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 including poverty reduction, sustainable development, and regional cooperation. ESCAP aims to enhance the capacity of its member states to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improve the quality of life for people in the region. With a diverse workforce of over 300 employees, ESCAP operates in multiple countries across Asia and the Pacific, providing technical assistance, policy advice, and capacity-building initiatives.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for Smooth Transition Strategy Development involves working closely with Cambodia's Ministry of Planning (MoP) to formulate a comprehensive Smooth Transition Strategy (STS) as Cambodia 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 from other LDCs, and conducting consultations with various stakeholders to gather inputs for the strategy. 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 government officials, development partners, and civil society organizations. The consultant will be expected to present findings at workshops and integrate feedback into the STS drafts, ensuring that the strategy is inclusive and reflective of the needs and priorities of all stakeholders involved.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a range of responsibilities under the direct supervision of ESCAP, including: 1) Developing an annotated outline for the STS by reviewing existing STSs from other countries and identifying best practices. 2) Synthesizing the expected impacts of graduation for Chapter 2, conducting research, and organizing consultations with stakeholders from various sectors. 3) Preparing necessary documentation for consultations and maintaining detailed records of discussions and outcomes. 4) Proposing concrete mitigation measures for identified impacts and contextual challenges in Chapter

• 5) Drafting initial versions of Chapters 2 and 3, proposing an implementation roadmap for Chapter 4, and creating a monitoring and evaluation framework for Chapter
• 6) Presenting the draft STS at workshops, attending relevant meetings, and integrating feedback from stakeholders into the final drafts. The consultant will also be responsible for maintaining communication with the MoP and other relevant government institutions throughout the process.

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 is essential, particularly with a focus on Cambodia. Proven expertise in LDC graduation processes 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 economics or a closely related discipline is considered an advantage, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex economic issues relevant to the role.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least 10 years of relevant experience in policy and/or research within the field of development economics. This experience should include a demonstrated focus on Cambodia and familiarity with the LDC graduation process. Previous involvement in developing Smooth Transition Strategies in other countries that have undergone similar transitions is highly desirable, as it indicates the consultant's capability to navigate the complexities of this role effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all deliverables and communications will be conducted in English. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset, but English fluency is the primary requirement for effective communication and reporting.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is 97 days, and the work is primarily remote. The consultant will be required to submit deliverables electronically by specified deadlines, with the first deliverable due by 20 October 202

• The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair selection process. This position is not associated with any financial obligations for applicants, and the organization emphasizes its commitment to ethical recruitment practices.