Economic Research Specialist

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

In response to a lack of updated and comprehensive data on this specific thematic area, IOM is implementing data collection exercises and research initiatives aimed at obtaining a better understanding specifically of economic developments and needs of local populations. The results aim to provide an evidence base for the design of livelihoods projects deployed in identified areas and include, amongst others, financial support to local businesses. Specifically, under the project “Supporting local economic development to enhance employment prospects in Lebanon”, funded by Korea, livelihood activities aim to identify geographical areas at particular risk of irregular migration and community destabilization. Livelihood projects are deployed to help blunt the drivers of these negative trends. Livelihood provision helps financially struggling individuals and families, while also striving to promote female access to livelihood opportunities. Secondly, the project gives significant financial support to local businesses, demonstrating real commercial viability and employment generating potential. These different activities are underpinned by rigorous data collection activities.

In line with these data and research activities with a focus on livelihoods, IOM Lebanon seeks to hire a UN Volunteer to support the implementation of economic assessments and analysis, such as labour market assessments.

Under the direct supervision of the Data and Research Officer and the overall supervision of the Head of Programmes, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Support labour market and livelihoods assessments, including triangulation of data, to in-form the activities implemented under IOM’s Enterprise Development Fund and contrib-ute to value chain analysis and other research initiatives undertaken around livelihoods programming. 2. Support the development of research activities around local economic development op-portunities in Lebanon, in line with the agreed upon work plan and relevant project de-scriptions. 3. Integrate contextual analysis into the research, such as information pertinent to the busi-ness environment of the area. 4. Lead on the development and implementation of research tools such as area-based as-sessments of available services, a labour market assessment and desk review, and in ac-cordance with global standards and methodologies. 5. Proactively identify research needs and develop action plans to address these gaps. 6. Assist in the analysis of assessment results and the production of information products, to inform evidence-based advocacy and programming. 7. In collaboration with the Data and Research Unit, support on the development of other research activities related to livelihoods and sociodemographic profiles of populations. 8. Undertake duty travel related to the economic assessments, liaison with counterparts and problem solving, as required. 9. Any other duties that might be assigned.

Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment and Motivation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Creativity, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Knowledge Sharing, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, Technological Awareness, Working in Teams

research on the topic of migration, labour market studies, and/or in humanitarian/development work;
• Knowledge of non-profit and private sector work including finance, market assessments, livelihoods and value chain an advantage; • Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint required. • Excellent analytical skills; • Familiarity with and/or work experience in Lebanon or the region is an advantage.

Political and economic volatility in Lebanon is high and general awareness of the country’s developments is important to remain informed of potential risks and dangers. Health access is typically available through private hospitals and their associated referrals to secondary care. Security in country is generally stable, with low (though rising) rates of crime. Public violence related to local disputes, political rivalries are sporadic but do occur occasionally, particularly in rural remote areas, such as the border areas with Syria. Roads are functional, and traffic rules generally followed with easy travel within country, expect during winter where snowfall leads to inaccessible roads at high altitudes. Lebanon has much to offer recreationally. Beirut and other major urban centres have many restaurants, cafes and/or bars, and nightclubs. Beach resorts, both public and private are open from May to September. Nature activities in the mountains are also possible, particularly hiking, or mountain biking, rock climbing etc. Arabic is the national language, with Lebanese dialect most spoken. English and French are widely spoken, particularly in urban areas. Further information can be found here: UN staff Orientation Handbook