Research Assistant

UN Secretariat; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

UN Secretariat in New York seeks a Research Assistant to support the Security Council Secretariat Branch at UN Headquarters. The role focuses on monitoring practice and procedure, identifying and evaluating documents, and preparing background materials for reports, assessments and briefs.

The successful candidate will maintain databases, draft meeting summaries, coordinate publication processes, and assist with conference organization, ensuring timely information for decision-making and

Qualifications

• Required languages: English.
• Desired languages: French.
• A high school diploma is required.
• Minimum of seven years of experience in research support.
• Experience supporting an intergovernmental body is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Monitor substantive work, practice, and procedure of the Security Council.
• Identify, evaluate, and summarize documents and data.
• Draft background materials for reports, assessments, and presidential briefs.
• Maintain files and internal databases, and prepare charts and presentations.

Skills

Professionalism

Communication

Planning & Organizing

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Organizational context: The Security Council Secretariat Branch, within the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs at UN Headquarters, supports the Security Council's daily operations. This includes managing its programme of work, facilitating meetings, providing procedural advice, and supporting Council missions. The Research Assistant reports to a Senior Political Affairs Officer or Political Affairs Officer.

Job purpose: The Research Assistant supports the UN Security Council's operations by monitoring its practice and procedure. This involves identifying and evaluating documents, summarizing information, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing background materials for various reports, assessments, and briefs. The role contributes to the effective functioning of the Security Council by ensuring accurate and timely information is available for its decision-making processes and operational activities. The position also involves maintaining databases, preparing reports and presentations, and assisting with the organization of meetings and conferences.

Responsibilities: Key duties include monitoring the Security Council's substantive work, practice, and procedure. The role involves identifying, evaluating, and summarizing documents, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing background materials for reports, assessments, and presidential briefs. Responsibilities also encompass managing and updating files and internal databases, designing and generating reports, statistical tables, and charts. The Research Assistant will draft meeting summaries, coordinate publication processes, and assist in preparing documentation for Security Council conferences and meetings. Maintaining the Security Council website and providing guidance to junior staff are also part of the role.

Education: A high school diploma is required for this position.

Work experience: A minimum of seven years of experience in research support or a related field is required. This requirement is reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree. Experience supporting an intergovernmental body and using document/meeting management databases is desirable.

Skills: Professionalism (research methodologies, data collection/maintenance, analysis), Communication (clear and effective speaking/writing, active listening), Planning & Organizing (goal setting, prioritization, time management, risk assessment).

Required languages: English

Desired languages: French