is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in Arabic and English are required. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas. Additional InformationRecruitment for this position is on a local basis. The incumbent is required to have the legal right to live and work in the specified working location. 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.