Senior Research Assistant, Social Affairs

Overview

Support socio-economic development and data management in North Africa

You have:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• University degree in Economics, Statistics or related field is desirable.
• At least ten years of experience in Programme/Project management support is required.
• Fluency in both English and French is required.
• Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.
• Passing the UN's Global General Services Test (GGST) or the UN’s Administrative Support Assessment Test (ASAT) is required.

Contract

This is a G-7 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 3,169 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Org. Setting and Reporting ECA’s mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa; informed by the 2030 SDGs and Agenda 2063. The mission is guided by ECA’s five strategic directions which are: advancing ECA’s position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent’s problems and take local solutions to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace, security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa’s position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues. The Sub-regional Office for North Africa (SRO-NA) is located in Rabat, Morocco. It is headed by a Director who reports to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme). Its main objective is to enhance the employment creation environment in North Africa through strengthened economic diversification and regional integration and a better recognition of migrant workers’ qualifications and skills. The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the Director of the Office and the direct supervision of the Knowledge Management Officer of the Office.

Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Senior Research Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

I- Programme support - Coordinates with sections the preparation of Programme Management and planning (PPB, ABP) and monitoring & evaluation (APPR, Activities report) documents. - Assists in identifying and monitoring substantive aspect of the work of the Office sections on socio-economic development aspects in North Africa region/ member States countries. - Selects and evaluates a variety of documents, summarize pertinent material, collects data and prepares background materials for country notes, assessment papers, studies, briefs and reports. - Systematically follows through and retrieves highlights and compiles information from a wide variety of information sources. - Prepares input for the electronic database and the internet and co-operate with research institutes and organizations in the collection of data. - Assembles and examines original statistical material to ensure accuracy, clarity and validity; makes appropriate adjustments. - Designs, assists in preparing reports and maintaining a country note for each country assigned to sections. - Assists in preparing a variety of reports, presentations, tables, lists, charts, data sets, and/or diagrams for information in order to facilitate the in-depth analysis of the retrieved information by the supervisor and other users. - Assists in preparing, maintaining and updating files (electronic and paper) and internal databases; designing and generating a variety of periodic and ad hoc reports, statistical tables, charts, graphs, and other background materials/notes to facilitate inspection and other reviews. - Maintains and expands contacts with other departments in the Secretariat, as well as the UN agencies and programmes and other organizations relevant to the region, and co-ordinate the input of other departments in the collection of data for assignments received. - Co-ordinates Draft programme/project summaries, review and clearance process with editor, printing supplies, translation services, etc., on finalization and publication of reports in multiple languages. - Processes information gathered (background, data, statistics, etc.) using various computer programmes and periodically updates the information to allow its distribution and easy access by multiple and potential users through KM platforms.

II- Meetings Organisation - Participates in the all substantive and policy discussions of sections. - Attends meetings of the Office and especially its sections to follow organization, discussions, takes notes, if necessary, and assists in preparing summary report, notes for the file, correspondence, etc. - Identifies the organizational requirements for conferences and meetings and assists in the preparation of documentation and reports for these meetings

III- Data and Document Management - Disseminates all UNECA and Office's publications through KM platforms. - Maintains and updates statistical data bases of socio-economic indicators of the sub-region countries, and downloads all necessary information and data from related United Nations Agencies on Internet. - Disseminates all these statistical indicators as required to users. - Propagates information as appropriate in accordance with the mandate and objectives of UNECA & SRO-NA. - Provides information as required to clients and partners. - Transfers on-line communication, electronic and file via Internet to users and partners. - Ensures that documents are prepared in time for meetings and that they are circulated effectively and fluently during meetings. - Oversees finalization of documents preparation during meetings of SRO-NA, assuring observation of deadlines along the line, in the following areas: formatting, editing, translation, reproduction binding. - Arranges for distribution of advance copies, as required. - Finalizes the edited versions of the SRO-NA reports, and dissemination to users through KM platforms. - Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. - Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.

IV- Other related work as required - Acts as a back-up of the IT Assistant with emphasis on maintaining the continuity of service. - Performs Inspira and Umoja roles related to programmes’ requests. - Performs other duties as required.

Competencies - Professionalism – Knowledge and understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the United Nations system and organizational structure and respective roles of related units. Knowledge of internal policies, processes, procedures and protocol generally and in particular those related to the area of responsibility. The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Ability to research and gather information from a wide variety of standard and non-standard sources. Demonstrates ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. - Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. - Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education High school diploma or equivalent is required. University degree in Economics, Statistics or related field is desirable..

Job - Specific Qualification Passing the UN's Global General Services Test (GGST) or the UN’s Administrative Support Assessment Test (ASAT) is required. Please refer to the Special Notice section for additional information about the GGST.

Work Experience At least ten years of experience in Programme/Project management support is required.

Experience in collecting and researching data across various areas of social and economic development or related area is desirable.

Experience in preparing and delivering presentations is desirable.

Experience in public policies is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in both English and French is required. Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include assessment exercises which may be followed by a competency-based interview

Special Notice - This position is temporarily available until the regular filling of the post. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. - While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. - Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. - This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. - Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. - Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. - Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Services and related categories in the United Nations Secretariat. Applicants who have not passed the GGST at the time of application may be invited for the test after submitting an application. Having passed the Administrative Support Assessment Test at the United Nations headquarters, Economic Commission for Africa, Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, United Nations Office at Geneva, United Nations Office at Vienna, International criminal tribunal for Rwanda or International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia may be accepted in lieu of the GGST. - At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. - The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. - This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment.

United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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