Research Associate - Pretoria, South Africa

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.

Organizational unit

United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER)

Reference number

2017/UNU/WIDER/PSA/RA/81