RESEARCH ASSISTANT

  • Location:
  • Salary:
    $2,764,124 - $3,945,788 / YEAR
  • Job type:
    FULL_TIME
  • Posted:
    4 weeks ago
  • Category:
    Research and Data
  • Deadline:
    01/05/2024

JOB DESCRIPTION

Org. Setting and Reporting
This position will report to the Interim Director-General of the Enterprise (IDG) and is based at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. The ISA is an international organization established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (the 1994 Agreement). The ISA is the organization through which States Parties to UNCLOS shall, in accordance with the regime for the seabed and ocean floor and subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction (the Area) established in Part XI and the 1994 Agreement, organize and control activities in the Area, particularly with a view to administering the resources of the Area. Enterprise is the organ of the Authority which shall carry out activities in the Area directly, as well as the transporting, processing and marketing of minerals recovered from the Area. Based on the evolutionary approach towards the independent operation of the Enterprise, the IDG is responsible for the performance of the functions listed in Section 2, paragraph 1 (a) -(g) of the Annex to the 1994 Agreement, in addition to representing the interests of the Enterprise in meetings of the Assembly and Council of the Authority and other relevant meetings.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities: Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the interim Director-General of the Enterprise and within delegated authority, the Research Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: • Assist in identifying and monitoring substantive aspects of the work programme of the Enterprise. • Collect data on world metal market conditions and metal prices, trends and prospects from various sources including the IEA, World Bank, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and provide summary reports to the IDG. • Assist in analysing available data on reserved areas held by the International Seabed Authority. • Collect information on joint venture operations in the minerals and raw materials sectors. • Collect information on managerial policy options for the future administration of the Enterprise. • Reviewing existing literature; conduct desk research; collect quantitative and qualitative data from secondary sources, summarize and present data in different formats. • Compile, tabulate and analyze different types of survey results and data sets from a variety of sources. • Attend a variety of meetings to follow discussions, take notes and prepare summary reports, notes for the file, correspondence, etc. • Select and evaluate a variety of documents, summarize pertinent material, collect and analyse data and prepare background materials for assessment papers, studies, briefs and reports. • Assist in conducting research on the economic and financial feasibility of proposals for joint ventures with the Enterprise. • Assist in the drafting of letters and other correspondence and contribute to the drafting of publications and material produced by the IDG. • Prepare a variety of inputs, presentations, tables, lists, charts, data sets, and/or diagrams for information to facilitate the in-depth analysis of the retrieved information by the IDG and other users. • Assemble and examine original statistical material to ensure accuracy, clarity and validity; make appropriate adjustments. • Prepare, maintain and update files (electronic and paper) and internal databases; design and generate a variety of periodic and ad hoc reports, statistical tables, charts, graphs, and other background materials and notes. • Identify the organizational requirements for conferences and meetings and assist in the preparation of documentation and reports, for example, on contractors’ meetings and workshops etc., relevant to the work of the Enterprise. • Assist 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. • Assist with visualizations and update information material such as web pages or brochures. • Provide general administrative support to the IDG. • Perform other related tasks as required by the IDG.
Competencies
• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of economic research and statistical methodologies, data collection and maintenance. Familiarity and fluency with Microsoft Office 365 and statistical and database software packages.,. Demonstrated ability to identify, extract, analyse and format data from a wide variety of standard and non-standard sources. Able to perform analysis, modelling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. 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. • 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. • ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Education
A High School Diploma or equivalent is required. A university degree or equivalent in economics or related field is desirable.
Job – Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
• A minimum of seven (7) years of responsible experience in collecting and researching data across various areas of social and economic development or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. • At least 7 years of experience in data analytics or a related area is required. • Experience in economics, finance, or related area is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the International Seabed Authority. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official language of the United Nations is desirable.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the ISA Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the ISA in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. ISA reserves the right to appoint at one level lower than the level of the vacancy.
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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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.
This job has expired.