Job description

Result of Service
The Research Assistant will support the collection, organization, validation, and preliminary analysis of quantitative and qualitative information required for projects related to Public Administration and Institutional Reform, Governance, Accountability and Innovation and Local Governance work of the Public Governance and Institutional Transformation Section. The assignment will contribute to the timely preparation of accurate research materials, databases, background notes, presentations, and other project outputs.
Work Location
UN-House - ESCWA
Expected duration
4 Months
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Background and Objective Public governance systems in the Arab region are undergoing significant transformation in response to overlapping economic, social, environmental, and geopolitical challenges, including fiscal pressures, climate risks, rapid digitalization, conflict, and declining public trust. These evolving challenges demand not only public sector reform but also systemic innovation to strengthen service delivery, accountability, resilience, and institutional effectiveness. Today, governments are increasingly required to modernize public administration through digital transformation, artificial intelligence, transparency and accountability, inclusive and participatory governance, and resilience-building. They must also align reforms with the 2030 Agenda, integrate behavioural insights into policymaking, and strengthen strategic foresight and anticipatory governance to address emerging challenges. In this context, the role of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia is central in supporting Member States to modernize public institutions, promote regional knowledge exchange, and advance innovative governance frameworks tailored to the Arab region. This work requires the collection, review, and organization of information from national, regional, and international sources, as well as the preparation of background materials, country information, presentations, tables, and other project outputs. ESCWA therefore seeks to engage an entry-level Research Assistant to provide research, data-collection, documentation, and organizational support to activities related to Public Administration and Institutional Reform, Governance, Accountability and Innovation, Local Governance, and the wider work of the section. 2. Duties and Responsibilities The Research Assistant is expected to perform, under the supervision of the Chief of the Governance Section, the following tasks: • Research, extract, consolidate, and organize quantitative and qualitative information from relevant national, regional, and international sources using appropriate research tools and software. • Assist in collecting, reviewing and validating collected data and information for accuracy, completeness, clarity, and consistency, and flag any discrepancies for follow-up by the project team. • Maintain and update relevant computerized databases, research files, and reference materials to ensure data integrity, accessibility, and proper documentation. • Prepare reports, presentations, tables, graphs, charts, and other visual materials to present research findings and provide clear information to the Project coordinator and project team. • Gather and summarize information from national databases, official websites, libraries, online platforms, ESCWA repositories, and other reliable sources to support ongoing research and project activities. • Prepare abstracts, summary briefs, background notes, bibliographic descriptions, country information, and supporting materials for inclusion in ESCWA documents, reports, presentations, and publications. • Contribute to the preparation of research and analytical materials related to Public Administration and Institutional Reform, Governance, Accountability and Innovation, Local Governance and other projects undertaken by the Public Governance and Institutional Transformation Section. • Support the preparation and organization of the remianing Forums and the meetings, including background research, participant materials, meeting documentation, and summaries of discussions. • Coordinate with team members and relevant counterparts, support internal meetings and consultations by preparing materials and taking notes, and perform other related tasks required for the timely implementation of assigned projects.
Qualifications/special skills
A first level degree in Political science, or a related area is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. No prior work experience is required for this assignment. Data collection and analysis skills are required. Skills in data collection, research, or related assignments is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English and Arabic language is required. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.
Additional Information
Recruitment for this position is on a local basis. The incumbent is required to have the legal right to live and work in the specified working location.
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.