Research Assistant Job at UN-Habitat

United Nations Jobs, UN-Habitat Jobs, UN Jobs,

• Job Opening ID: 258152
• Job Network : Economic, Social and Development
• Job Family : Social Affairs
• Category and Level : General Service and Related Categories, G-6
• Duty Station : NAIROBI
• Department/Office : United Nations Human Settlements Programme
• Date Posted : Jun 3, 2025
• Deadline : Jul 2, 2025

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Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat promotes urbanization as a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty. The position is located in the Knowledge and Innovation Branch.

The Knowledge and Innovation Branch is responsible for leading the development of UN-Habitat’s flagship reports, the gathering and reporting on urban data through its Data and Analytic Section, and the production of cutting-edge knowledge and innovation on cities, the processes of urban development and urbanization and its associated effects. The New Urban Agenda (NUA) was adopted at the 2016 Habitat III conference. It sets out 36 objectives to help cities become more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. The NUA highlights the linkages between sustainable urbanization and: job creation, livelihood opportunities, and improved quality of life.

The Urban Agenda Platform is an online portal for sharing knowledge, monitoring and reporting on progress to accelerate the implementation of the New Urban Agenda to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It is one-stop shop for a knowledge hub with key resources, a best practice database, a learning and capacity development component, as well as tools for stakeholder engagement and participation.

Under the overall guidance of the Chief of the Knowledge and Innovation Branch and direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer working on the New Urban Agenda related activities and monitoring processes, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

• Assists in identifying and monitoring substantive aspects of the New Urban Agenda in various regions/countries. Selects and evaluates a variety of documents, summarize pertinent material, collects and analyses data and prepares background materials for assessment papers, studies, briefs and reports for the New Urban Agenda.
• Systematically follows through and retrieves, highlights and compiles information from a wide variety of information sources on the New Urban Agenda; prepares input for the electronic database and the internet and co-operate with research institutes and organizations in the collection of data.
• Assembles and examines original statistical material on the New Urban Agenda to ensure accuracy, clarity and validity; makes appropriate adjustments.
• Prepares, maintains and updates files (electronic and paper) and internal databases; designs and generates a variety of periodic and ad hoc reports, presentations, statistical tables, lists, charts, graphs, and other background materials/notes to facilitate inspection, other reviews, the in-depth analysis of the retrieved information by the supervisor and other users.
• Prepares contents for the New Urban Agenda Platform under the renovation plan guided by the supervisor, other senior staff and the team
• Participates in the substantive and policy discussions on the New Urban Agenda and prepare documentation.
• Maintains contacts with other departments in the Secretariat, as well as the UN agencies and programmes and other organizations relevant to the region, and co-ordinate the input of other departments in the collection of data for assignments received.
• Drafts programme/project summaries, co-ordinates review and clearance process and co-ordinates with editor, translation services on finalization and publication of reports in multiple languages.
• 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 related work as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of research methodologies, data collection and maintenance. Ability to identify, extract, analyse and format data from a wide variety of standard and non-standard sources. The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; 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 equality 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 valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

PLANNING & 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 Seven (7) 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 five (5) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher.
• Experience in undertaking social science research and preparation of papers is desirable. Experience in inter-governmental processes, research methodologies, data collection and maintenance is desirable.
• Experience in the United Nations Common System or similar international organizations is desirable.
• Experience working with Microsoft office tools is desirable.
• One (1) or more years or more of experience in data analytics or related area 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 another United Nations official language is desirable.
• NOTE: ”Fluency” equals a rating of ”fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and ”Knowledge of” equals a rating of ”confident” in two of the four areas.

Assessment

• Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

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