Consultant for National Accounts System

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

• Its mission is to support the economic and social development of its member states through policy analysis, capacity building, and technical assistance. ESCWA operates in 17 countries across the Arab region, focusing on sustainable development, social justice, and regional integration. The organization employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by the region.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in advancing the Syrian national accounts system towards full methodological modernization. This position is part of a comprehensive technical assistance program that builds on previous phases of work aimed at enhancing the quality and reliability of national accounts data in Syria. The consultant will collaborate closely with the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA) to ensure that the outputs are not only refined but also expanded to cover a broader range of economic activities. The consultant's work will involve developing integrated GDP estimates, establishing a new base year for constant price GDP, and delivering a comprehensive capacity-building program to strengthen institutional capabilities. The overarching goal is to create a robust and analytically useful national accounts system that can support informed policy-making and economic planning in Syria.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks grouped into four main components: 1) Time Series Annual GDP: This includes producing a diagnostic report on existing surveys, drafting informal sector survey modules, updating GDP estimates with extended time series, and creating an updated manual on GDP compilation. 2) GDP by the Expenditure Approach: The consultant will generate annual expenditure estimates and develop a manual for generating GDP using the expenditure approach. 3) Constant-Price GDP: Deliverables will include annual GDP estimates in constant prices and a manual for compiling GDP in constant prices. 4) Capacity Building and Training: The consultant will finalize a toolkit encompassing all deliverables and provide in-person or virtual training using the updated manuals and toolkit. Throughout these tasks, the consultant will work closely with PSA staff to ensure effective skills transfer and co-production of results.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in economics, statistics, or a related discipline. A minimum of 10 years of experience in national accounts compilation and SNA implementation is required. The consultant should demonstrate expertise in GDP estimation, supply and use table (SUT) development, and informal sector analysis. Familiarity with the Data Quality Assessment Framework (DQAF) and international statistical guidelines is desirable. Additionally, experience working in fragile or post-conflict settings and proven ability to design capacity development strategies in low-capacity environments are also desirable. Excellent communication, analytical, and mentoring skills are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in economics, statistics, or a related field is mandatory for this position. Candidates must provide a copy of their educational degree as part of their application. Incomplete applications will not be considered for review.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of relevant experience in national accounts compilation and the implementation of the System of National Accounts (SNA). Candidates should have a proven track record of working on GDP estimation and related economic analysis, particularly in contexts that may be challenging due to political or economic instability.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic and English is required for this position, as these are the working languages of ESCWA. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is desirable but not mandatory, as English and Arabic are the primary languages used in this role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 12 months and will be conducted remotely. 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 emphasizes that it does not require information regarding applicants' bank accounts.