This position is located in the Social Development Division. The Research assistant reports to senior officer within the division.**Responsibilities**: Within delegated authority, the Research Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:- Assists in identifying and monitoring substantive aspect of the work of the Unit in various regions/countries. Selects and evaluates a variety of documents, summarize pertinent material, collects and analyses data and prepares background materials for assessment papers, studies, briefs and reports.- Systematically follows through and retrieves, highlights and compiles information from a wide variety of information sources; prepares input for the electronic database and the internet and co-operate with research institutes and organizations in the collection of data.- Assembles and examines original statistical material to ensure accuracy, clarity and validity; makes appropriate adjustments.- Prepares a variety of reports, presentations, tables, lists, charts, data sets, and/or diagrams for information in order to facilitate the in-depth analysis of the retrieved information by the supervisor and other users. Proofreads and formats documents.- Participates in the substantive and policy discussions of the Unit.- Maintains and expands contacts with other departments in the Secretariat, as well as the UN agencies and programmes and other organizations relevant to the region, and co-ordinate the input of other departments in the collection of data for assignments received.- Prepares, maintains and updates files (electronic and paper), internal databases and website of the Division; designs and generates a variety of periodic and ad hoc reports, statistical tables, charts, graphs, and other background materials/notes to facilitate inspection and other reviews.- Drafts programme/project summaries, co-ordinates review and clearance process and co-ordinates with editor, translation services, etc., on finalization and publication of reports in multiple languages.- Provides administrative support for the organization of conferences and meetings, including processing of travel requests, and assists in the preparation of documentation and reports for these meetings.- Attends a variety of meetings to follow discussions, takes notes and prepares summary report, notes for the file, correspondence, etc.Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.- Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.- Performs other related work as required.Competencies- TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.- CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent is required.Job - Specific QualificationSupplementary technical studies or university courses in social or economics areas are desirable.Work ExperienceResearch experience on social policies in Latin America and the Caribbean is desirable.Experience in providing administrative services and supporting the organization of seminars and conferences is desirable.LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Spanish is a working language of ECLAC. For the position advertised, fluency in English and Spanish is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.AssessmentSpecial NoticeAppointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year.At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recrui
