Individual Contractor

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional commission of the United Nations established to support economic and social development in its 22 Arab member states. ESCWA aims to promote inclusive and sustainable development through policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and consensus-building. The organization focuses on various sectors, including governance, social development, and economic growth, and works to strengthen governance institutions across the Arab region. ESCWA operates in multiple countries within the Arab region, providing technical assistance and support to member states in achieving their development goals.

Job Overview:
The Individual Contractor position at ESCWA involves delivering high-quality statistical and analytical support to projects, particularly in relation to the Governorate Competitiveness Index (GCI) initiative in Oman. The role requires the contractor to ensure that all work meets ESCWA's standards for accuracy, clarity, and relevance. The contractor will be responsible for processing data, conducting statistical analyses, and assisting in the development of knowledge products such as reports and policy briefs. This position is crucial for promoting evidence-based policymaking and supporting local authorities in Oman to enhance competitiveness and sustainable development. The contractor will work under the supervision of the Project Coordinator and will engage in various tasks that contribute to the overall objectives of ESCWA's initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Individual Contractor include:

• Data Processing: Supporting the validation, cleaning, and organization of datasets; maintaining and updating indicator databases; and processing both quantitative and qualitative data using analytical software.
• Research and Statistical Analysis: Conducting statistical analyses to identify trends and insights; assisting in interpreting results; and preparing visual outputs such as graphs, charts, and dashboards.
• Knowledge Product Development: Assisting in drafting technical materials, policy briefs, and reports that communicate findings and recommendations effectively.
• Coordination and Support: Supporting the organization of meetings and consultations, ensuring proper documentation; coordinating with team members to ensure coherence and accuracy of outputs; and performing other related tasks as requested by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in statistics, economics, public policy, business analytics, or a related field. An advanced degree in these fields is desirable. All candidates are required to submit a copy of their educational degree, and incomplete applications will not be reviewed. While no previous work experience is required for this position, exposure to governance monitoring tools or indices, as well as familiarity with data visualization software (such as Excel, Power BI, or Tableau) or statistical packages (like R, Stata, or SPSS), is considered advantageous. Additionally, familiarity with data analysis, statistics, or governance-related research is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level university degree in relevant fields such as statistics, economics, public policy, or business analytics. An advanced degree in these areas is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the subject matter. Candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications as part of the application process.

Experience:
For this position, no prior work experience is necessary. However, candidates with exposure to indices or governance monitoring tools, as well as those familiar with data visualization software or statistical packages, will have an advantage. This openness to candidates without experience allows for a broader range of applicants, including recent graduates or individuals transitioning into the field.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the working languages of ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate fluency in all four areas of language proficiency: 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 mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of 6 months. 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, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information or bank account details.