Senior Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) was established to promote economic and social development in the region. It focuses on advancing just, peaceful, and inclusive societies, particularly for populations living under occupation or in conflict and post-conflict settings. ESCWA operates in multiple countries across the Western Asia region, working to improve governance and strengthen effective public institutions. The organization aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of public service delivery, aligning its efforts with Sustainable Development Goal 16, which emphasizes the creation of effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. ESCWA recognizes that capable and trusted public institutions are essential for achieving national development goals, and it has a significant role in supporting member states in their reform initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Senior Consultant position is integral to the United Nations' efforts in Lebanon, particularly in the context of the ongoing public sector reform initiative titled 'Reinventing Lebanon’s Public Sector 2030.' This role involves providing technical assistance to the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) and the UN Country Team (UNCT) in developing a comprehensive Target Operating Model (TOM) for Lebanon’s public sector. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a benchmarking analysis of international and regional public sector reform models, drafting various TOM options, and consolidating findings into a final design report. The consultant will also facilitate stakeholder engagement and validation processes, ensuring that the reform initiatives are aligned with the needs and expectations of the Lebanese public administration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Consultant will undertake a range of responsibilities under the supervision of ESCWA and in coordination with OMSAR and UNDP. Key duties include:

• Developing a benchmarking framework and selection criteria for identifying comparable reform cases.
• Identifying and documenting 5–7 international and regional case studies of public sector reform, including analysis of governance mechanisms, institutional design, civil service reform strategies, and digitization efforts.
• Leading the preparation of the Benchmarking and Innovation Report, which will highlight lessons learned and success factors applicable to Lebanon.
• Presenting findings to OMSAR and UN partners during validation workshops and integrating feedback into the reports.
• Developing a conceptual TOM framework based on benchmarking results, defining key components such as mandate alignment, institutional structure, service delivery, performance management, and digital integration.
• Drafting 3–4 alternative TOM options and facilitating consultations with OMSAR and the Reform Steering Committee to refine the preferred model.
• Producing the Final TOM Design Report, including implementation principles and legislative implications, and presenting recommendations at multi-stakeholder validation meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD or equivalent advanced degree in Public Administration, Governance, Political Science, Organizational Design, or a related field. Additionally, candidates must have at least 10 years of professional experience in institutional reform, organizational restructuring, or public sector modernization. Demonstrated experience in leading the design of Target Operating Models or equivalent frameworks for government institutions is essential. Strong analytical and drafting skills are required, with a proven record of producing policy papers, reform blueprints, or strategic reports. Excellent facilitation and stakeholder coordination skills are necessary, along with experience working with ministries, development partners, and inter-agency teams. Familiarity with Lebanon’s governance context and reform dynamics is desirable.

Educational Background:
A PhD or equivalent advanced degree in relevant fields such as Public Administration, Governance, Political Science, or Organizational Design is required for this position. All candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in areas related to institutional reform, organizational restructuring, or public sector modernization. Candidates should have a strong background in leading the design of Target Operating Models or similar frameworks for government institutions, demonstrating their capability to navigate complex reform processes effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in 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 one of the working languages of the United Nations.

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