United Nations Secretariat (UN)
Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs-Department of Peace Operations-Shared Structure.
Description
The position is located in the West Africa Division of the Department of Political Affairs and Peacebuilding and Peace Operations (DPPA/DPO). The Research Assistant reports to the Director of the West Africa Division. The division, which covers Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo, is responsible for monitoring and reporting key developments in the countries under their jurisdiction and recommending measures to address the challenges, risks and threats associated with them.
Responsibilities
Under delegated authority, the Research Assistant will be responsible for the following functions:
• Assist the Director in identifying and monitoring key aspects of the work of the West Africa Division in the various regions/countries.
• Select and evaluate a variety of documents, summarize relevant material, collect and analyze data and prepare background material for evaluation papers, studies, briefing notes and reports.
• Track and systematically retrieve, extract and compile information from a wide variety of information sources; prepare entries for electronic and online databases and collaborate with research institutes and organizations in data collection.
• Collect and review original material to ensure accuracy, clarity and validity; make appropriate adjustments.
• Develop, prepare and maintain a country profile for each country assigned to the West Africa Division.
• Prepare various reports, presentations, charts, lists, graphs, data sets and/or tables to facilitate in-depth analysis of information derived by the Director.
• Assist in the preparation of research materials for the drafting of background materials for official visits of the Secretary-General and/or other senior officials.
• Participate in substantive and policy discussions of the West Africa Division.
• Maintain and develop contacts with other departments of the Secretariat, as well as with United Nations agencies and programmes and other organizations related to the region, and coordinate the contribution of other departments in the collection of data for the missions received.
• Prepare, maintain and update internal files (electronic and paper) and databases; write and generate various periodic and ad hoc reports, statistical tables, graphs, charts and other documents/reference notes to facilitate inspection and other reviews.
• Writes program/project summary, coordinates review and approval process, and coordinates with editor, translation services, etc., the finalization and publication of reports in multiple languages.
• Identifies organizational needs for conferences and meetings and assists in the preparation of documentation and reports for these meetings.
• Attends various meetings to follow discussions, take notes, and prepare summary reports, file notes, correspondence, etc.
• Serves as focal point for translation of road correspondence, talking points, etc. from English to French.
• Provides guidance and training to new/recruiting staff.
• Performs other related tasks as required.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of experience in data collection and research in various areas of social and economic development or related fields is required. The minimum number of years of relevant experience is reduced to five for candidates with a university degree or higher. Experience in using project management tools is required. Experience supporting senior-level managers is desirable. Experience supporting field operations is desirable.
For more information and to apply before January 15, 2025, go to: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/249456?language=en
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