Research Assistant (6 months)

Closing date: 15 November 2020 at 23:59 UTC+2

Station: National Treasury, Pretoria, South Africa

UNU-WIDER is looking for outstanding individuals with strong commitment and potential to contribute to the SA-TIED programme.

The SA-TIED programme, implemented over the period 2017-2021, looks at ways to support policy-making for inclusive growth and economic transformation in the Southern Africa region. This is done primarily through original research produced in collaboration between the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and various other governmental and research organizations in South Africa and the sub-region, including the National Treasury where the positions will be placed.

A key aspect of the programme is to encourage and facilitate evidence-based policy processes and bridging the gap between research and policy-making. Research Assistants play an integral part in this work and the SA-TIED programme is now looking for new talent to join the team. Specifically, the programme is looking for Research Assistants with two profiles, as outlined below.

Profile 1: Data Analysis

• Retrieve, clean, and process data in Stata and SQL.
• Maintain the administrative tax data and other micro-level datasets and resolve errors in the extraction and data cleaning process.
• Assist in drafting, reviewing and revising documentation related to the data.
• Provide research assistance through data analysis, literature reviews, drafting documents inter alia.
• Provide oversight over the Secure Data Facility (including research management, attend to software and equipment requirements).
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing between various stakeholders.
• Other duties as requested by the supervisor related to the research and administrative work.

Requirements and desired skills

The ideal candidate should have the ability to work independently and hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in (economics, statistics, data science or equivalent). Individuals currently enrolled in a Master’s degree or those who have a clear intention to enrol are especially encouraged to apply.

The candidate should have excellent skills in statistical software Stata. Knowledge of SQL, R, and ArcGIS is an advantage. Fluency in oral and written English is required and the candidate must hold a valid work permit for South Africa.

Profile 2: Macroeconomics

• Analyse economic trends and evaluate economic indicators for the South African economy.
• Assess potential impacts of policy changes.
• Support SA-TIED research activities (including analysing data, building models, implementing simulations, report writing inter alia).
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing between various stakeholders.
• Other duties as requested by the supervisor related to the research and administrative work.

Requirements and desired skills

The ideal candidate works well independently and holds at least a Bachelor’s degree (economics, mathematical economics or econometrics). Individuals currently enrolled in a Master’s degree or those who have a clear intention to enrol are especially encouraged to apply.

The candidate should be proficient in statistical analysis software such as E-views and Stata and have a thorough understanding of South African economic trends. Previous experience in economy-wide simulations and modelling is an advantage. Fluency in oral and written English is required and the candidate must hold a valid work permit for South Africa.

Terms

Research Assistants will be issued a consultancy contract for up to six-months with UNU-WIDER. The Research Assistant will receive a lump sum of US$1,250 per month to supplement living expenses while stationed in Pretoria, South Africa. No extra payments for housing or living expenses will be made. Project-related costs will, however, be covered by the project.

Applications should include

• Short personal statement/description, including an indication of the profile you are applying for (max. 1 page).
• Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages).
• Transcripts and degree certificate(s).
• Sample of originally written Stata do-file or E-views code.

Applications must be submitted electronically and specify – within the personal statement – which position you are applying for. Deadline for applications is 15 November 2020 at 23:59 UTC+2.

Short-listed candidates will be invited for interviews.

Positions are available from 4 January 2021.

Apply here.

Further questions should be addressed to consultancy@wider.unu.edu.