Research and Analytical Support Consultant

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 works to advance just, peaceful, and inclusive societies, particularly for people living under occupation or in conflict and post-conflict settings. The organization focuses on improving governance and strengthening effective, efficient, and accountable public institutions while enhancing the quality and accessibility of public service delivery. ESCWA operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, engaging with various stakeholders to achieve its mission and objectives.

Job Overview:
The Research and Analytical Support Consultant will work under the direct supervision of Senior Consultants and in coordination with ESCWA. The consultant is expected to contribute significantly to the preparation of various reports and documents that support the ongoing reform initiatives in Lebanon's public sector. The role involves providing research and data inputs for the Inception Report, contributing to the Benchmarking Report, assisting in drafting Target Operating Model (TOM) options, and supporting the final TOM Design Report. The consultant will also prepare materials for validation workshops, ensuring that all outputs are accurate, coherent, and well-referenced. This position is crucial for the successful implementation of the 'Reinventing Lebanon’s Public Sector 2030' initiative, which aims to modernize governance and rebuild citizens' trust in public institutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include assisting in the development of a benchmarking framework, identifying and documenting international and regional case studies of public sector reform, collecting and analyzing information on governance systems, and synthesizing findings into comparative tables and visuals. The consultant will also support the preparation of background inputs for the TOM framework, organize data on public institutions, draft visual and narrative elements for preliminary TOM options, document feedback from consultations, and assist in finalizing the TOM Design Report. Additionally, the consultant will help organize multi-stakeholder validation meetings and prepare necessary documentation for these events.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Economics, Political Science, or a related field. A Master's degree in the same fields is desirable. All applicants are required to submit a copy of their educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be considered. A minimum of 5 years of experience in policy research, data analysis, or governance studies is required. Strong analytical, writing, and visualization skills, particularly in tools such as Excel, Power BI, or Tableau, are desirable. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in supporting institutional reform or public policy research projects, preferably within the Arab region, and must possess strong analytical and drafting skills to synthesize complex information effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Economics, Political Science, or a related field. A Master's degree in these areas is considered an asset. Candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications, as this is a critical requirement for the application process.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant experience in policy research, data analysis, or governance studies. Candidates should have a proven track record of supporting institutional reform initiatives or public policy research projects, ideally in the Arab region. Experience in synthesizing complex information into clear and concise summaries, tables, and visuals is essential for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, as these are the working languages of ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all four areas of language use: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, but it is not a requirement for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for 1 month. There are no additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation provided in the job description. 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.