Result of Service

The objective of this contract is to support the work of NAFS and the delivery of activities with a wide range of tasks related to admin assistance and research functions. The Admin Assistant will be expected to deliver logistical and admin support for NAFS activities and develop comprehensive research, analytical summaries, policy briefs, and reports focused on key public policy issues.

Work Location

UN-House ESCWA / Hybrid

Expected duration

6 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

As part of its mandate to promote human development and democratic transition in the region, ESCWA has been implementing NAFS since 2012. Since then, the NAFS Programme has served as an inclusive platform for technical dialogue between Syrians from all walks of life, regardless of their political affiliation, and is the only such platform to systematically assess the policy needs for a post-conflict Syria, empowering Syrians themselves to make that assessment. The Programme produces research and analysis that reflects the views, needs, and priorities of Syrians, as well as tools that are applicable to broader conflict-affected contexts in the region. This assignment is designed to provide to provide administrative and research support for the NAFS programme, as well as other research and projects undertaken by the programme manager officer concerning conflict settings in the region. • Duties and Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Programme Manager of the National Agenda for Syria, the Team Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: Substantive data collection and research • Conduct background research and review of academic and non-academic literature on assigned topics and contributing to policy-oriented research. • Prepare written reviews and summaries of literature. • Provide logistical and substantive support for events, including preparing background documents and presentations. • Maintain an archive of sources and outputs in physical and digital formats. • Take meeting notes and perform other tasks as assigned by the Programme Manager (PM). • Conduct in-depth data analysis, highlighting trends, disruptions, and changes, with a focus on the impact of conflict, sanctions, and relevant mechanisms. Advocacy and Networking • Prepare periodical research on the areas of focus on priority and emerging issues. • Produce regular news monitor on key areas relates to Syria, and other conflict affected areas in the region. • Assist in expanding and maintaining NAFS network of experts across relevant sectors. Admin work • Support the organization, moderation, and notes’ taking of the expert group and consultation meetings. • Prepare the draft terms of reference for the prospected consultations and follow up on the substantive and the admin related issues related to consultancy assignments. • Perform other tasks as requested by the programme manager.

Qualifications/special skills

A Bachelor’s degree in political science, development issues, international affairs, or any other closely related field is required. An advanced university degree in these fields is desirable. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of two years of experience is required in admin work and research and draft reporting. Previous experience in conducting research on Syria or other conflict affected countries is desirable. Excellent communication and teamwork skills are desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and Arabic is the working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in Arabic and English are 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.

Additional Information

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.

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.