Result of Service

The objective of this contract is to conduct background research and summaries of key reports as well as support project manager in preparing documents for events and other assigned tasks.

Work Location

UN-House ESCWA

Expected duration

4 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

As part of its mandate to promote human development and democratic transition in the region, ESCWA has been implementing the NAtional Agenda for the Future of Syria (NAFS) programme since 2012. Since, the NAFS Programme has served as an inclusive platform for technical dialogue between Syrians from all walks of life, regardless of their political affiliation, and is the only such platform to systematically assess the policy needs for a post-conflict Syria, empowering Syrians themselves to make that assessment. It has provided them a safe space where they can engage in discussions on the post-conflict development needs and trajectories of the country, to prevent and overcome a conflict trap, and strengthen the resilience of local structures over the medium and long term.

The Programme produces research and analysis that reflects the views, needs, and priorities of Syrians, and NAFS endeavors to share and disseminate its work as widely as possible and to convey the voices of its network of Syrians as much as possible. The programme’s outputs are aimed at Syrians both inside Syria and outside Syria, UN agencies working on the Syrian conflict, the political actors as well as the international community planning for the future of the country.

Under the supervision of the Programme Manager of the National Agenda for Syria Phase III, the Research Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

– Conducts background research on assigned topics.
– Contributes to policy-oriented research on selected issues (socio-economic, governance, etc.…).
– Prepares comprehensive written reviews and summaries of literature.
– Provides logistical and substantive backstopping to prepare for events and background documents including presentations.
– Ensures an adequate archive of all sources and outputs in both hard and soft copies.
– Takes notes during meetings.
– Other duties as assigned by the PM.

Qualifications/special skills

A Bachelor’s degree in political science, development issues, economics, or any other related field is required. An advanced university degree in these fields is desirable.

All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
A minimum of one year of experience in research and draft reporting is required.
Previous experience in conducting research on Syria is desirable.
Knowledge of post-conflict governance policy debates and literature is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and Arabic is the working language of ESCWA.

For this position, fluency in Arabic and English are 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.

Additional Information

Recruitment for this position is on a local basis. The incumbent is required to have the legal right to live and work in the specified working location.

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.