UNV Research Assistant on Trade

UN Entity: ESCWA

Assignment Context:
On the requests of MSs, ESCWA started the development of tailored national versions of ATSI called Global Economywide Trade Simulator Interface (GETSI).
In 2024, ESCWA developed three beta versions of GETSI to UAE, Oman, and Morocco. Currently ESCWA is developing two new versions for Saudi Arabia and Egypt. In addition to developing the interfaces, ESCWA is delivering multiple national training workshops and assisting the concerned ministries in monitoring and evaluating changes in trade policies (national and global) as well as economic shocks.

Task description:
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief of section, Economics Affairs or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Research Assistant on Trade will:
• Test the robustness of the two Global Economywide Trade Simulator Interfaces developed for Saudi Arabia, Egypt.
• Prepare training materials and user guides for the new national versions of GETSI under development to facilitate their uses by national teams.  
• Coordinate with IT’s team to address all issues experienced when running simulations using the interfaces.
• Undertake specific analyses on selected subjects related to trade integration.
• Draft technical documents on the impact of CBAM on North African countries in cooperation with UNECA.
• Co- organize the workshop on the impact of CBAM on North African countries.
• Assist the project coordinator in assessing the impacts of new trade scenarios on the request of MSs.
• Perform other related tasks and duties assigned

Languages
Arabic, Level: Fluent, Required
English, Level: Fluent, Required
French, Level: Fluent, Desirable

Required Experience:
• Three years’ experience in the field of Applied Research and Analysis on Trade Policies with a focus on Impact Assessment.
• Experience and knowledge of Global Trade Database (COMTRADE, TRADEMAP, BACI…) with proven experience in using large Trade Datasets to calculate indicators.  
• Familiar with the application of global CGEs in Trade Analysis.
• Familiar with GTAP database.

Inclusivity statement:
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy.

Living conditions and remarks
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 part of the malicious insurance plan.
National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.

National UN Specialist Volunteers in Lebanon are entitled to:
• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of USD 1,606.58
• Annual and learning leaves
• Medical and life Insurance
• Free access to different learning platforms.

For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit:
https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service