Consultancy on Culture and Creative Industries in the Arab Region

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional commission established in 1973 to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA aims to foster cooperation among member states and provide a platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing. The organization focuses on various sectors, including economic development, social development, and environmental sustainability, and works with member states to implement policies that enhance regional integration and cooperation. ESCWA operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, engaging with governments, civil society, and the private sector to address regional challenges and promote sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position involves conducting an analytical study on the trade in culture between Arab States, focusing on the economic contributions of cultural and creative industries. The consultant will assess the size of the cultural trade, identify barriers to cross-border cultural activities, and analyze the role of digital platforms in transforming cultural production and distribution. The goal is to provide insights and policy recommendations that can enhance cultural exchanges and economic opportunities within the region. The consultant will work remotely and is expected to deliver a comprehensive analytical paper within a duration of two months, contributing to the understanding of cultural dynamics and economic potential in the Arab region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks:

• Assess the size and economic contribution of cultural and creative industries across the Arab States, focusing on their impact on global markets, employment, and income generation, particularly for women and youth.
• Analyze regional cultural exchanges and market opportunities, comparing them with other regions and evaluating the influence of shared language and cultural affinities on market expansion.
• Identify barriers to cross-border cultural activities, including regulatory, institutional, and operational challenges, such as intellectual property rights and distribution arrangements.
• Examine the impact of digital platforms and artificial intelligence on cultural production and consumption, including implications for market access and creators' incomes.
• Conduct empirical analysis and case studies to highlight the economic benefits of enhanced regional cultural exchanges, and develop actionable policy recommendations to leverage these opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD in economics or a related field. A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in economic research is required, with a strong background in international trade data and gravity estimates of trade. Experience leading research teams across multiple countries in the Arab region and the Mediterranean is highly desirable. Familiarity with the operations of United Nations entities or other international organizations is also preferred. Additionally, published work on cultural and creative industries within ESCWA member states will be considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The position requires a PhD in economics or a closely related field. Candidates must provide a copy of their educational degree as part of their application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed, emphasizing the importance of meeting this educational requirement.

Experience:
The role demands a minimum of 15 years of professional work experience in economic research, with a focus on cultural and creative industries. Candidates should have experience working with international trade data and conducting gravity estimates of trade between countries. Experience in leading research teams that operate across several countries in the Arab region and the Mediterranean is desirable, as is experience working with United Nations entities or other international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, with 'fluency' defined as a rating of 'fluent' in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Arabic is also a working language of UNESCWA, and proficiency in Arabic will be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of two months, and the position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information or bank account details.