Individual Contractor for Trade Policy Research

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, provide a platform for dialogue, and support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The organization operates in 18 member countries across the Arab region, focusing on various sectors including trade, economic policy, social development, and environmental sustainability. ESCWA aims to enhance the capacity of its member states to achieve inclusive and sustainable development through research, capacity building, and policy advocacy.

Job Overview:
The Individual Contractor (IC) will play a crucial role in contributing to research and analysis on trade-related issues pertinent to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The IC will support the integration of economic data into simulation models and assist in preparing technical documentation and policy-relevant outputs that will be utilized for training and policy analysis. The position requires conducting in-depth research on trade agreements, policy reforms, and external shocks that affect trade dynamics. The IC will also draft technical notes and policy briefs that summarize findings from trade simulations, which will inform policy development and trade negotiations. This role is essential for enhancing the analytical capabilities of the national team and supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by providing robust tools for trade policy analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The IC will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: conducting trade policy research and in-depth analysis on trade-related topics relevant to Saudi Arabia and the GCC region; assisting in drafting technical notes, background papers, and policy briefs that summarize findings from trade simulations; undertaking specific analyses on selected subjects related to trade integration; preparing training materials and delivering training sessions; and performing other related tasks and duties as assigned. The IC will work closely with the Ministry of Economy and Planning (MEP) of Saudi Arabia and will contribute to the development of the Global Economywide Trade Simulation Interface (GETSI) tailored to the Saudi context, as well as the creation of user-friendly interfaces for trade analysis.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in applied economics or a related field. A minimum of two years of professional work experience in research and analysis is required. Familiarity with major trade databases such as COMTRADE and TradeMap is essential. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is necessary, and familiarity with UN ESCWA’s work on trade analysis is desirable. Candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree as part of their application, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in applied economics or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is critical as it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for conducting trade policy research and analysis. Candidates must ensure that they submit a copy of their degree to be considered for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of professional work experience in research and analysis. This experience should ideally involve working with trade-related topics and utilizing trade databases. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to conduct in-depth research and analysis, as well as their familiarity with economic modeling and policy analysis.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic and English is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all four areas of language use: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is considered desirable but not mandatory. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both Arabic and English to fulfill the requirements of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of 6 months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Candidates should be aware that the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.