Digital Inclusion Policy Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established in 197

• Its mission is to promote economic and social development in the Arab region through regional cooperation and integration. ESCWA works with member states to formulate policies and strategies that address the challenges faced by the region, focusing on sustainable development, social justice, and inclusive growth. The organization operates in 22 countries across the Arab region and employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of people in the region. ESCWA's initiatives include research, capacity building, and technical assistance in various sectors, including digital inclusion, which is increasingly recognized as a critical enabler of equitable development.

Job Overview:
The Digital Inclusion Policy Consultant will play a pivotal role in supporting ESCWA's efforts to foster inclusive digital environments across Arab countries. The consultant will be tasked with developing a comprehensive Digital Inclusion Policy Support Template that will guide policymakers in creating national strategies that ensure equitable access to digital technologies and services. This position requires a deep understanding of digital inclusion, particularly for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, older persons, women, and refugees. The consultant will review best practices, analyze stakeholder roles, and suggest practical tools for integration into the Arab Digital Inclusion Platform (ADIP). The consultant will also engage with stakeholders to gather feedback and ensure that the developed policies are aligned with regional priorities and global best practices. This role is essential in addressing the growing digital disparities and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital transformation process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Reviewing global best practices in digital inclusion strategies, legislation, and institutional frameworks, focusing on equity and accessibility for vulnerable groups.
• Analyzing the roles of key national stakeholders, including ICT regulators and relevant ministries, to understand their impact on digital inclusion.
• Developing a practical policy support template and an interactive tool for the ADIP platform, covering key areas such as ICT access, service affordability, inclusive digital skills, governance, stakeholder cooperation, and monitoring.
• Presenting the draft template to stakeholders and experts for feedback and revising it based on their inputs.
• Contributing to regional workshops and capturing discussions to inform the final template.
• Preparing a presentation and briefing note summarizing the key elements of the work.
• Ensuring that gender equality, disability inclusion, and youth integration are considered throughout the research and writing process, using gender-sensitive language.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in ICT or a related field, with a Ph.D. being desirable. A minimum of 10 years of professional experience is required, including at least 5 years in research formulation of development policies or a related field. Experience in digital inclusion and digital technologies is essential, along with excellent communication and writing skills. Candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree as part of their application, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Educational Background:
The position requires a master's degree in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) or a related field. A Ph.D. is considered an asset. All candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications, as this is a critical requirement for the application process.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least 10 years of professional experience, with a minimum of 5 years specifically focused on research formulation of development policies or related fields. Experience in digital inclusion and digital technologies is crucial, as the role involves analyzing and developing policies that address digital disparities.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic and English is required for this position, as these are the working languages of ESCWA. Fluency is defined as being able to speak, read, write, and understand the language at a high level. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, but not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for 16 weeks. The consultant will be required to submit all deliverables electronically and ensure that they adhere to ESCWA's guidelines regarding plagiarism and referencing. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any fraudulent requests for personal information.