Under the supervision of the Director, the Research Analyst will contribute to ongoing research and the development of new research proposals, in areas of social policy/protection and the relationship between social, economic and environmental policies.
Job Description
Specific duties of the position will vary according to project needs, but will include the following:
- Research support: assist the Director on research activities, particularly related to social policies and social protection in developing/emerging economies, including: background research; synthesis and critical analysis of literature; preparation of literature reviews and other written inputs; data collection and analysis. Provide detailed comments and feedback on research reports or papers; assist in editing (substantive and copyediting) research papers and preparing them for publication; author/co-author publications; write project and policy briefs; assist in the preparation of project proposals related to the main themes of the current research agenda; assist in the preparation of presentations, speeches and reports for the Director (including background research, preparation of bibliographies and PowerPoint presentations); monitor literature and UN processes on the post-2015 development agenda, and sustainable development goals; assist in coordinating UNRISD inputs into these processes.
- Project management: act as a focal point for queries relating to the research programme; identify potential collaborating researchers; maintain and update databases of relevant information including researchers, research institutes and contacts in international organizations; communicate with external networks and consultants; assist with other project management tasks, fundraising and the organization of meetings, workshops and conferences.
- Communications and outreach, in collaboration with the Communications and Outreach team: produce updates about research for internal distribution; draft articles or updates for public briefing notes, the UNRISD website, eBulletin and social media channels; update and maintain relevant project pages on the UNRISD website; ensure publicity of events and outputs; manage research network members’ contact details and contribute to the expansion of UNRISD’s institutional networks and partnerships.
The RA will provide other support to the Director as required.
Requirements
- Masters degree in social sciences, economics, development studies or a related area; some background in economics essential, together with a specialization related to social policy or social protection in developing countries. Interest in links between environment and social policies an advantage.
- Two years of research experience on relevant areas. Developing country experience preferred.
- Skills in quantitative research methods and statistics; proficiency in Microsoft Office software including Excel, and knowledge of other software (Endnote and statistical packages) an advantage.
- Strong overall communication skills and editing skills required; proven ability to summarize complex analysis and ideas in clear, accessible language an advantage.
- Excellent written and spoken English essential; knowledge of other UN language highly desirable.
Terms and Conditions
- This is a full-time appointment located at the Institute’s offices at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
- Salary: 4,200 CHF/month.
- Duration: up to a maximum of two years (subject to availability of funding), including initial trial period of six months.
- Starting date: 1 September 2012 (negotiable).
- UNRISD is not responsible for medical insurance, which is mandatory for the period of assignment.
- UNRISD will cover one return ticket at least costly fare.
Application
- Applicants are advised to become familiar with the general work of UNRISD as well as the 2010-2014 Research Agenda (available at www.unrisd.org) before applying for this position.
- If you are interested in the work elaborated above and have the corresponding qualifications, please apply on-line by clicking the button below.
- The "motivation" section should be used to submit a cover letter. Please use the “written statement” section to submit a short text (maximum 500 words) on some aspect of ‘The role of social policy in development’.
- Short-listed applicants will be asked to submit relevant publications and carry out a written assignment before being notified if they have been selected for interview.
- We regret that due to limited staff resources only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Deadline:
1 July 2012 (Midnight, Central European Time).
