Result of Service

The objective of this contract is to support the work of NAFS projects and the delivery of activities with a wide range of tasks related to project delivery assistance and research functions. The Project Assistant will be expected to deliver logistical and admin support for NAFS activities and develop comprehensive research, monitor projects’ progress, data collection, analytical summaries capturing lessons learned and develop policy briefs focused on key topics.

Work Location

UN-House ESCWA

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

As part of its mandate to promote human development and support democratic transition in the region, ESCWA implemented the NAFS programme since 2012. The programme has served as an inclusive platform for technical dialogue among Syrians from all backgrounds. It remained one of the key platforms to systematically assess the policy needs for a post-conflict Syria. The Syrian conflict has profoundly impacted the country”s socioeconomic fabric, resulting in institutional collapse and widespread displacement. As Syria enters a transitional phase following the fall of the regime, a critical window of opportunity has emerged to rebuild governance structures, promote social cohesion, and support economic recovery. In response to the evolving context, ESCWA continues to implement a range of projects and initiatives building on its long-standing efforts under NAFS to support Syria’s transitional phase. These include research, analysis, and activities designed to support the transition and reform processes, aligned with the needs and priorities of Syrians. Under the supervision of the Syria Portfolio Coordinator/NAFS Programme manager, the Project Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: Admin work • Provide logistical and substantive support for programme activities and events, including preparing background documents, briefing notes, and PowerPoint presentations. • Support in the organization, coordination, and note taking of expert group meetings, consultation meetings and other programme activities. • Draft terms of reference (ToRs) for consultants and ensure follow-up on both substantive and administrative matters related to consultancy assignments. • Support the development and monitoring of budgets for proposals and ongoing programme activities. • Liaise with internal support teams (e.g., finance, editing and printing) to facilitate administrative processes. • Perform other tasks as assigned by the Programme Manager. Substantive data collection and research • Conduct background research and literature reviews (both academic and non-academic) on assigned topics and contributing to policy-oriented analysis. • Draft written summaries, analytical notes, and research briefs based on reviewed literature. • Track the delivery of activities and monitor progress against projects’ objectives and outputs. • Maintain an organized archive of research sources and outputs, in both physical and digital formats. • Take accurate meeting notes and minutes; support follow-up on action points as required by the Programme Manager. • Assist in drafting concept notes, reports, and other knowledge products • Prepare periodical research on the areas of focus on priority and emerging issues related to Syria and the broader conflict-affected region. • Produce regular news monitoring updates and situation overviews relevant to the thematic focus areas. • Assist in expanding and maintaining network of experts across relevant sectors.

Qualifications/special skills

A Bachelor’s degree in political science, development issues, international relations, or any other closely related area is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 3 years of professional work experience in admin work and research is required. Good communication and teamwork skills is required. Previous experience in working in the Syrian context, or other conflict affected countries is required. Previous experience and knowledge of United Nations Rules and Procedures are desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working Language of UNESCWA. For this position, fluency of English is required. Fluency in Arabic is desirable. Note: “Fluency” equals rating of “fluent” in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand).

Additional Information

Not available.

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.