Research Assistant

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.

Context

This UNV assignment will be located within Cluster 2 at ESCWA, the Gender Justice, Population, and Inclusive Development cluster, for more info: https://www.unescwa.org/clusters/2.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Cluster Leader of the Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development cluster the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Provide substantive research support on subjects related to the work of the Gender Justice, Population, and Inclusive Development cluster: this includes reviewing existing literature; as-sisting in crystallizing research questions and conducting desk research. • Assist in the preparation and review of written outputs published by ESCWA e.g. background papers, technical papers, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications. • Draft inputs to presentations and research papers. • Assist in the organization of expert group meetings, conferences or workshops related to the work of the cluster. • Prepare minutes of meetings. • Perform other duties, as requested. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by read-ng relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for in-stance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.