About Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

Economic and Social Commission for Western Asiais part of the United Nations system, working to promote international cooperation and address global challenges. As a UN entity, it contributes to the organization’s mission of maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting international cooperation in solving international problems and encouraging respect for human rights.

Job Summary

This consultancy provides an opportunity to contribute specialized expertise to Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia’s mission in international cooperation and sustainable development. Working in Lebanon, you will apply your professional skills to address complex challenges in international cooperation and sustainable development and support the organization’s programmatic objectives. This role offers the flexibility of consultancy work while contributing to meaningful international development outcomes with global impact.

Key Details

• Job Title:Strategic Plan for Building Analysis and Assessment Capacities for Development-Oriented Public Policies in Arab Countries
• Grade:CON
• Location:Beirut, Lebanon (Flexible: in-person, hybrid, or remote)
• Department:Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia
• Contract Type:Consultancy
• Salary Range:$50,000.0 – $120,000.0 USD annually

Qualifications

• Academic Qualifications: Master’s degree in public policy, economics, social development, or a related field is required.
• Academic Qualifications: All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree.
• Academic Qualifications: Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
• Academic Qualifications: At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience and research in public policy formulation, implementation and analysis in the Arab region is required..
• Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA.
• Language: For this consultancy, fluency in English and Arabic are required.
• Language: Note: Fluency equals a rating of fluent in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and Knowledge of equals a rating of confident in two of the four areas..
• The consultant will be required to provide updates on progress and submit phased deliverables, as per the agreed timeline.

Skills

• Background: ESCWAs Arab Sustainable Development Report 2024 (ASDR 2024) maps policy directions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the 22 Arab countries.
• The Report highlighted the prevalence of a weak or broken policymaking cycle in most Arab countries as one of the main structural impediments to SDG progress in the region.
• Yet, many government institutions in Arab countries struggle with capacity and skill gaps in designing, implementing, and evaluating policies that would advance the SDGs.
• And despite sometimes significant investments in policy areas and/or the launch of ambitious legislative frameworks and strategies, the impact on the ground continues to be less than desired.
• This advisory board will also frame the work to be undertaken in the course of this consultancy.
• Objective: The objective of this consultancy is to support ESCWA in answering the above questions and designing a policy initiative for the Arab region to address enabling elements as well as needed capacities.
• The consultant will work closely with the ESCWA team and in reference to the discussions of the advisory board.
• Duties and responsibilities: The consultant will work closely with the Cluster Leader of the 2030 Agenda and SDG Coordination Cluster and/or delegated staff.
• Coordination and follow-up with the consultant will be done through e-mails, phone calls and virtual meetings.
• The consultant will be responsible for developing a strategic plan for the policy initiative as outlined above.
• On the basis of consultations and research, the consultant will identify opportunities for enhancing public policies including through analysis and assessment.
• S/he will outline clear objectives and concrete strategies to bridge the gap between the current and desired capacities among public officials.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Professional development opportunities
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Inclusive and collaborative work environment

How to Apply