Consultant for Digital Inclusion Policy Support

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 member countries and has a diverse workforce of over 200 employees, including experts in various fields such as economics, social development, and technology. ESCWA aims to enhance the capacity of member states to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improve the quality of life for all citizens in the region.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting ESCWA's initiative to enhance digital inclusion across Arab countries. This position involves conducting a comprehensive assessment of the current landscape of digital inclusion, focusing on the needs of vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, older persons, women, and refugees. The consultant will be responsible for reviewing best practices in digital inclusion strategies and legislation, analyzing the roles of key national stakeholders, and suggesting a practical policy support template. This template will serve as a guide for policymakers in designing inclusive national digital strategies that align with regional priorities and global best practices. The consultant will also engage with stakeholders to gather feedback on the draft template and contribute to regional workshops, ensuring that gender equality and disability inclusion are integrated throughout the research work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties and responsibilities include:

• Reviewing best practices of digital inclusion strategies, legislation, and institutional frameworks globally and in the Arab region, focusing on equity, accessibility, and the needs of vulnerable groups.
• Analyzing the roles of key national stakeholders, including ICT regulators, relevant ministries, and institutions working on inclusion and human rights.
• Suggesting a practical policy support template and the content of an interactive tool for integration into the ADIP platform, covering key areas such as ICT access and infrastructure, accessibility and affordability of services, inclusive digital skills, governance, stakeholder cooperation, inclusive innovation, monitoring and evaluation, and risk management.
• Presenting the draft template to selected stakeholders and experts for feedback.
• Contributing to a regional workshop and capturing main comments and discussions.
• Revising and finalizing the draft template based on inputs received.
• Preparing a short presentation and briefing note summarizing key elements of the work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in ICT or a related field, with a Ph.D. being desirable. All applicants are required to submit a copy of their educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Additionally, candidates should have at least 10 years of professional experience, including a minimum of 5 years in research formulation of development policies or a related field. Experience in research on digital inclusion and digital technologies is essential. Excellent communication and writing skills are also required to effectively convey complex information and engage with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master's degree in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) or a related field. A Ph.D. is considered an asset, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and research capability. Candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications, as this is a critical component of the application process.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically at least 10 years of professional experience in relevant fields. This includes a minimum of 5 years focused on research formulation of development policies or related areas. Candidates should have a proven track record in conducting research on digital inclusion and digital technologies, showcasing their ability to analyze complex issues and develop effective strategies.

Languages:
Fluency in both Arabic and English is mandatory for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Additionally, knowledge of French is beneficial, as it is also a working language of the United Nations. Candidates should demonstrate their language proficiency clearly in their applications.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for 16 weeks. 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 is committed to ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process, and applicants should be aware that their bank account information is not required at any stage.