Background

Located within the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator (RCO), the incumbent will support the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA)’s regional research, analytical, and capacity building initiatives for South Asia.
DPPA focuses primarily on five action areas in international peace and security, ensuring sound analysis and early warning, preventing conflict and engaging in peacemaking, managing political crises and violent conflicts, sustaining peace, and enhancing partnerships. The Department's mandate is to prevent and resolve conflict through inclusive political solutions.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Reconciliation and Development Advisor and Monitoring and Analysis Specialist for South Asia, the Assistant Researcher will support the RCO and DPPA, to undertake the tasks outlined below:

• Undertakes research that focuses on the political economy of the South Asian region, that contributes towards DPPA's regional initiatives;
• Contributes towards specific research streams around BIMSTEC, trends in hate speech and countering violent extremism, counter terrorism, cyber-security, effects on economic gains due to political tensions, and other relevant areas;
• Supports the development of a flagship publication highlighting significant research carried out in the region;
• Assists in any other tasks required by the unit.
   

Competencies

Professionalism:

• Should be able to monitor and analyze political, operational and security developments;
• Should be able to produce clear and well written reports and papers on substantive issues;
• Can apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations;
• Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.

Communication:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately
• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed

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

Required Skills and Experience

Applicants to the UN internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

a) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);

b) Have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

•        Degree in Development Studies, Politics, History, International Relations, Social Sciences, Law or any other related field;
•        Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills in English;
•        Experience in the usage of computers and office packages;
•        Ability to think and work logically and precisely;
•        Highly organized and energetic, with exceptional attention to detail;
•        A team player with good inter-personal skills.