Research assistant, Addis Ababa (G-7)

Closing Date: Saturday, 26 May 2012 UNDP Ethiopia Country Office UN ECA Campus Africa Hall Building

Job Title

Research Assistant, G7

Department/ Office

Economic Commission for Africa

Duty Station

ADDIS ABABA

Posting Period

26 April 2012-26 May 2012

Job Opening number

12-SOC-ECA-21074-R-ADDIS ABABA (O)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organizational Setting and Reporting

This post is located at the Food Security and Sustainable Development Division (FSSDD) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Under the overall supervision of the Director, the Research Assistant will report directly to the Chiefs of Agricultural Production Systems Section ( (APSS), Agricultural Marketing and Support Services Section (AMSS), and Environment and Sustainable Development Section (ESDS) with in the FSSDD.

Responsibilities

Selects and evaluates a variety of documents, summarizes pertinent material, collects and analyses data and prepares background materials for assessment papers, studies, briefs and reports.

Systematically follows through, retrieves, highlights and compiles information from a wide variety of information sources; prepares input for the electronic database and the internet and co-operates with research institutes and organizations in the collection of data.

Prepares charts, graphs and other outputs for reporting and presentation of various data.

Produces analytical, quantitative and qualitative elements required for the elaboration of documents and reports contained in the regular work programme and extraordinary work assigned to the Division.

Builds special data sets for specific research needs or for reports.

Designs and updates databases and complete programme regarding procedures, sources and final presentations.

Carries out preparatory work for and assists in organizing Committee/Task Force meetings and workshops. Drafts agenda and procedural notes for meetings of various committees

Establishes internal databases; sets up, files, stores and manages data and information relevant to the scope of programme/project activities.

Participates in technical meetings, conferences, and seminars. Serves as Secretary to committees, ad hoc task forces, etc.; takes notes, draft summary reports, minutes, notes for the files or assessment reports for presentation to the head of the Branch/Unit; monitors follow-up actions, etc.

Prepares newsletters on programme/project-related activities; drafts inputs for a wide range of documents/reports, briefings/debriefings, correspondence, etc.

Processes information gathered (background, data, statistics, etc.) using various computer programmes and periodically updates the information to allow its distribution and easy access by multiple and potential users.

May undertake mission/field work in support of above activities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM – Ability to identify, extract interpret, analyze and format a wide range of data on agriculture, food security and sustainable development. Ability to research and gather information from a wide variety of standard and non-standard sources, ability to design information data bases from multiple sources into an integrated programme evaluation system; Demonstrates ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. 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: Sound organizational skills. 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; uses time efficiently.

TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent. Must have passed the United Nations Administrative Support Assessment Test (ASAT) at the Economic Commission for Africa. A first-level university degree in a relevant subject is highly desirable. Supplemental courses/training in research methodology, statistical methods and procedure, project management or other relevant field is an advantage.

Work Experience

Seven years of experience in collecting and researching data across various areas of social

and economic development or related area. Knowledge and practical experience with statistical automated information systems is an advantage.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral or written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment Method

Competency based interview and other assessment method

Special Notice

This position is for local recruitment. External applicants will be considered only if no suitable internal candidates are found.

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.

Passing the Addis Ababa Administrative Assessment Support Test (ASAT) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Service category in the Economic Commission for Africa. Candidates who are successful in the pre-screening process, will be contacted by the recruiter and scheduled to sit for the ASAT at a later date.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS.

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