Research Assistant

Result of ServiceSupport food systems transformation work by organizing meetings, preparing materials and translations, and providing research and technical assistance for briefs, notes, and background papers on food systems, sustainability, climate change, and natural resource management. Work LocationUN-HOUSE Expected duration2.5 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground Transforming food systems in the Arab region for universal access to safe and nutritious food in a sustainable and inclusive manner requires taking a multi-sectoral approach that considers the economic, social, environmental, climate, health, and institutional dimensions of food systems. While Arab countries have made notable efforts in recent years, significant challenges remain. The Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability Cluster at ESCWA plays a central role in supporting Arab countries in their food systems transformation efforts. This support includes improving analytical methodologies to assess food systems performance, identifying priority areas for action, and monitoring progress towards national and regional food systems objectives. A key component of this work is raising awareness of the interlinkages between food systems, climate change, and natural resource sustainability, as well as promoting innovative approaches - such as circularity or agroecology- and coordinated policy action across sectors. General objective The Individual Contractor (IC) will contribute to strengthening regional knowledge on food systems in the Arab region, with a particular focus on sustainability and natural resource preservation. The IC will support the development of related knowledge products to contribute to the organization of regional consultations and meetings related to food systems transformation and sustainability. Duties and responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of the Food and Environment Policies Team (FEPs), and the overall supervision of the Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability Cluster Lead, the Individual Contractor will be responsible for the following duties: • Support the preparation, organization, and reporting of meetings and consultations related to food systems transformation, including the drafting of information notes, presentations, agendas, summaries, and other relevant materials, as well as translation support, as required. • Provide research assistance and technical support for the preparation of policy briefs, analytical notes, background papers, and other knowledge products related to food systems, sustainability, climate change, and natural resource management. • Provide research assistance and technical support for briefs, notes, and other outputs related to food systems transformation, as required. Qualifications/special skillsA first-level university degree in development, agriculture, climate change or environmental conservation is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Three years of work experience in the field of environment, agriculture, climate change, natural resource management is required. Demonstrated experience conducting research or analysis on natural resources management and food systems in developing countries is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. 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.