Org. Setting and Reporting The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia forms part of the United Nations Secretariat and, like the other regional commissions, operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. ESCWA comprises 21 Arab countries in Western Asia and North Africa.
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.
This temporary position is located in the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) in the Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability Cluster. The Research Assistant works under the overall supervision of the Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability Cluster Lead and reports directly to a Senior Programme Officer.
Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Research Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: • Researches, extracts and compiles basic information and technical data on specific programmes/projects on climate change, agriculture, food systems and the environment. • Sorts, consolidates, extracts and processes data, including geospatial data, and enters into relevant database.
• Assists in monitoring developments/issues on climate change, agriculture, resilient food system pathways and related environmental subjects by collecting, selecting, analysing and compiling materials from multiple sources, e.g., relevant databases, the library and the Internet. • Assembles original statistical and geostatistical materials; adjusts reported data from different sources and loads data into computerized database system or report templates.
• Assists in the identification, evaluation and examination of indicators and data sets for accuracy, clarity and validity. • Assists in the maintenance of relevant computerized databases. • Prepares a variety of reports, presentations, tables, lists, graphs, charts, maps and/or diagrams for information and review by senior officers. • Prepares abstracts/bibliographic descriptions and bibliographies for inclusion in documents, reports and publications. • Takes notes and drafts executive summaries of meetings.
• Collects organizes and disseminates relevant UN and media information. • Co-ordinates and supports the set up of national and regional meetings and consultations, and appropriate follow-up including the preparation of meeting reports and key messages. • 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.
• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. • Performs other related work as required. Competencies • PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to research, interpret and analyse a wide variety of data, including geospatial data. Knowledge of climate change and resilient food systems. Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures.
Demonstrates use of initiative and ability to make appropriate linkages between areas of work related to climate change and food systems, providing appropriate data analytics and geospatial analysis.
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.
• TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ 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.
• 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. Education High school diploma or equivalent is required. Master’s degree in agriculture is desirable.
Job - Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience A minimum of five years of experience in collecting and researching data on sustainable development and environment is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to 3 for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. A minimum of one year of experience in data analytics related to climate change, food systems or related area is desirable. Experience in ArcGIS or QGIS tools is required.
Experience working in the Arab region is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Arabic is required. French is desirable.
The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). .headtable { font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 1px solid gray; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .headTitle { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; /*color: rgb(65, 98, 145);*/ color:black; } .headtable tr td, .headtable tr th { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 6px; } .headtable th{ background-color: #F4F4F4; color: #002d62; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 12px; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable td { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-color: white; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable th:last-child, .headtable td:last-child { border-right: none; } .headtable tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } .rounded-table-wrapper { border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; overflow: hidden; } Required Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Arabic UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Desirable Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking French UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include assessment(s) which may be followed by an interview.
Special Notice • This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2026. Extension of the appointment is subject to availability of funding, continued need for the position, and the satisfactory performance of the incumbent. • If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.
• While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. • This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules.
Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment.
• Candidates are fully responsible for all arrangements and costs for attending all assessments and interviews. All candidates shall receive the same notice period for attending the assessments and interviews. • The candidate is fully responsible for all costs and arrangements related to travel and relocation (including visas and permits) to the duty station and for continued employment at ESCWA.
• Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.
• Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement."
Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.
• At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect.
The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. • Limitation of General Service Category: This position falls under the General Service category.
If selected and you wish to be considered for a future position in the Professional category, please note that you must first separate from the Organization and acquire the required professional skills through academic training or professional experience to be considered as an external candidate. Alternatively, you can apply for and succeed in the YPP General Service to Professional category (G-to-P) competitive examination.
United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts.
The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.
By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c).
Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions.
Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines.
Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
All external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
No Fee 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.
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Org. Setting and Reporting The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia forms part of the United Nations Secretariat and, like the other regional commissions, operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. ESCWA comprises 21 Arab countries in Western Asia and North Africa. 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. This temporary position is located in the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) in the Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability Cluster. The Research Assistant works under the overall supervision of the Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability Cluster Lead and reports directly to a Senior Programme Officer. Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Research Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: • Researches, extracts and compiles basic information and technical data on specific programmes/projects on climate change, agriculture, food systems and the environment. • Sorts, consolidates, extracts and processes data, including geospatial data, and enters into relevant database. • Assists in monitoring developments/issues on climate change, agriculture, resilient food system pathways and related environmental subjects by collecting, selecting, analysing and compiling materials from multiple sources, e.g., relevant databases, the library and the Internet. • Assembles original statistical and geostatistical materials; adjusts reported data from different sources and loads data into computerized database system or report templates. • Assists in the identification, evaluation and examination of indicators and data sets for accuracy, clarity and validity. • Assists in the maintenance of relevant computerized databases. • Prepares a variety of reports, presentations, tables, lists, graphs, charts, maps and/or diagrams for information and review by senior officers. • Prepares abstracts/bibliographic descriptions and bibliographies for inclusion in documents, reports and publications. • Takes notes and drafts executive summaries of meetings. • Collects organizes and disseminates relevant UN and media information. • Co-ordinates and supports the set up of national and regional meetings and consultations, and appropriate follow-up including the preparation of meeting reports and key messages. • 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. • Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. • Performs other related work as required. Competencies • PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to research, interpret and analyse a wide variety of data, including geospatial data. Knowledge of climate change and resilient food systems. Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures. Demonstrates use of initiative and ability to make appropriate linkages between areas of work related to climate change and food systems, providing appropriate data analytics and geospatial analysis. 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. • TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ 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. • 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. Education High school diploma or equivalent is required. Master’s degree in agriculture is desirable. Job - Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience A minimum of five years of experience in collecting and researching data on sustainable development and environment is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to 3 for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. A minimum of one year of experience in data analytics related to climate change, food systems or related area is desirable. Experience in ArcGIS or QGIS tools is required. Experience working in the Arab region is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Arabic is required. French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). .headtable { font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 1px solid gray; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .headTitle { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; /*color: rgb(65, 98, 145);*/ color:black; } .headtable tr td, .headtable tr th { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 6px; } .headtable th{ background-color: #F4F4F4; color: #002d62; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 12px; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable td { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-color: white; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable th:last-child, .headtable td:last-child { border-right: none; } .headtable tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } .rounded-table-wrapper { border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; overflow: hidden; } Required Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Arabic UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Desirable Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking French UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include assessment(s) which may be followed by an interview. Special Notice • This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2026. Extension of the appointment is subject to availability of funding, continued need for the position, and the satisfactory performance of the incumbent. • If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. • This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. • Candidates are fully responsible for all arrangements and costs for attending all assessments and interviews. All candidates shall receive the same notice period for attending the assessments and interviews. • The candidate is fully responsible for all costs and arrangements related to travel and relocation (including visas and permits) to the duty station and for continued employment at ESCWA. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. • At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. • Limitation of General Service Category: This position falls under the General Service category. If selected and you wish to be considered for a future position in the Professional category, please note that you must first separate from the Organization and acquire the required professional skills through academic training or professional experience to be considered as an external candidate. Alternatively, you can apply for and succeed in the YPP General Service to Professional category (G-to-P) competitive examination. United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No Fee 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.