Special Notice- Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

- Appointment for positions in the General Service category is done on a local basis. Applicants shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office, irrespective of nationality and length of time the candidate may have been in the country. Applicants will be responsible for any expenses incurred in taking the relevant examinations at the duty station, and of any costs related to traveling and relocating to the duty station in the event of an employment offer.

- A current staff member who holds a fixed-term, permanent or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above his or her current grade.

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Infrastructure Service Unit of the Natural Resources and infrastructure Division of ECLAC. The research assistant reports to the Chief of Unit.

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the five regional Commissions of the United Nations. It was founded in 1948 with the purpose of contributing to the region's economic and social development. Its mission includes the design, monitoring and evaluation of public policies and the provision of advisory services, expertise and training to Governments, as well as support for regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. Please visit our website at www.eclac.org for further information.

ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Research Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Assists in identifying and monitoring substantive aspect of the work of the Unit (Logistics and Infrastructure issues) 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.

• 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-operate with research institutes and organizations in the collection of data.

• Assembles and examines original statistical material to ensure accuracy, clarity and validity; makes appropriate adjustments.

• Prepares a variety of reports, presentations, tables, lists, charts, data sets, and/or diagrams for information in order to facilitate the in-depth analysis of the retrieved information by the supervisor and other users.

• Participates in the substantive and policy discussions of the Unit.

• Prepares, maintains and updates files (electronic and paper) and internal databases; designs and generates a variety of periodic and ad hoc reports, statistical tables, charts, graphs, and other background materials/notes to facilitate inspection and other reviews.

• Drafts programme/project summaries, co-ordinates review and clearance process and co-ordinates with editor, translation services, etc., on finalization and publication of

reports in multiple languages.

• Identifies the organizational requirements for conferences and meetings and assists in the preparation of documentation and reports for these meetings.

•Attends a variety of meetings to follow discussions, takes notes and prepares summary report, notes for the file, correspondence, etc.

• Provides guidance and training to new/junior staff.

• Performs other related work as required.

Competencies• Professionalism: Knowledge of research methodologies, data collection and maintenance, substantive knowledge across various areas of social and economic development with a

specific emphasis on ports, logistics and infrastructure issues. Ability to identify, extract, analyse and format data from a wide variety of standard and non-standard sources. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas 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 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.

EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent is required. Studies in Engineering, Economics or related fields is desirable.

Work ExperienceSeven years of experience in collecting and researching data across various areas of social and economic development is required. Experience working with a specific emphasis on ports,

logistics and infrastructure issues is desirable. Experience in statistical analysis and creation and maintenance of the complex databases on transport, infrastructure and logistics issues is

desirable. Practical experience in the area of transport and logistics is desirable.

LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, advanced knowledge of Spanish and advanced knowledge of English is required.

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

United Nations ConsiderationsThe United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.