Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Non-Governmental Organization Branch (NGOB) of the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development (OISC), Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The Research Assistant will report directly of the Chief of NGOB. The Office provides substantive support and promotes consensus in the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly. More information can be found on our website: https:/www.un.org/ecosoc/en/node/454160. Responsibilities
With delegated authority under the direct supervision of the Chief of NGOB, the Research Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:
- Provide research and administrative assistance to staff in the work unit in all aspects of work relevant to the substantive and organizational preparations of the meetings in economic and social fields and preparatory bodies and meetings and events organized by the work unit.
- Assist in the update and maintenance of relevant computerized databases, including reviewing required information for the approval and monitoring of grounds passes to UN premises to duly accredited representatives of NGOs in consultative status, by facilitating their participation in UN meetings, consultations and events, among others, as mandated under resolution 1996/31.
- Assist in data compilation and analysis, compile materials and present basic information/data that is available on websites and in documentation available on ODS, and liaise with offices within and outside the organization.
- Maintain accurate files and records for the work unit.
- Research, extract and compile basic and data on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in consultative status with ECOSOC from the iCSO database to support the Officer in charge of quadrennial reports, including, but not limited to the batching, formatting and updating of records on quadrennial reports.
- Sort, consolidate, extract and process data for NGO profiles and enter information into the relevant database, as well as approve requests for new profiles in iCSO.
- Review, store and maintain data related to quadrennial reports, change of name and ground passes in the relevant computerized databases such as iCSO and the CSO Net messaging system.
- Disseminate information about the work of the NGO Branch to civil society through the CSO Net messaging system, including responding to queries and requests from NGOs with queries about quadrennial reports, change of name, ground passes.
- Manage information on quadrennial reports by tracking and updating information on reports in the iCSCO database, communicating with organizations about requirements for submission of documents, transmitting batches of quadrennial reports for processing to DGACM through gDocs, and preparing draft CRPs for the Committee on NGOs for approval by the responsible office, including uploading them in the Paperless Committee system.
- Coordinate logistical arrangements for both the informal and formal sessions of the NGO Committee, and provide information and guidance on the organization of side events by coordinating with Meetings Services, etc.
- Upload responses from NGOs to questions from the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs into the paperless system, and transmit questions to NGOs from the Committee during its formal sessions.
- Provide basic support in the planning, specification, design, development, implementation and maintenance of customized application software systems; work with senior IT staff on the definition and specification of requirements; build, rest and modify prototype application software based on detailed instructions; install and maintain software systems.
- Perform office management functions such as supporting recruitment processes, procuring supplies, taking attendance, and keeping a record of annual and sick leave reports of staff members.
- Perform other related tasks as required. Competencies
Professionalism: Ability to research, interpret and analyze a wide variety of data. Ability to work with online platforms and web-based technologies. Knowledge of the functions and organization of the work unit, and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units. Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures. Demonstrates use of initiative and ability to make appropriate linkages in work requirements. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Ability to communicate easily and defectively with both external and internal clients. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender quality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.
Teamwork: works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuying others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; support and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsablity for team shortcomings.
Planning and 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.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of experience in collecting and researching data across various areas of social and economic development or related area is required.
Experience with the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies is desirable.
Experience in information system s analysis and/or programming is desirable.
Experience in systems administration and maintenance, software development, technical writing or related area is desirable
Experience in recruitment via electronic recruitment systems (such as Inspira or similar) is desirable. Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview. Special Notice
• This position is temporarily available as soon as possible for six months, with a possibility of extension. 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.
• Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.
• This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.
• 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.
• 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.
• Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Services and related categories in the United Nations Secretariat. Applicants who have not passed the GGST at the time of application may be invited for the test after submitting an application. Having passed the Administrative Support Assessment Test [in English] at the United Nations headquarters, Economic Commission for Africa, Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, United Nations Office at Geneva, United Nations Office at Vienna, International criminal tribunal for Rwanda or International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia may be accepted in lieu of the GGST.
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.
The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.
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.
This vacancy is archived.