Research Associate - Pretoria, South Africa

United Nations University • Other • Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa • $200 - $300 / year • 18h ago

Vacancies
Research Associate - Pretoria, South Africa

UNU-WIDER is looking for an outstanding individual with strong commitment and potential to support the research programme of the Institute. Closing date: 27 October 2017, 23:59 UTC+3.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Director of UNU-WIDER, the Research Associate will perform a key role in creating, maintaining, and updating administrative tax data from South Africa, and making it available for researchers. The Research Associate will:

create and manage micro-level databases
update databases on a regular basis to incorporate the latest relevant available data and variables
generate manuals describing the process of updating the databases, including basic descriptive tables and figures and analysis of data quality
ensure consistent use of the datasets within the programme
actively explore new micro-data sources
participate in data projects that involve the comparison of data from tax records with data from other sources
assist researchers in accessing the data, answer their queries, and run computer code and extract results as needed for non-South Africa-based researchers
communicate regularly with programme stakeholders on specific data requirements
ensure that secure computers used for accessing the data are up to date with computing power and statistical software
assist in a scoping study on remote data access and its possible implementation
assist in drafting research studies and management reports
perform other duties as requested by the supervisor.

Required qualifications and experience

a minimum of a master’s degree in economics, statistics, or equivalent social science, with a minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience
demonstrated ability to independently carry out, create, update and manage databases
required knowledge of computer programme languages, especially Stata; knowledge of other computer programming languages — in particular R is an advantage
excellent drafting skills and fluency in both oral and written English
excellent team player with strong, well-developed interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Application procedure

Interested applicants should submit their applications online using this form and must upload the following:

a cover letter setting out how their qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position
a copy of highest educational degree obtained.