Research and Data Assistant
Support timely delivery of ESCWA analytical outputs with reliable data and research inputs.
This opening expired 5 months ago.
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Overview
Support timely delivery of ESCWA analytical outputs with reliable data and research inputs.
You have:
- An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Statistics, Business Analytics, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
- A first-level university degree combined with 2 additional years of qualifying professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
- A minimum of four 4 years of professional work experience in research and data analysis is required.
- Experience supporting socio-economic or policy-oriented analytical work is desirable.
- Familiarity with data analysis, statistical software, and basic dashboarding tools is desirable.
- Experience in data visualization and preparation of analytical charts and tables is desirable.
- Previous experience working with international or regional organizations is desirable.
- Fluency in English and Arabic is required. Note: "Fluency" equals a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand).
Contract
This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.
Result of Service
The Research and Data Assistant will support the timely delivery of ESCWA analytical outputs by providing accurate, well-structured, and reliable data and research inputs. The ultimate result of service is the availability of consolidated datasets, analytical summaries, and supporting materials that strengthen evidence-based analysis in areas such as competition policy, consumer protection, and national development planning.
Work Location
UN-House ESCWA
Expected duration
6 months
Duties and Responsibilities
- Background Evidence-based research and data-driven analysis are essential for governments seeking to design effective reforms, strengthen economic governance, and monitor progress toward national development goals. In the Arab region, increasing market complexity—driven by digital transformation, evolving regulatory frameworks, and shifting socio-economic priorities—has heightened the demand for reliable data, structured information, and sound analytical support to inform policymaking. ESCWA integrates quantitative and qualitative analysis across its core areas of work, including competition policy, consumer protection, national development planning, and the broader business environment. This includes conducting comparative assessments, reviewing national regulatory frameworks, and producing analytical studies such as market assessments and evaluations of national development plans. These efforts support member States in understanding market dynamics, tracking implementation progress, and identifying priority reform areas. High-quality data collection, processing, and analysis are central to these processes, enabling the transformation of raw information into clear and actionable evidence for policymakers. To support this work, ESCWA seeks to engage an Individual Contractor (IC) to provide research and data analysis support. The IC will contribute to consolidating datasets from national and international sources, supporting quantitative and qualitative assessments, and preparing analytical materials for ESCWA studies, reports, and capacity-building activities across various thematic areas. 2. Duties and Responsibilities Reporting to the Project Manager and Economic Affairs Officer, the Individual Contractor will work closely with the project team and support the following tasks: • Collect, compile, and organize quantitative and qualitative data from national sources, surveys, administrative records, trade databases, and ESCWA datasets for use across assigned projects. • Review, clean, and validate datasets to ensure accuracy, consistency, and completeness, and flag data gaps or inconsistencies to the supervising officer. • Support descriptive, comparative, and trend analyses related to market structures, pricing dynamics, production capacity, trade flows, competitive conditions, and sector performance. • Assist in the analysis of performance indicators and targets under national development plans and other ESCWA initiatives, using appropriate statistical and analytical tools under supervision. • Prepare data visualizations (charts, tables, dashboards, and infographics) to support analytical outputs, presentations, and policy discussions. • Support the development and documentation of indicators and basic measurement tools for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks. • Assist in the preparation and updating of analytical dashboards and summary tables used to track key performance indicators and project progress. • Prepare analytical summaries, technical notes, tables, graphs, and narrative inputs for inclusion in ESCWA reports, briefs, and presentations. • Support drafting and finalization of analytical sections and annexes, ensuring internal consistency, accuracy, and adherence to agreed methodologies. • Coordinate closely with ESCWA staff to harmonize data sources, validate outputs, and ensure timely delivery of assigned tasks. • Participate in team meetings, consultations, and quality assurance processes, as required.
Qualifications/special skills
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Statistics, Business Analytics, Business Administration, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with 2 additional years of qualifying professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of four 4 years of professional work experience in research and data analysis is required. Experience supporting socio-economic or policy-oriented analytical work is desirable. Familiarity with data analysis, statistical software, and basic dashboarding tools is desirable. Experience in data visualization and preparation of analytical charts and tables is desirable. Previous experience working with international or regional organizations is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. In addition, Arabic is a working language at 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).
Additional Information
Not available.
No Fee
THE 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.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience in data analysis and how it has prepared you for this role? | To understand your practical experience and its relevance to the position. | Discuss specific projects or roles where you utilized data analysis, highlighting techniques and tools used. |
| How do you ensure data accuracy and consistency in your research? | This determines your methodologies and attention to detail in data handling. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a challenging research project you worked on and how you addressed the challenges. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What statistical tools are you most familiar with and how have you applied them in your work? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you approach data visualization, and what tools do you use to create visual representations of your findings? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| In your opinion, what factors are critical to consider when analyzing market trends? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of how you have contributed to team projects or discussions in a previous role? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you use to stay updated on developments in economic policy and governance? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
Added 5 months ago
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Updated 5 months ago
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Source:
careers.un.org
