Consultant Moderator for Arab Forum on Equality

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA was founded in 1973 and has since been working to foster inclusive and sustainable development, addressing issues such as inequality, social justice, and economic growth. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, engaging with various stakeholders to implement policies that promote equitable development. ESCWA's mission is to support member states in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to enhance regional cooperation and integration.

Job Overview:
The consultant will serve as the moderator for the first session of the Arab Forum for Equality, focusing on the theme of intergenerational inequality. This role involves guiding discussions with targeted questions, ensuring balanced exchanges, and fostering constructive dialogue among speakers. The session aims to explore how public policies can effectively address inequality across generations, particularly in the context of the Arab region's unique challenges. The moderator will need to prepare by engaging with speakers beforehand to understand their perspectives and the topics they will cover. The overarching goal is to facilitate a rich dialogue that not only addresses current inequalities but also considers long-term solutions that can benefit future generations.

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

• Engaging with session speakers prior to the forum to understand their areas of expertise and the topics they will discuss.
• Developing initial questions to stimulate discussion, particularly if audience participation is low.
• Gaining a foundational understanding of inequalities in the Arab region and globally to inform moderation.
• Moderating the session effectively, ensuring discussions remain focused and constructive.
• Conducting at least one interview with the ESCWA media team to provide insights for their inequality initiatives. The consultant must ensure that the dialogue remains balanced, avoiding contentious topics while encouraging clear and succinct responses from speakers.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in political science, social studies, development studies, media, or related fields. A minimum of 10 years of experience in the media sector is required, along with excellent communication and moderation skills. The ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including global leaders and experts, is essential. Familiarity with issues of inequality and exclusion, particularly within the Arab region, is crucial. Previous experience in moderating high-level forums is also required, demonstrating the candidate's capability to handle complex discussions effectively.

Educational Background:
The position requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as political science, social studies, development studies, media, or related areas. Candidates must provide a copy of their educational qualifications as part of the application process.

Experience:
The consultant must have at least 10 years of experience in the media sector, which should include a strong background in communication and moderation. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to engage with high-profile stakeholders and manage discussions on complex topics, particularly those related to inequality and social justice.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, as these are the working languages of ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all four areas of language use: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for a duration of 10 days. There is no fee associated with the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage. The role is part-time, focusing on the specific tasks related to the Arab Forum for Equality.