SENIOR RESEARCH ASSISTANT, POPULATION AFFAIRS, Santiago

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in CELADE-Population Division of ECLAC. The Senior Research Assistant reports to the Coordinator of the Population and Development Area of CELADE. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the five regional Commissions of the United Nations. It was founded in 1948 with the purpose of contributing to the region's economic and social development. Its mission includes the design, monitoring and evaluation of public policies and the provision of advisory services, expertise and training to Governments, as well as support for regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. Please visit our website at for further information.

ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Senior Research Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: \u2022 Independently identifies and monitors substantive aspects of the work of the Unit in various countries. \u2022 Selects and evaluates a variety of documents, summarizes pertinent material, collects and analyses data and prepares background materials for assessment papers, studies, briefs and reports. \u2022 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-operates with research institutes and organizations in the collection of data. \u2022 Prepares charts, graphs and other outputs for reporting and presentation of various data. \u2022 Assists in formulating project proposals and co-ordinates day-to-day monitoring and implementation of these projects. \u2022 Produces analytical, quantitative and qualitative elements required for the elaboration of documents and reports contained in the regular work programme and extraordinary work assigned to the Area. \u2022 Builds special data sets for specific research needs or for reports. \u2022 Designs and updates databases and complete programme regarding procedures, sources and final presentations. \u2022 Carries out preparatory work for and assists in organizing Committee/Task Force meetings and workshops. Drafts agenda and procedural notes for meetings of various committees. \u2022 Establishes internal databases; sets up, files, stores and manages data and information relevant to the scope of programme/project activities. \u2022 Participates in technical meetings, conferences, and seminars. Serves as Secretary to committees, ad hoc task forces, etc.; takes notes, draft summary reports, minutes, notes for the files or assessment reports for presentation to the head of the Division/Area; monitors follow-up actions, etc. \u2022 Liaises with relevant parties both outside (delegates, NGOs) and inside the Organization. \u2022 Drafts and edits complicated, complex and often technical texts. \u2022 Prepares newsletters on programme/project-related activities; drafts inputs for a wide range of documents/reports, briefings/debriefings, correspondence, etc. \u2022 Processes information gathered (background, data, statistics, etc.) using various computer programmes and periodically updates the information to allow its distribution and easy access by multiple and potential users. \u2022 Tracks resolutions and other legislative decisions that affect programme/project content and oversees the preparation of the relevant databases to ensure the incorporation of programmatic and other changes enacted by legislations. \u2022 May undertake mission/field work in support of above activities. \u2022 May provide guidance and support to more junior staff and review work assignments, provide training and inputs to performance evaluation. \u2022 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. \u2022 Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. \u2022 Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies\u2022 PROFESSIONALISM \u2013 Knowledge and understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the United Nations system and organizational structure and respective roles of related units. Knowledge of internal policies, processes, procedures and protocol generally and in particular those related to the area of responsibility. Ability to identify, extract interpret, analyse and format a wide range of data. Ability to research and gather information from a wide variety of standard and non-standard sources. Ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Demonstrates ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. \u2022 TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others\u2019 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. \u2022 PLANNING& ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent is required. NOTE: For positions in the General Service category, candidates are required to clearly indicate in their Applicant Profile (AP) relevant information confirming completion of High School.

Job - Specific QualificationTechnical or vocational certificate in social sciences, economy, demography or related field is desirable.

Work ExperienceAt least ten (10) years of experience in collecting and researching data across various areas of social and economic development or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to eight (8) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. At least eight (8) years of research experience in population and development or related areas is required. At least five (5) years of experience in sociodemographic research is required. Experience in the systematization, processing, analysis and dissemination of sociodemographic data is required. Experience providing technical assistance on population and development issues, including international and internal migration, ageing, sexual and reproductive health, and disability in Latin American and Caribbean countries is desirable. Knowledge of the Redatam census data processing software is desirable. One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Spanish are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details).