Research Assistant

UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST – UNRWA   UNRWA is the United Nations agency responsible for the protection, care and human development of a population of some 4.6 millionPalestinerefugees living in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank,Jordan,Lebanon, and theSyrianArabRepublic. The Agency is committed to assistingPalestinerefugees in maintaining a decent standard of living, acquiring appropriate knowledge and skills, enjoying the fullest possible extent of human rights, and leading a long and healthy life. UNRWA is by far the largest UN operation in theMiddle Eastwith over 29,000 staff. Most of the staff members are refugees themselves, working directly to benefit their communities – as teachers, doctors, nurses or social workers. Research Assistant (2 posts)   Location Lebanon Field Office Type of Appointment Contractor Deadline for Application 05 December 2012 Vacancy Announcement Number 947/ 2012 Department/Division Programme Support Office   PLACE IN THE ORGANIZATION: The incumbent will be part of a team of three researchers, under the supervision of the Research Officer. The research team reports technically and administratively to the Field Programme Support Officer.   BACKGROUND & RATIONALE This project falls under the PBF outcome “Empowerment of Palestine youth and job creation programme to overcome persistent and pervasive unemployment that pose an ominous threat to the stability ofLebanon”.   Currently UNRWA has two vocational training centres (VTC) in Lebanonwhich can be accessed from the Brevet diploma (9th grade) or the secondary diploma (BACC II 12th grade). In order to improve the quality of training offered toPalestine refugees and improve their chances to secure employment, skill training courses and trade-courses will be provided through this project.Palestine refugees’ youth who have dropped out of school before secondary level and have no qualifications will be offered the opportunity to learn an employable skill through a fast-track process, via short-term vocational training courses and trade-courses.   The lack of accreditation of the UNRWA’s Vocational training certificates from the Lebanese ministry of Education is one of the major obstacles for VTC graduates, and hinders their ability to find a job. Although the process of accrediting the Siblin Training Centre (STC) is expected to take two years, UNRWA aims at improving the quality of it’s VTC by revising the course syllabus to bring it into line with Lebanese standards, as well as the provision of up-to-date equipment and software. At the same time the teaching methodology will be improved through capacity building to instructors. These improvements will prepare the ground for the accreditation of the VTC, which are the most viable and cost-effective option in the future in terms of educational opportunities forPalestinerefugees. These improvements will enhance the employability prospects of high proportion of unqualified and/or unemployed youth who may turn into a source of instability in areas of tensions.   MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES In accordance with established Agency policy and procedures, the incumbent is responsible for: (A)     Assist in collecting data and providing a comprehensive and up-to-date study on the Lebanese Technical and Vocational Educational Training (TVET) system; (B)     Assist in analyzing strengths and weaknesses of the Lebanese and UNRWA’S TVET systems; (C)     Undertake a mapping exercise and assist in drafting a report about recently accredited TVET providers, with a focus on their curricula; (D)     Assist in drafting a comparative analysis of UNRWA’s and the Ministry of Education’s TVET systems in terms of syllabi and training offered, equipment used, methodology and expertise of instructors; (E)     Assist the Research Officer to design guidelines and recommendations regarding the work plan and activities to be implemented in order to adapt STC to the Lebanese TVET requirements, with a precise timeline.   PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES (A)   Academic and Professional -      Graduate or post graduate degree in Social Sciences or related disciplines, and at least 1 year of related research work experience. -      Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree and more than one year of experience are also encouraged to apply. (B)   Experience -      Experience in conducting in-depth interviews and focus groups, is required. -      Previous research experience in desk reviews and comparative analysis in the field of education is highly desirable.   (C)   Language -      Demonstrate ability to speak and write professionally in English. -      Ability to speak and read Arabic is a must. -      Ability to speak French is desirable.   (D)   Skills and Competencies i)       Computer skills (Microsoft Office) and demonstrated ability to analyze data using SPSS or STATA software; ii)     Excellent reporting and writing skills; iii)    Ability to work independently with strong sense of initiative, discipline and self-motivation; iv)    Ability to analyze data and reports is a requirement. v)      Ability to work closely with a team.   CONDITIONS OF SERVICE: Salary: Monthly salary USD $1,500.- Contract Duration: Six Months (not renewable)   EQUIVALENCY Candidates with an equivalent combination of relevant academic qualifications, professional training and progressive work experience may also be considered.   GENERAL INFORMATION UNRWA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications equally from men and women. It is Agency Policy to give full consideration to qualified disabled candidates whose disability does not impact their ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the post. Priority will be given to fully qualify registered Palestinian refugees. Prior to the commencement of services,the consultant shall confirm and acknowledge in writing,and provide proof of the existence of,self-procured adequate private insurance against medical,disability and accident for the duration of the contract. As a member of the United Nations system, UNRWA maintains a close relatives’ policy.  In this regard, if a candidate has a close relative (mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter) who is already employed by the Agency, he/she can only be employed if the Agency is unable to find another suitable candidate.   UNRWA staff members with fixed term appointments may not be considered for any consultant/contractor position while in service. Candidates who are no longer employed by the Agency must have a minimum of 3 months break in service before they applying to any consultant/contract positions.   UNRWA is a United Nations organization whose staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity,neutrality and impartiality. This includes respect for human rights,for diversity,and for non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. UNRWA staffs are expected to uphold these values at all times,both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs. UNWA is a non-smoking working environment. الأونروا هي منظمة تابعة للأمم المتحدة، وهي منظمة تفترض من موظفيها الالتزام بأعلى معايير الاستقامة والحياد والنزاهة. ويشمل ذلك احترام مبادئ حقوق الإنسان واحترام التنوع وتبني الوسائل غير العنيفة في حل كافة أشكال النزاعات.  المتوقع من موظفي الأونروا أن يقوموا بدعم هذه القيم في كافة الأوقات، سواء في أماكن العمل أم خارجه. إن أولئك الأشخاص الذين يتمتعون بالالتزام الكامل وغير المشروط بهذه القيم هم فقط الذين ينبغي أن يتقدموا بطلباتهم للعمل لدى الأونروا. الأنروا هي بيئه عمل لا يسمح فيها بالتدخين.   WRITING SAMPLE & INTERVIEW Applicants are requested to send their CV and a writing sample of their previous work to j.astoul@unrwa.org. The writing sample will weight 30%. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for an interview (70%).   HOW TO APPLY If you have got the skills and experience required above, and want to make an active and lasting contribution to improving the lives of Palestinerefugees, then register on http://jobs.unrwa.org by creating a personal profile and completing the UNRWA Personal History Form. Only applications received through this website will be considered and the system will not allow applications after the deadline. Please note that UNRWA only accepts degrees from accredited educational institutions. Candidates may also be invited to take a technical exam in order further evaluate their qualifications for the post. Due to a high volume of applications received, only short-listed applicants will be contacted. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. The United Nations does not concern itself with information on bank accounts.   For any queries please send an email to: recruitmentquestions@unrwa.org