Research assistant for Disability Project

Result of Service The main objective of the assignment is to provide administrative/Research support to the implementation of the work plan of the disability project

Work Location Beirut

Expected duration 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Individual Contractor will be responsible for the following duties: 1. Provide a high level of coordination and organizational support to the Project's work; 2. Manage the logistics of, and coordinate the content development for workshops, expert group meetings, conferences, trainings, and other programme events; 3. Assist with the design and dissemination of the Project's outputs and reports; 4. Research, compile, analyze, summarize, and present basic information/data on specific Project related topics; 5. Prepares a variety of studies, reports, background papers, papers for government meetings, etc. on a wide range of disability-related issues. 6. Assist in monitoring and reporting on the Project's activities and budgets; 7. Prepare reports, presentations, tables, lists, charts, data sets, and/or diagrams in order to facilitate the analysis and/or use of the retrieved information by the supervisor; 8. Performs other duties as required

Qualifications/special skills Competency: Two years of progressively responsible experience in research and general office support or related area is desirable. Skills: Experience in disability policy in the Arab region is desirable. Academic Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in political science, sociology, social sciences, economics or other related academic background is required. Experience: At least two years of experience in disability policy, several years of experience in programme or project administration, general office support or related area is required. Language: Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

Additional Information Persons with disabilities in the Arab region are one of the most marginalized and excluded population groups. They are often not visible in public life, as social and physical environments remain inaccessible, and their levels of educational attainment and employment are generally much lower than those of persons without disabilities. This situation is perpetuated and aggravated by environmental and social barriers, discriminatory attitudes and inaccessible facilities. Women and girls with disabilities, especially those in rural areas, are particularly vulnerable. In humanitarian crises and situations of armed conflict, the number of persons with disabilities increases while their access to assistance, services and livelihoods becomes more limited. They also often face heightened protection concerns due to the breakdown of community structures and social cohesion Although the situation of persons with disabilities in the region remains difficult, many ESCWA member States have made progressive steps towards higher inclusivity. All countries have signed or ratified the CRPD, possess enabling legal and policy frameworks, best practices and success stories of empowering persons with disabilities.

ESCWA is mandated to support member States in adopting a rights-based approach to equitable, inclusive and participatory social development towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. ESCWA has an extensive body of knowledge on disability issues in the Arab region; regularly carries out studies on disability-related issues, polices and best practices in the region; monitors implementation of certain aspects of the CRPD and SDGs by Arab States; delivers thematic expert group meetings and workshops for member States on subjects important for the region; and has access to an extensive network of experts on disability-related matters. Due to the increased demand on ESCWA's support to members states, an individual contractor is required to support and work in close collaboration with the disability team.

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.