Consultant for Policy Initiative

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional commission established in 1973 to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA aims to support member states in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) through policy analysis, capacity building, and regional cooperation. The organization operates in 22 Arab countries and focuses on various areas including economic development, social justice, and environmental sustainability. ESCWA employs a diverse team of experts and collaborates with various stakeholders to address pressing regional challenges.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position is aimed at developing a strategic plan for enhancing analysis and assessment capacities for development-oriented public policies in the Arab region. The consultant will be responsible for producing a comprehensive paper that will serve as a foundation for ESCWA's policy initiative. This initiative is crucial for addressing the identified gaps in policymaking processes across the Arab countries, particularly in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The consultant will engage with an advisory board and work closely with ESCWA staff to ensure that the strategic plan is informed by relevant data and stakeholder input. The final deliverable will be a 30-40 page document that outlines clear objectives, strategies, and recommendations for improving public policy analysis and assessment in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks including:

• Actively participating in discussions with the advisory board to inform the draft plans for the policy initiative.
• Preparing background notes and designing questions and agenda items for advisory board discussions, focusing on policy taxonomy, stakeholder relations, and model frameworks for policy analysis.
• Synthesizing discussions from the advisory board and proposing a data collection methodology that may involve surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions.
• Conducting data collection as per the agreed methodology.
• Discussing evidence and proposals with the advisory board and consolidating them into a strategic plan for building capacities in public policy analysis and assessment. The consultant will also be responsible for providing regular updates on progress and submitting phased deliverables according to the agreed timeline.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in public policy, economics, social development, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in public policy formulation, implementation, and analysis within the Arab region is required. Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the region's policymaking landscape, particularly in relation to the SDGs. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in public policy, economics, social development, or a related field is mandatory for this position. Candidates must submit a copy of their educational qualifications as part of their application. Incomplete applications will not be considered for review, emphasizing the importance of providing all required documentation.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in public policy formulation, implementation, and analysis, specifically within the Arab region. This experience should include a demonstrated ability to engage with government and non-government stakeholders, conduct research, and develop strategic plans that address complex policy challenges. The consultant should have a proven track record of working on initiatives related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and possess a deep understanding of the regional context.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this consultancy role, as these are the primary working languages of ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all areas, while knowledge is rated as 'confident' in at least two areas.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 4 months, and the work will be conducted remotely. The position does not involve any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for applications, interviews, or training. Candidates should be aware that the United Nations does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.