2 UNV assignments - Research Assistant (Data Analyst)

UN Entity: ESCWA.

Assignment Context:
The Research Assistant will support the development of the ISPAR analytical tools and platform, by providing the following: (1) Identify the needed methodology used by selected International indicators, (2) Extract the data related to selected indicators and prepare databases according to programming requirements, (3) Cooperate with the team to develop analytical tools using AI and ML techniques (optimization of policy packages, forecasting of macroeconomic indicators, among others) for evidence-based policy packages simulation and design.

Task description:
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Data Scientist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will:

1. Provides general office support services to help ensure the smooth functioning of an organizational unit.
2. Uses standard word processing package to produce a variety of routine correspondence, reports, tables, charts, graphs, etc., in accordance with institutional standards.
3. Proofreads written products for completeness and grammatical and typographical accuracy.
4. Maintains calendar/schedules; monitors changes and communicates relevant information to appropriate staff inside and outside the immediate work unit.
5. Reviews, records, routes and/or processes mail or other documents; gathers pertinent background material; tracks and monitors follow-up action as required.
6. Methodology identification of selected international indices: Collect information about the underlying indicators, and identify the model used to produce the scores and ranks. Data collection: collect the data (historical and recent data) for the selected International Index. Compile the collected data in an Excel sheet. Prepare the Simulator for the selected Index.
7. Data collection and preparation: Acquires data from primary or secondary data sources. Filters and “cleans” data by reviewing computer reports, printouts, and performance indicators to locate and correct data problems. Identifies and analyzes errors and inconsistencies in data and calculations and provides timely resolutions. Perform all the usual data cleaning
8. Databases: Develop and implement databases, data collection systems, data analytics and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality. Format the datasets as per programming requirement. Finalize simulators. Liaise with the IT team. Contribute to the development of the online platforms and other online products by helping identify relevant functionalities. Contribute to testing the functioning of the platform and other online products. Revise datasets if needed.
9. Substantive work: Interprets data, analyzes results using statistical techniques and provides reports with ongoing monitoring and refinement. Draft short report covering the main findings. Prepare draft brief on policy recommendations for selected Arab countries. Prepare draft methodological notes, parliamentary documents, training material and other required documents.
10. Substantive work: Collect information pertaining to policies and best practices for each of the individual indicators for Arab countries and selected benchmarks. Prepare library of policies based on desk review for the ISPAR platform.
11. Carry on ad hoc assignments as requested by the supervisor(s).

Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
French, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required Experience:
- A minimum of 3 years of work experience in mini-projects in technology related areas is required.
- Experience in the development of online platforms and tools for policymaking is required.
- Knowledge in international indices development is desirable.

Inclusivity statement:
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy.

Living Conditions and other Remarks:

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Beirut. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.

National UN Specialist Volunteers in Lebanon are entitled to:

• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of USD 1,606.53
• Annual and learning leaves;
• Medical and life Insurance
• Free access to different learning platforms.

For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit:
https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service