Facilitation of a Vision and Strategy Development Exercise

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) was established to foster comprehensive, equitable, integrated, and sustainable development through effective economic and social cooperation in the region. ESCWA assists its 21 Arab Member States in introducing policy reform and enhancing capacities to address inequalities. The organization serves as a regional forum and consensus builder on development issues, providing analysis, research, and evidence-based policy alternatives, as well as advisory services to facilitate the formulation, adoption, and implementation of development policies. ESCWA operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, focusing on sustainable development goals and regional cooperation.

Job Overview:
The position involves facilitating a Vision and Strategy Development Exercise for ESCWA, aimed at establishing a unified strategic direction for the organization. This includes developing a Vision statement, a Strategy map, and identifying strategic focus areas that align with the UN Department of Operational Support's Strategic Planning Guide. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders through focus group discussions and interviews to gather insights and expectations for the Vision and Strategy. The role also includes designing and facilitating a two-day Strategic Planning Retreat with Senior Management, ensuring that the discussions lead to a coherent and actionable strategic plan that enhances ESCWA's performance and visibility.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare a draft Vision and Strategy Map that covers Client Outcomes, Services, Processes, People/Knowledge, and Finance, following the DOS Strategic Planning Guidance.
• Conduct focus group discussions with selected Project Coordinators and interviews with Cluster Leaders to gather their experiences and expectations regarding the Vision and Strategy.
• Design a concept note and agenda for a two-day Strategic Planning Retreat with Senior Management, scheduled for January 202
• Facilitate the Strategic Planning Retreat, ensuring effective engagement and synthesis of discussions.
• Based on the outcomes of the retreat, propose a comprehensive vision and strategy map that includes strategic focus areas and next steps for operationalizing the strategy.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, development studies, management, international relations, economics, or a related field. Previous experience in facilitating leadership retreats is essential. A minimum of five years of experience in strategic planning, organizational strategy, institutional reform, or change management is required. Candidates should have excellent knowledge of the UN system architecture and its various entities, along with strong analytical and strategic thinking skills. Experience with strategic planning tools such as Results-Based Management (RBM), strategy maps, and theories of change is necessary. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate excellent drafting skills to convey complex messages clearly and precisely.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as social sciences, development studies, management, international relations, or economics is required. All candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree as part of their application, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in conducting strategic planning and/or development work, including organizational strategy, institutional reform, or change management. Previous experience in facilitating leadership retreats is also a prerequisite, ensuring that the candidate has the necessary skills to guide discussions and synthesize outcomes effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language. Additionally, Arabic is a working language of ESCWA, and while fluency in Arabic is not mandatory, it is considered an asset. Fluency in English means a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding, while 'knowledge of' indicates a rating of 'confident' in at least two of these areas.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is two months, and the work location is remote. The position does not specify a deadline for applications, and 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. The organization also does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.