Job Description

The Research Analyst will work under the direct supervision of an UNRISD Research Coordinator. Specific duties of the position will vary as project needs dictate, and are likely to include the following:

• Research: assist in background research related to the projects indicated above, and other projects as needs arise; conduct library and Internet searches; prepare literature reviews and other written inputs; provide detailed comments and feedback on draft research reports commissioned under the projects; assist in editing (substantive and copy-editing) research papers and preparing them for publication; assist in background research and drafting of new project proposals; author/co-author at least one publication; .
• Project management: assist in fundraising and project management activities related to ongoing projects and other projects as required; act as a focal point for queries relating to the overall research area; maintain databases and files of relevant information; identify potential researchers who might collaborate with the projects; maintain and update databases of relevant researchers, research institutes and contacts in international organizations; communicate with external networks and consultants; assist in related tasks, such as donor reporting.
• Event organization: assist with the organization of meetings, workshops and conferences, and work with UNRISD's Communications and Outreach Unit to ensure excellent coverage of events.
• Communications and outreach: collaborate with UNRISD's Communications and Outreach Unit on project-level communications, including producing updates about research for internal and external distribution; drafting articles or updates for public briefing notes, UNRISD website, eBulletin and social media channels; regularly updating and maintaining relevant project pages on the UNRISD website (training will be provided); managing research network members’ contact details; and contributing to the expansion of UNRISD’s institutional networks and partnerships.

Required knowledge, skills and competencies

• Master's degree in social policy, public policy, politics, economics, development studies or a related area.
• One to two years of relevant research experience.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong overall communication skills, especially writing and editing.
• Ability to summarize complex analysis and ideas in clear and accessible language.
• Accuracy and an eye for detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small team..
• Experience working in international environments or in international networks.
• Expertise on emerging economies, conflict-affected / post-conflict countries, or countries in the MENA region is an advantage.
• Knowledge of French and/or Spanish (desirable).
• Skills in quantitative research methods and statistics (desirable).

Terms and conditions

• This is a full-time appointment located at the Institute’s offices at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Salary: 4,200 CHF/month.
• Duration: up to a maximum of two years (subject to availability of funding), including initial trial period of six months.
• Starting date: 6 July 2015 (negotiable).
• UNRISD is not responsible for medical insurance, which is mandatory for the period of assignment.
• UNRISD will cover one return ticket at least costly fare.

Application process

Applicants are advised to become familiar with the general work of UNRISD as well as the activities related to the New Directions in Social Policy: Alternatives from and for the Global South and Towards Universal Social Security in Emerging Economies projects before applying for this position.

If you are interested in the work elaborated above and have the corresponding qualifications, please apply on-line by clicking the link below.

The "motivation" section should be used for a cover letter in which you introduce yourself and cite your academic and research / field experience of relevance to the projects . Please use the “written statement” section to submit a short text containing your understanding of the projects, and innovative ideas to further develop these projects (maximum 600 words).

Shortlisted applicants may be asked to submit relevant publications and carry out a written assignment before being notified if they have been selected for interview.

We regret that due to limited staff resources only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Apply here

About UNRISD

The United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) is an autonomous research institute within the UN system that undertakes multidisciplinary research and policy analysis on the social dimensions of contemporary development issues. Through our work, we aim to ensure that social equity, inclusion and justice are central to development thinking, policy and practice.

UNRISD is now accepting applications for a Research Analyst position in the Social Policy for Inclusive Development programme. The Research Analyst will bring excellent research and communications skills to her/his work on ongoing projects, including New Directions in Social Policy: Alternatives from and for the Global South, Towards Universal Social Security in Emerging Economies, as well as to the development and implementation of a new project titled When Security Meets Social Security: Social Policy in Post-Conflict Settings.

Together these projects aim to contribute high-quality, policy-relevant research and analysis to global debates on innovative policies and institutions that enable developing countries to achieve development goals in an equitable, democratic and sustainable manner. The projects are interested in linkages between social policy and other policies and institutions; interactions between institutions and policies at the global, national, sub-national and grassroots levels; and political dimensions of social and economic development. Case studies include emerging and developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America and Asia.