Research Assistant

Volunteering Finance & Economy

Overview

Research and analyze public finance issues for the Arab region.

You have:

• Knowledge of research and analysis on public finance, macroeconomic modelling, and public debt management issues is required.
• Knowledge of these issues in the context of the Arab region is desirable.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis software (Excel/Stata) is desirable.

Contract

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

For most Governments in the Arab region, advancing public finance management and fiscal policies in line with national development priorities and macrofiscal sustainability remains a challenge. Arab States are facing increasing debt and debt service burdens, which have been aggravated by protracted crises and global macroeconomic uncertainty. Public budgets struggle to cover essential expenditure on social services as well as to meet commitments on climate action. ESCWA’s debt and fiscal policy initiatives provide decision-makers with analysis, tools and policy support related to public finance and debt sustainability, including through the development of tools on debt optimization, macrofiscal modelling and forecasting, and mapping of public social expenditures. UN ESCWA is the leading institution in the Arab region in providing training and capacity development to member states on macroeconomic modelling and policy simulations. It has adopted and tailored the single-country UN World Economic Forecasting Model (WEFM), with a focus on enhancing social expenditures and fiscal sustainability. Through a user-friendly interface, ESCWA is equipping policymakers, specifically in selected countries, with access to the extended single-country WEFM, and is increasing their preparedness to use the macroeconomic forecasts and simulations to inform better decisions on financing social expenditures and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Cluster Leader or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Youth Volunteer will:

• Research, compile, analyze, summarize, and present information and data updates related to public finance issues including budget data, social expenditure, and macroeconomic indicators in the Arab region. • Maintain regular updates to the debt database by compiling, cleaning, and processing data from various international sources in a streamlined and well-structured database to support analysis and reporting processes. • Systematically follow through and retrieve, highlight information on public finance in the Arab region from a wide variety of information sources, prepare inputs on the subject as required. • Prepare statistical tables and graphs and assist in the preparation of presentations and substantive material on public finance. • Draft and contribute inputs to the preparation of a user manual on the macro fiscal model. • Contribute to drafting materials (presentations, background notes and research) related to training workshops on macro-fiscal modelling and forecasting. • Assist in organizing national workshops and preparing necessary material. • Attend meetings and workshops as required and prepare meeting notes. • Translate from English and French to Arabic and vice versa upon request. • Perform other related tasks and duties assigned.

Accountability Adaptability and flexibility Professionalism

No previous work experience is required for this position. Knowledge of research and analysis on public finance, macroeconomic modelling, and public debt management issues is required. Knowledge of these issues in the context of the Arab region is desirable. Knowledge of statistical analysis software (Excel/Stata) is desirable.

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 Beirut. 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.

National UN Youth Volunteers in Lebanon are entitled to:

• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of USD 1,285.24 • Annual and learning leaves; • Medical and life Insurance • Free access to different learning platforms.

For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 10 months ago - Updated 10 months ago - Source: unv.org