Research Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. This post is located in UNEP / Reginal Office for West Asia at the Beirut duty station. This UNV assignment is part of UNEP’s project on the regional implementation for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. This project will help countries act against the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. The project will also draw together political support, scientific research and financial assets to massively scale up restoration from successful pilot initiatives to areas of millions of hectares. To enable this transition, we will need to provide strategic leadership, technical expertise, and project support to inspire, empower and enable those striving to make a difference.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Programme Management Officer, Healthy and Productive Ecosystems Sub-programme or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Research Assistant will:

• Produce comprehensive, accurate and timely research on issues related to Ecosystems Restoration; • Assist in substantive aspects of the work on a variety of topics: select and evaluate a variety of documents, summarizes pertinent material, collect and analyses data and prepare background material for papers, studies, briefs and reports and provide substantive inputs to reports; • Support the regional taskforce team for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration in substantive and organizational tasks related to the conduction of the Intergovernmental Meetings; • Assist in the formulation of concept notes and project proposals; • Prepare a variety of reports, presentations, tables, lists, charts, data sets, and/or diagrams for information to facilitate the in-depth analysis of information by the supervisor and other users, with an emphasis on data visualization & infographics; • Attend a variety of meetings to follow discussions, take notes and prepare summary reports, notes for the file, correspondence, etc; • Draft and process internal and external correspondence as requested; • Perform other duties as requested.

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Communication • Flexibility • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement

project development, integrated planning and analysis, implementation and management is required;
• Experience in development/policy research institutions, diplomatic offices or strategic leadership offices is desirable • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Have affinity with or interest in the environment, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Lebanon, Beirut duty station. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.