Researcher for Digital Trade Policies

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN ESCWA), which was established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. The organization focuses on various development themes, including digital economy and trade, and aims to support evidence-based policymaking through data and research. UN ESCWA collaborates with various regional and international partners to enhance the quality and accessibility of data for member states. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, working towards sustainable development and regional cooperation.

Job Overview:
The position of Researcher for Digital Trade Policies involves conducting in-depth research and data collection on digital trade policies in specific UNESCWA member states, namely Iraq, Lebanon, the State of Palestine, Qatar, the Syrian Arab Republic, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. The ultimate goal is to integrate comprehensive and up-to-date digital trade policy data into the Digital Trade Integration (DTI) database, thereby enhancing the Arab Development Portal (ADP) as a central platform for accessible and policy-relevant data on digital trade. The researcher will be responsible for producing comprehensive country datasets for three selected member states, ensuring that their digital trade-related policies and regulations are accurately represented and coded according to the DTI methodology. This role is crucial for promoting regulatory convergence and cooperation among Arab countries and strengthening their participation in the global digital economy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The researcher will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Conducting thorough research on digital trade policies in the specified UNESCWA member states, focusing on the regulatory frameworks and legal instruments in place.
• Compiling comprehensive datasets of digital trade-related policies and regulations for three selected countries, ensuring that the data is structured and coded according to the DTI methodology.
• Analyzing national policies and legal frameworks to identify gaps and opportunities for regulatory convergence among Arab countries.
• Collaborating with other researchers and stakeholders to enhance the quality and relevance of the data collected.
• Contributing to the integration of DTI data into the ADP, ensuring that the information is accessible and useful for policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders.
• Supporting the overall objectives of the DTI project and UNESCWA by promoting transparency and accessibility of digital trade data.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as economics, international trade, law, public policy, digital economy, or related areas. A PhD is considered an advantage, especially if it focuses on digital trade regulations or international economic law. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate a minimum of 2 years of experience in economic analysis, trade, or digital trade policy research. Proven experience in reviewing and analyzing national policies and legal frameworks in Arab countries or other developing regions is essential. Candidates should also have experience in compiling structured datasets from regulatory texts or legal instruments and working with international databases such as WTO, OECD, or UNCTAD.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as economics, international trade, law, public policy, or digital economy. A PhD is advantageous, particularly if it pertains to digital trade regulations or regulatory impact analysis. All candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in economic analysis, trade, or digital trade policy research. Candidates should have a proven track record of reviewing and analyzing national policies and legal frameworks, particularly in Arab countries or similar developing regions. Experience in compiling structured datasets from regulatory texts or legal instruments is also necessary, along with familiarity in contributing to international databases such as WTO, OECD, or UNCTAD.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates should be able to speak, read, write, and understand English fluently. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. Additionally, Arabic is a working language of ESCWA, and familiarity with it is desirable but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for approximately 3.6 months and can be performed remotely or in a hybrid format. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.