Vacancies
Research Assistant, Consultant Contract (full-time or part-time)

United Nations University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU's work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals' full breadth, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu

United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER)

UNU-WIDER is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-WIDER is a leading international development economics think tank. The Institute provides economic analysis and policy advice with the aim of promoting sustainable and equitable development for all. The Institute began operations in 1985 in Helsinki, Finland, as the first research centre of the United Nations University. Today, it is a unique blend of think tank, research institute, and UN agency — providing a range of services from policy advice to governments, as well as freely available original research. More information on UNU-WIDER and its current work programme are available on the Institute's website.

UNU-WIDER is looking for three (3) outstanding individuals with strong commitment and potential to support the Institute’s Creating the fiscal space for development and Reducing inequalities across and within countries programme.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Project Leads, the Research Assistant will perform the following duties:

• Support Research Fellows and Associates at UNU-WIDER with research, capacity development and policy engagements. 
• Collect, prepare and clean data jointly with the research team, assist researchers in conducting econometric analysis, write literature reviews on relevant topics, and produce technical notes related to the data.  
• Assist with workshops and training events. 
• Develop and prepare research for the UNU-WIDER Working Paper Series and subsequent journal or book publications. 
• Participate and support the organization of selected UNU-WIDER conferences, seminars, and workshops. 
• Other duties as requested by the supervisor related to the research work of UNU-WIDER.

Key performance indicators

• Timely and quality delivery of planned research outputs.
• Timely and quality delivery of other outputs (briefs, notes, data preparation, etc.).
• Quality and level of engagement with other researchers, teams, consultants, and partners.

Competencies

Values

• Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
• Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
• Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
• Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet

Behaviours

• Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
• Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
• Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
• Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
• Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

Required qualifications and experience

• A master’s degree with strong analytical and quantitative skills in economics or related field. Preference is given to those who have started their doctoral studies in economics or related fields and have experience in conducting research. 
• Knowledge of economic development and public finance is an asset. 
• Experience in data management and analysis, as well as econometrics, is desirable. 
• Advanced skills in programming on Stata or R. If the candidate's preferred programming language is R, they must acquire STATA advanced skills in the first 6 months of work.  
• Ability to work under minimal supervision and with high level of resilience. 
• Strong ability to establish priorities, multi-task, and work within tight timelines. 
• Excellent drafting skills and fluency in both oral and written English; knowledge of French, Portuguese, or Spanish would be an asset. 
• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills, as well as an ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. 
• Readiness to travel internationally. 

Duration of contract

The work will be performed on a full-time basis or part-time basis (100 % rate, i.e. 20 full days, 75% rate, i.e. 15 full days, 50% rate, i.e. 10 full days worked per month). The work can be performed outside UNU-WIDER premises in accordance with the approved work plan to be agreed later. 
General conditions of contracts for the service of consultants apply. The services of a consultant shall be limited to twenty-four months of accrued service within a period of thirty-six calendar months.

Remuneration 

The monthly remuneration will be EUR 3,351.67 gross for full-time work.

This contract carries no entitlement to paid annual leave or sick leave. This contract is subject to the Conditions of Service for Consultant Contract.

Expected start date: As soon as possible.

How to apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you to:

• Apply via the apply link, and submit:
• a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position (upload with first name-last name-cover-letter)
• an up-to-date CV with two contactable references (upload with first name-last name-CV)
• a copy of highest educational degree obtained (upload with first name-last name-degree)
• sample of originally written work (thesis, dissertation, published paper, working paper), maximum 2 (upload with first name-last name-code)

Application Deadline: 22 September 2024

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by an interview.

Special Notice

This is a locally recruited position, and no relocation allowance applies. The post is limited to persons residing in Finland, including persons holding a valid work permit. UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.

Consultants do not hold international civil servant status, nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.

UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged.

UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

If you have supervisory function you need to have awareness on gender related issues. 

Information about UNU rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU.

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