Research Assistant

The outputs of the individual contractor will include, but will not be limited to: • High quality of desk research and analysis on the implementation of the UNCRPD in the Arab region, • Compile relevant information for the forthcoming meeting of the Intersectional Group of Experts on Disability (IGED) on mainstreaming of disability inclusion into national policies, strategies, plans, programs, etc., • Prepare reports and training materials on disability policy inclusion, • Provide admin and logistical support to the disability team events, including workshops, and prepare meeting reports, • Background documents related to the commemoration of the International Disability Day, including related concept notes and reports.

UN-House, ESCWA

2.5 Months

ESCWA is seeking the services of an individual contractor (IC) to support the Disability Team with implementing its program workplan, notably extra budgetary projects on the economic empowerment of persons with disabilities. Under the guidance of the program manager of the Disability Program, the individual contractor will be responsible for the following tasks: • Provide substantive research support on subjects related to the work of the disability team: this includes reviewing existing literature; assisting in crystallizing research questions and conducting desk research. • Support the implementation of UNCRPD Articles. • Assist in mainstreaming disability inclusion in the Arab countries, programmatically and operationally. • Assist in the preparation and review of written outputs published by ESCWA, e.g. background papers, technical papers, section of reports and studies, inputs to publications, related to disability inclusion. • Assist in the preparation of presentation materials using appropriate technology/software. • Draft inputs to presentations and research papers. • Assist in the organization of expert group meetings, conferences or workshops related to the work of the disability team, such as the annual meeting of the Intersectional Group of Experts on Disability (IGED), among others. • Prepare minutes of meetings. • Perform a wide range of office support, administrative and coordination functions. • Perform other duties as assigned.

A bachelor’s degree in social science, economics, public policy, or other relevant areas is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of nine years of professional work experience in economics, public policy or social science is required. Knowledge of disability inclusion is required. Relevant experience in the Arab region is also desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.

Recruitment for this position is on a local basis. The incumbent is required to have the legal right to live and work in the specified working location.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.