(2 Positions) Research Assistant with RBAS/Regional Programme/Knowledge Project/NPSA 5-Office based:

• Country: Dubai, UAE
• No of vacancies: N/A
  
• Salary: N/A 
• Organization: UNDP
• Gender: Both 
• Deadline: 2024-01-18

Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Assistant will work as part of the Knowledge Project team and will assume the following tasks and responsibilities:

1- Research and knowledge development

• Assist in the suggestion of new variables and help in evolving the structure of the GKI.
• Support in primary and secondary research on designated subjects, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Contribute to the creation, review, and refinement of written materials produced by the team and external consultants, such as background papers, technical documents, report sections, studies, and input for publications.
• Compile research materials in a systematic way and prepare background briefs/briefing notes as and when required.
• Assist in conducting literature reviews, synthesize findings, and support the development of project reports and knowledge products.
• Establish and maintain an up-to-date list of key socio-economic databases, government policy documents, key research documents related to the thematic areas of work.
• Ensure proper citation and adherence to UNDP editorial guidelines for referencing sources.

2- Data collection and experimentation

• Assist in the collection, validation, and analysis of data for various knowledge products, including the GKI.
• Maintain the recency,accuracy and diversity of different datasets cross the project including the GKI.
• Generate quantitative data visualizations, charts,tables, and graphs,while maintaining an updated reference list for policy papers, briefs, and reports.
• Assist in analyzing the collected data using appropriate statistical methods or software.
• Contribute to the development of interactive data visualizations to facilitate the effective communication of research findings.
• Examine statistical material to ensure accuracy,clarity and validity and make appropriate adjustments.

3- Project organization and administration

• Assist in drafting,revising, editing, and managing project texts, minutes, notes,and other materials.
• Ensure that project documents are of the desired standard, accurate, and delivered in a timely manner.
• Assist in organizing and facilitating various project events like workshops, webinars,and conferences.
• Liaise with research institutions, NGOs, and think tanks as needed to gather data, insights, and inputs for pertinent and well-timed research, enhancing the quality of outputs and reports.
• Provide substantive supporting preparing for meetings and project-related engagements.
• Perform additional tasks as required to ensure the smooth operation of the project, showing flexibility and adaptability to changing needs and priorities.

The Research Assistants will be working under the general guidance of the Chief Technical Adviser/Project Manager and Project, Research and Communications Specialist, and under the direct supervision of the Policy and Data Specialist.

Core

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Development: Knowledge Generation
Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need.

Business Management: Communication
Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.

Business Management: Working with Evidence and Data
Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing
conclusions and supporting decision-making.

Digital & Innovation: Date collection
Being skilled in Data Sorting, Data Cleaning, Survey Administration, Presentation and Reporting including collection of Real-Time Data (e.g. mobile data, satellite data, sensor data).

Business Direction & Strategy: Business Acumen
Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome.

Prosperity: Inclusive
Growth Future of work, automation and technology

Prosperity: Inclusive
Growth   Job / Employment / Decent work promotion
Education Requirements:  

• Secondary education is required or;  A university degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in economics, social sciences, political science, statistics, or other related fields.
• Min. years of relevant work experience:   A minimum of five (05) years (with secondary education) or two (02) years with a bachelor’s degree) of relevant work experience in the fields of quantitative and qualitative research across development areas.
• Required skills:    Proficiency in the use of office software especially Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint.

Desired skills: 

• Previous experience working in the UN system or international organizations.
• Previous experience in the field of education, research and development, innovation, ICT or economy.
• Previous experience working in the Arab States region.
• Previous experience working on data collection or data analysis.

Required Language(s) 

• Written and spoken proficiency in Arabic and English. French is a plus.

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