Overview
The Senior Research Assistant (Population Affairs) will monitor substantive aspects of work, collect and analyze data, and prepare materials for assessments, studies, and reports within the Population Division of ECLAC.
Key Responsibilities
- Independently identifies and monitors substantive aspects of the work of the Area in various countries.
- Selects and evaluates a variety of documents, summarizes pertinent material, collects and analyses data and prepares background materials for assessment papers, studies, briefs and reports.
- Systematically follows through and retrieves, highlights and compiles information from a wide variety of information sources; prepares input for the electronic database and the internet and co-operates with research institutes and organizations in the collection of data.
- Prepares charts, graphs and other outputs for reporting and presentation of various data.
- Assists in formulating project proposals and co-ordinates day-to-day monitoring and implementation of these projects.
- Produces analytical, quantitative and qualitative elements required for the elaboration of documents and reports contained in the regular work programme and extraordinary work assigned to the Area.
- Builds special data sets for specific research needs or for reports.
- Designs and updates databases and complete programme regarding procedures, sources and final presentations.
- Carries out preparatory work for and assists in organizing Committee/Task Force meetings and workshops. Drafts agenda and procedural notes for meetings of various committees.
- Establishes internal databases; sets up, files, stores and manages data and information relevant to the scope of programme/project activities.
- Participates in technical meetings, conferences, and seminars. Serves as Secretary to committees, ad hoc task forces, etc.; takes notes, draft summary reports, minutes, notes for the files or assessment reports for presentation to the head of the Branch/Unit; monitors follow-up actions, etc.
- Liaises with relevant parties both outside (delegates, NGOs) and inside the Organization.
- Drafts and edits complicated, complex and often technical texts.
- Prepares newsletters on programme/project-related activities; drafts inputs for a wide range of documents/reports, briefings/debriefings, correspondence, etc.
- Processes information gathered (background, data, statistics, etc.) using various computer programmes and periodically updates the information to allow its distribution and easy access by multiple and potential users.
- Tracks resolutions and other legislative decisions that affect programme/project content and oversees the preparation of the relevant databases to ensure the incorporation of programmatic and other changes enacted by legislations.
- May undertake mission/field work in support of above activities.
- May provide guidance and support to more junior staff and review work assignments, provide training and inputs to performance evaluation.
- 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 duties as assigned.
Required Experience
At least ten (10) years of experience in collecting and researching data across various areas of social and economic development or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to eight (8) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. At least seven (7) years of experience in the production of official sociodemographic information is required. Experience in the collection, processing, analysis and dissemination of demographic and census data is required. Experience providing technical assistance on population and housing censuses in countries of Latin America is desirable. One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent is required. Technical or vocational certificate in social sciences, economy, demography or related field is desirable.
