Within delegated authority, the Research Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: 1. Researches, extracts and compiles information and technical data on specific programmes/projects related to urban development. 2. Sorts, consolidates, extracts and processes data and enter into relevant database. 3. Assists in the implementation of the Arab Mayors Academy. 4. Assists in the development of Voluntary Local Reviews pertaining to following up and reviewing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals at the local level. 5. Assists in monitoring developments/issues on urban development areas by collecting, selecting, analysing and compiling materials from multiple sources, e.g., relevant databases, the library and the Internet. 6. Assembles original statistical material; adjusts reported data from different sources and load data into computerized database system. 7. Assists in the evaluation and examination of data sets for accuracy, clarity and validity. 8. Assists in the maintenance of relevant computerized databases. 9. Prepares a variety of reports, presentations, tables, lists, graphs, charts and/or diagrams for information and review by senior officers. 10. Prepares abstracts/bibliographic descriptions for inclusion in documents, articles, books and publications. 11. Reviews, stores, classifies, and maintains relevant computerized databases. 12. Takes notes and drafts executive summaries of meetings. 13. Co-ordinates and sets up press briefings, press statements, pamphlets or other public awareness campaigns to educate public on issues related to urban development. 14. Provides guidance/training to new/junior staff. 15. Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of surveys, online questionnaires, data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. 16. Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. 17. Performs other related work as required.

Requirements:

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

Five (5) years of experience in collecting and researching data across various areas of social and economic development or related area is required. One (1) year of experience in conducting impact assessments or evaluations related to development projects and in sustainable and resilient urban practices is desirable. One (1) year of technical experience in developing interactive dashboards on sustainable development key trends in the Arab region and in leveraging digital technologies for urban development is desirable. One (1) year of experience in gender equality is desirable. Three (3) years of experience in urban development research and analysis is desirable. One (1) year of experience in working with international organizations, NGOs, or governmental agencies on urban development projects 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 is required; and fluency in Arabic 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.