Individual Contractor for Development Challenges Project

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA was founded in 1973 and has since been working to foster cooperation among member states in various sectors including economic development, social justice, and environmental sustainability. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, focusing on addressing the unique challenges faced by these nations. ESCWA aims to provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration among member states to enhance their development efforts and achieve sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
The position of Individual Contractor for the Development Challenges Project at ESCWA involves providing essential research support to produce development indicators and indices, as well as developing effective policy assessment and monitoring tools. The contractor will play a crucial role in drafting the Arab Development Challenges Report, which aims to analyze and address the development challenges faced by the Arab region. This report will delve into specific issues such as economic resilience and multidimensional inequalities, which are critical for understanding the broader development landscape. The contractor will be expected to assist in various research and consultation tasks, ensuring that all deliverables are completed on time and in an organized manner. The role requires collaboration with the Development Challenges Project team to synthesize data, draft policy briefs, and prepare training materials, thereby contributing to the overall mission of ESCWA in promoting sustainable development in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The individual contractor will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the drafting of several chapters of the Arab Development Challenges Report (ADCR) and related materials.
• Assisting in regional analysis and the creation of policy briefs and blog posts pertinent to the ADCR.
• Contributing to the drafting of a technical paper focused on Economic Resilience.
• Collecting, synthesizing, and analyzing data related to development, inequalities, and economic resilience, while also updating the key messages portal.
• Assisting in the preparation of training materials for regional sessions on the Development Challenges Index tool and its methodology.
• Supporting the adaptation of the index to the national context and in the preparation of national development challenges reports.
• Performing other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor, ensuring that all work is completed efficiently and effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in economics, statistics, or a related field. It is essential that all applicants submit a copy of their educational qualifications, as incomplete applications will not be considered. While no prior work experience is mandatory for this position, a minimum of one year of professional experience in human development and governance analysis is preferred. Additionally, candidates should have experience in conducting quantitative data analysis using statistical software, as well as skills in economic data analysis, presentation, drafting, and visualization.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Master's degree in economics, statistics, or a closely related field. This advanced degree is crucial for understanding the complexities of development challenges and for effectively contributing to the research and analysis required for the Arab Development Challenges Report.

Experience:
While the position does not require previous work experience, candidates with at least one year of professional experience in human development and governance analysis will be viewed favorably. Experience in quantitative analysis, particularly using statistical software, is also desirable, as it will enhance the contractor's ability to contribute meaningfully to the project.

Languages:
Fluency in both Arabic and English is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat and ESCWA. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the United Nations, but not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of three months, and 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. This ensures that the recruitment process is fair and accessible to all candidates, without any financial barriers.