Consultant for Inequality Measurement and Analysis

Consultant for Inequality Measurement and Analysis

UN Commissions

November 17, 2025November 22, 2025BeirutLebanon
UN Commissions About
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945. It is currently made up of 193 Member States. The mission and work of the United Nations are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter. Due to the powers vested in its Charter and its unique international character, the United Nations can take action on the issues confronting humanity in the 21st century, such as peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, human rights, disarmament, terrorism, humanitarian and health emergencies, gender equality, governance, food production, and more. The UN also provides a forum for its members to express their views in the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, and other bodies and committees. By enabling dialogue between its members, and by hosting negotiations, the Organization has become a mechanism for governments to find areas of agreement and solve problems together.
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), which was established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA aims to foster inclusive and sustainable development through research, policy analysis, and capacity-building initiatives. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, focusing on various development challenges, including inequality, poverty, and social justice. ESCWA employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing regional issues and supporting member states in achieving their development goals.

Job Overview:
The consultant position focuses on contributing to research and analysis related to inequality measurement in the Arab region. The consultant will be involved in preparing a technical paper that aims to refine analytical tools and improve the accuracy of inequality estimates. This role requires conducting literature reviews, empirical analysis, and drafting sections of the technical paper. The consultant will also participate in regional dialogues to present findings and validate results. The work is expected to last for approximately 1.5 months and will be conducted remotely, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The consultant will play a crucial role in addressing the persistent challenges of inequality and poverty in the region, contributing to evidence-based policy discussions and supporting ESCWA's mission to promote inclusive development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a range of technical and analytical tasks, including:
  • Contributing to the preparation of a technical paper on inequality in the Arab region, utilizing ESCWA’s inequality and poverty databases.
  • Supporting the re-estimation of Gini coefficients by assessing the distributional effects of adjusting top and bottom income/expenditure tails and documenting the methodological approaches used.
  • Conducting empirical analysis to test the sensitivity of inequality indicators to data adjustments.
  • Performing literature reviews on methods for tail adjustments and inequality correction.
  • Drafting a section of the technical paper that summarizes the results of the analytical work, ensuring it does not exceed 8,000 words.
  • Participating in a launch event to present and validate findings from the research.
  • Carrying out additional related tasks as requested by the project lead to ensure the effective and timely delivery of the technical paper.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in economics, social development, political science, or a related field. It is essential that all candidates submit a copy of their required educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Additionally, a minimum of 3 years of professional work experience in the area of inequality measurement and analysis specifically within the Arab region is required. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of the complexities surrounding inequality and the methodologies used to measure it.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as economics, social development, or political science. This advanced degree is crucial for understanding the theoretical and practical aspects of inequality measurement and analysis, as well as for contributing effectively to the technical paper and related research activities.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of professional work experience in the area of inequality measurement and analysis, particularly within the context of the Arab region. This experience should include familiarity with data analysis techniques, empirical research methods, and the ability to interpret and communicate complex findings related to inequality and poverty. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of contributing to research projects or policy discussions that address these critical issues.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations and ESCWA. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Additionally, knowledge of French is beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both English and Arabic to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the research and dialogue processes.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The duration of the consultancy is approximately 1.5 months, and the role is focused on delivering high-quality research outputs within this timeframe. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.
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