International Consultant for Smooth Transition Strategy Development

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which was established in 194

• ESCAP's mission is to promote inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization works with 62 member states and 9 associate members, focusing on various issues such as poverty alleviation, sustainable development, and regional cooperation. ESCAP aims to enhance the capacity of its member states to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and address pressing regional challenges. The organization employs a diverse workforce of over 300 professionals and operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, providing technical assistance, policy advice, and capacity-building support to its member states.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for Smooth Transition Strategy Development involves supporting Cambodia's Ministry of Planning (MoP) in formulating a comprehensive Smooth Transition Strategy (STS) as the country prepares to graduate from its least developed country (LDC) status by December 19, 202

• The consultant will be responsible for developing an annotated outline of the STS, synthesizing best practices and lessons learned from other LDCs, and conducting consultations with various stakeholders, including government ministries, NGOs, and the private sector. The consultant will also draft key chapters of the STS, propose an implementation roadmap, and establish a monitoring and evaluation framework. This role requires a deep understanding of Cambodia's development context and the implications of LDC graduation, as well as the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition that preserves development gains.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities under the supervision of ESCAP and in coordination with the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office in Cambodia (RCO) and the MoP. These responsibilities include: 1) Developing an annotated outline for the STS by reviewing existing STSs from other graduating or graduated countries and identifying best practices. 2) Synthesizing the expected impacts of graduation for Chapter 2, organizing consultations with stakeholders, and preparing background documentation for these consultations. 3) Consolidating inputs and proposing mitigation measures for identified impacts in Chapter 3, as well as identifying contextual challenges such as trade restrictions and climate change. 4) Drafting initial versions of Chapters 2 and 3, proposing an implementation roadmap for Chapter 4, and establishing a monitoring and evaluation framework for Chapter

• 5) Presenting the draft STS at workshops or meetings, maintaining records of feedback, and integrating this feedback into the final draft. The consultant will also be responsible for regular progress reporting to ESCAP and may present findings at national or regional workshops.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a master's degree in economics or a related field, with a PhD being an advantage. A minimum of 10 years of policy and/or research experience in development economics or a related field, particularly with a focus on Cambodia, is essential. Proven expertise in LDC graduation is required, along with previous experience in developing STSs in other graduating or graduated countries. The consultant should possess strong analytical skills, the ability to synthesize complex information, and experience in stakeholder engagement and consultation processes.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a master's degree in economics or a related field. A PhD in these fields is considered an advantage, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and research capability. The educational background should be complemented by relevant training or certifications in development economics, policy analysis, or related disciplines, which would enhance the candidate's qualifications for this role.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in policy and/or research within the field of development economics or a closely related area. This experience should include a demonstrated focus on Cambodia's economic and social development context, as well as proven expertise in the LDC graduation process. Previous involvement in developing Smooth Transition Strategies in other countries that have graduated or are in the process of graduating from LDC status is highly desirable, as it indicates familiarity with the challenges and opportunities associated with such transitions.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be required to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, prepare documentation, and present findings. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region or Cambodia may be considered an asset, but English is the primary language of communication for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for a duration of 97 days. The consultant will be engaged on a contractual basis, and the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This role is part of a broader initiative to support Cambodia's transition from LDC status, and the consultant will play a crucial role in ensuring that the transition is managed effectively to sustain development gains.