Duty Station: New York
Section/Department: Strategic Planning and Communication Support Section, Division of Communication
Post Title: Research Consultant
Level: L2
Duration of Contract: 11.5 months
Closing date: 9 April 2015
Background and context
Strategic Planning and Communication Support Section, Division of Communication, is seeking to hire a committed and passionate research professional. The Research Consultant will fact-check UNICEF flagship publications, including The State of the World’s Children report, other major publications, web stories and video scripts, press releases, advocacy resource kits and other material that will be produced by DOC and in collaboration with other divisions; will research and compile current data, findings and reports for use by DOC to strengthen the evidence base for developing high-quality contents; and provide additional research support as required.
Main responsibilities
Under the general guidance and supervision of the Communication Specialist (Research), Strategic Planning and Communication Support Section, Director’s Office, DOC, the Research Consultant will have the following duties and responsibilities to ensure high-quality standards of content:
· Fact-check publications and other advocacy material, following DOC Fact-checking Guidelines, through online database searches and other means of validation, verifying facts and figures for accuracy and currency with two credible and authoritative sources for each finding;
· Check contents for consistency with UNICEF policy and guidelines and recent materials produced by DOC and other divisions, in particular Data and Analytics Section (DAS), Division of Policy and Strategy (DPS);
· Thoroughly check sensitive issues that may damage the UNICEF name and brand;
· Liaise with the responsible editor/writer/researcher in HQ and field offices and subject matter experts as needed;
· Research and compile up-to-date information/statistical data, reports, scholarly articles, UN system flagship and other publications on current development and humanitarian issues relevant to the work of DOC;
· Organize and save each fact-checked manuscripts and supporting documentation/evidence in user-friendly format.
· Other research assignments and tasks to ensure timely completion of projects.
Required qualifications and work experience
· M.A in international development and social science related areas;
· A minimum of two years of research and fact-checking experience, including internet-based research and facility with quantitative and quantitative data;
· Knowledge of current key development issues and trends relevant to children and women;
· Strong knowledge of UNICEF’s programmes, humanitarian activities and policies;
· Excellent research and fact-checking skills;
· Knowledge of the work of the UN system preferred;
· Knowledge of another UN language a plus.
Required competencies:
· Setting high standards for quality of work;
· Ability to work effectively in diverse and multi-cultural environment;
· Analytical skills and good judgment;
· Attention to detail and ability to identify sensitive issues;
· Well organized and driven for results to meet tight deadlines;
· Quickly building rapport with individuals and groups;
· Flexibility to work on multiple projects and teams and a good team player;
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.
UNICEF is a smoke-free environment.
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