Research Assistant

Result of ServiceThe incumbent will deliver timely and high-quality statistical and analytical support to the project, contributing to the release of ESCWA reports and technical outputs. Work must meet ESCWA standards in terms of accuracy, clarity, and relevance. Work LocationUN-House ESCWA Expected duration6 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackgroun and Objective: The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) supports economic and social development in its 22 Arab member States. Cluster 6 on Governance and Conflict Prevention serves as a regional platform for policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and consensus-building to strengthen governance institutions and promote inclusive, transparent, and accountable public administration systems across the Arab region. In this context, and in line with its efforts to promote evidence-based policymaking and balanced development, ESCWA is supporting the Sultanate of Oman in the development and implementation of the Governorate Competitiveness Index (GCI). This initiative aims to assess and enhance competitiveness across Oman’s governorates, contributing to the achievement of Oman Vision 2040 and the country’s decentralization and sustainable development objectives. The GCI provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating performance across economic, social, governance, and environmental dimensions. It serves as a diagnostic and policy tool to identify strengths and challenges, guide resource allocation, and promote equitable growth across regions. By fostering data-driven decision-making, the Index will support local authorities in developing tailored strategies that leverage the unique potential of each governorate. Building on the development of the GCI, ESCWA will produce analytical reports, policy briefs, and capacity-building activities to strengthen the ability of national and local stakeholders to utilize the index effectively. These efforts aim to promote transparency and accountability as well as support Oman’s transition toward a more decentralized, competitive, and sustainable governance model. Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Project Coordinator, the Individual Contractor will assist in: i. Data Processing • Support the validation, cleaning, and organization of datasets and related analyses. • Maintain and update indicator databases, ensuring consistency and accuracy across countries and timeframes. • Process quantitative and qualitative data using Excel or other analytical software. ii. Research and Statistical Analysis • Conduct statistical analysis to identify trends and comparative insights. • Assist in interpreting results and preparing visual outputs such as graphs, charts, and dashboards. iii. Knowledge Product Development • Assist in drafting technical materials, policy briefs, and reports. iv. Coordination and Support • Support the organization of meetings and consultations through preparations and documentation. • Coordinate with team members to ensure coherence and accuracy of outputs. • Perform other related tasks as requested by the supervisor. Qualifications/special skillsA first-level university degree in statistics, economics, public policy, business analytics, or a related field is required. An advanced degree in the above mentioned fields is desirable. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. For this position, no previous work experience is required. Exposure to indices or governance monitoring tools, as well as data visualization software (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau) or statistical packages (e.g., R, Stata, SPSS), is desirable. Familiarity with data analysis, statistics, or governance-related research 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 English and Arabic is 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 InformationNot available. 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.