Research Assistant

Host entity: ESCWA

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Administration, Communication, advocacy, public information

Application deadline: 04/09/2026

Mission and objectives

The Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA) was established on 9 August 1973 pursuant to Economic and Social Council’s resolution 1818 (LV). Its purpose was to stimulate economic activity in member countries, strengthen cooperation between them promote development.

ESCWA's objectives are to support economic and social development in member countries, to promote interaction and cooperation between member countries, to encourage the exchange of experience, best practice and lessons learned, to achieve regional integration and ensure interaction between Western Asia and other regions, and to raise global awareness of the circumstances and needs of member countries.

ESCWA provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies for member countries, a platform for congress and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory.

ESCWA activities are coordinated with the divisions and main offices of the Headquarters of the United Nations, specialized agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and its subsidiary bodies, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Assignment context

As part of its mandate to promote human development and democratic transition in the Arab region, ESCWA has been implementing programmes in Syria since 2012 through its National Agenda for the Future of Syria (NAFS) initiative. Over the years, ESCWA's work in Syria has served as an inclusive platform for technical dialogue among Syrians from diverse backgrounds and political perspectives, providing a unique space for Syrians to identify and assess the country's policy priorities and institutional needs for a post-conflict future. Drawing on this engagement, ESCWA programmes in Syria produces policy research, supports institutional recovery, develop analysis and practical tools that reflect Syrian perspectives and support evidence-based policymaking and parliamentary institution, while generating knowledge and methodologies that are applicable to other conflict-affected and transition contexts across the Arab region. This assignment will support the implementation of ESCWA's programme on Syria as well as other research, policy and technical assistance activities led by the Programme Management Officer on conflict, governance, peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery in the region.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Economic Affairs Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Research Assistant will:

• Conduct in-depth desk research and systematic reviews of academic, policy and grey literature in Arabic and English on public policy, governance, parliamentary development, and comparative regional and international experiences relevant to the programme.
• Collect, compile, validate and analyse qualitative and quantitative data from official, semi-official and other credible sources, and undertake comparative policy analysis to identify good international practices, including relevant European Union experiences, to inform programme activities and policy dialogue.
• Produce high-quality analytical outputs, including policy briefs, literature reviews, technical papers, reports, concept notes and other knowledge products to support programme implementation, policy dialogue and decision-making.
• Prepare professional presentations, briefing packages, infographics, speeches, talking points and other communication materials for senior management, technical meetings, donor consultations and regional and international events.
• Monitor political, governance and socioeconomic developments in Syria and the wider region, preparing regular analytical updates, news digests and briefing notes, and incorporating emerging developments into programme analysis and reporting.
• Support programme planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting by contributing analytical inputs to workplans, progress reports, monitoring frameworks and other results-based management products.
• Maintain research databases, reference libraries and knowledge management systems, ensuring that programme evidence, publications and analytical resources are well organized and readily accessible.
• Support expert consultations, technical workshops and policy dialogues by preparing background papers, research materials, meeting documentation and summaries.
• Perform other related duties assigned by the Programme manager.

Skills and experience

• 3 years of experience in related area is desirable.
• Good communication and teamwork skills. Previous experience and knowledge of United Nations Rules and Procedures is desirable.
• Prior UN experience or prior knowledge of the host entity’s internal systems is an asset.

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism

Living conditions

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Beirut. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.

Beirut is a unique duty station and Lebanon is a unique operational environment. It offers a rich cultural experience, dynamic social life, and the opportunity to work in a highly diverse setting. At the same time, personnel should be prepared for a degree of unpredictability related to security situation, economic conditions, infrastructure challenges, and impact of regional developments. Flexibility, resilience, cultural sensitivity, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances are essential.

Benefits Package:

• Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 350
• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): USD 1,606.80
•Danger and Hardship Differential depending on the hardship classification and family/non-family status of the duty station.
• Free access to UNV's learning and career development resources

For more information on please visit the Entitlements Calculator: https://app.unv.org/calculator.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.