Research Assistant on Trade
Assist in developing Trade Simulator Interfaces for ESCWA member states.
Overview
Assist in developing Trade Simulator Interfaces for ESCWA member states.
You have:
- Three years’ experience in the field of Applied Research and Analysis on Trade Policies with a focus on Impact Assessment.
- Experience and knowledge of Global Trade Database (COMTRADE, TRADEMAP, BACI) with proven experience in using large Trade Datasets to calculate indicators.
- Familiar with the application of global CGEs in Trade Analysis.
- Familiar with GTAP database.
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.
On the requests of MSs, ESCWA started the development of tailored national versions of ATSI called Global Economywide Trade Simulator Interface (GETSI). In 2024, ESCWA developed three beta versions of GETSI to UAE, Oman, and Morocco. Currently ESCWA is developing two new versions for Saudi Arabia and Egypt. In addition to developing the interfaces, ESCWA is delivering multiple national training workshops and assisting the concerned ministries in monitoring and evaluating changes in trade policies (national and global) as well as economic shocks.
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief of section, Economics Affairs or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Research Assistant on Trade will:
• Test the robustness of the two Global Economywide Trade Simulator Interfaces developed for Saudi Arabia, Egypt.
• Prepare training materials and user guides for the new national versions of GETSI under development to facilitate their uses by national teams.
• Coordinate with IT’s team to address all issues experienced when running simulations using the interfaces.
• Undertake specific analyses on selected subjects related to trade integration.
• Draft technical documents on the impact of CBAM on North African countries in cooperation with UNECA.
• Co- organize the workshop on the impact of CBAM on North African countries.
• Assist the project coordinator in assessing the impacts of new trade scenarios on the request of MSs.
• Perform other related tasks and duties assigned
Accountability
Creativity
Planning and organizing
Professionalism
• Three years’ experience in the field of Applied Research and Analysis on Trade Policies with a focus on Impact Assessment.
• Experience and knowledge of Global Trade Database (COMTRADE, TRADEMAP, BACI…) with proven experience in using large Trade Datasets to calculate indicators.
• Familiar with the application of global CGEs in Trade Analysis.
• Familiar with GTAP database.
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 Specialist Volunteers in Lebanon are entitled to: • Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of USD 1,606.58 • 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
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a research project you worked on related to trade policies? | This question assesses your practical experience in applied research within trade contexts. | Discuss the project's objective, how you approached the research, and the outcome. |
| How do you ensure the accuracy of data when performing analysis? | This evaluates your data validation and quality assurance processes. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your experience with Global Trade Databases and how you've used them in past projects. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What challenges have you faced when conducting impact assessments on trade policies, and how did you overcome them? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you approach training development for technical subjects like trade simulation? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |