Research Assistant
Beirut
- Organization: UNV - United Nations Volunteers
- Location: Beirut
- Grade: Junior level - UN National Youth Volunteers
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Occupational Groups:
- Administrative support
- Scientist and Researcher
- Closing Date: Closed
Details
Mission and objectives
The Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA) was established on 9 August 1973 pursuant to Economic and Social Council’s resolution 1818 (LV). Its purpose was to stimulate economic activity in member countries, strengthen cooperation between them promote development.
ESCWA's objectives are to support economic and social development in member countries, to promote interaction and cooperation between member countries, to encourage the exchange of experience, best practice and lessons learned, to achieve regional integration and ensure interaction between Western Asia and other regions, and to raise global awareness of the circumstances and needs of member countries.
ESCWA provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies for member countries, a platform for congress and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory.
ESCWA activities are coordinated with the divisions and main offices of the Headquarters of the United Nations, specialized agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and its subsidiary bodies, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
ESCWA's objectives are to support economic and social development in member countries, to promote interaction and cooperation between member countries, to encourage the exchange of experience, best practice and lessons learned, to achieve regional integration and ensure interaction between Western Asia and other regions, and to raise global awareness of the circumstances and needs of member countries.
ESCWA provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies for member countries, a platform for congress and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory.
ESCWA activities are coordinated with the divisions and main offices of the Headquarters of the United Nations, specialized agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and its subsidiary bodies, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Context
As part of its mandate to promote human development and democratic transition in the region, ESCWA has been implementing NAFS 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 endeavours 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.
In the current phase, NAFS focuses on addressing the complex realities of post-conflict Syria, emphasizing the importance of participatory governance, economic recovery, and social cohesion. The programme's approach integrates technical expertise with local knowledge, ensuring that policy recommendations are grounded in the lived experiences of Syrians.
The objective of this contract is to conduct substantive research, based on primary and secondary sources, as part of the NAFS work on the different components and pillars and to draft substantive inputs to NAFS reports.
The Programme produces research and analysis that reflects the views, needs and priorities of Syrians and NAFS endeavours 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.
In the current phase, NAFS focuses on addressing the complex realities of post-conflict Syria, emphasizing the importance of participatory governance, economic recovery, and social cohesion. The programme's approach integrates technical expertise with local knowledge, ensuring that policy recommendations are grounded in the lived experiences of Syrians.
The objective of this contract is to conduct substantive research, based on primary and secondary sources, as part of the NAFS work on the different components and pillars and to draft substantive inputs to NAFS reports.
Task description
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Programme Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Research Assistant will:
• Conduct in-depth, policy-oriented research on socio-economic and governance issues, with particular focus on conflict-affected settings such as Syria.
• Draft policy briefs, analytical reports, and research summaries to support advocacy, programming, and strategic planning efforts.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, using visuals and structured insights to identify key trends, disruptions, and developments—particularly those related to conflict dynamics and sanctions impacts.
• Monitor current events, news, reports, and policy developments in Syria and the broader region, producing regular contextual updates.
• Follow up on map tracker, local needs assessments, and city profiles, ensuring data is updated and integrated into broader research outputs.
• Coordinate with local partners and stakeholders on research design, data collection, and policy engagement activities.
• Assist the Programme Manager in preparing advocacy materials, meeting briefs, and other communications linked to ongoing research work.
• Support the development of training agendas, expert selection processes, and coordination with trainers and specialists.
• Conduct in-depth, policy-oriented research on socio-economic and governance issues, with particular focus on conflict-affected settings such as Syria.
• Draft policy briefs, analytical reports, and research summaries to support advocacy, programming, and strategic planning efforts.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, using visuals and structured insights to identify key trends, disruptions, and developments—particularly those related to conflict dynamics and sanctions impacts.
• Monitor current events, news, reports, and policy developments in Syria and the broader region, producing regular contextual updates.
• Follow up on map tracker, local needs assessments, and city profiles, ensuring data is updated and integrated into broader research outputs.
• Coordinate with local partners and stakeholders on research design, data collection, and policy engagement activities.
• Assist the Programme Manager in preparing advocacy materials, meeting briefs, and other communications linked to ongoing research work.
• Support the development of training agendas, expert selection processes, and coordination with trainers and specialists.
This vacancy is now closed.