National Expert for National Digital Development Review (NDDR)

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), which was established in 197

• ESCWA aims to promote economic and social development in the Arab region through regional cooperation and integration. The organization operates in 17 member countries and focuses on various areas including sustainable development, digital cooperation, and economic policies. ESCWA employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by the Arab region.

Job Overview:
The position of National Expert for the National Digital Development Review (NDDR) involves providing expert guidance and support to the Ministry of Telecommunications and Digital Economy in Palestine. The expert will be responsible for reviewing and updating the NDDR, ensuring it aligns with the ESCWA's five-cluster framework for digital development. This role is crucial in assessing the progress of digital technologies in achieving sustainable development goals and identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement. The expert will work closely with national focal points and stakeholders to gather data, validate information, and produce a comprehensive report that reflects the current state of digital development in Palestine. The expected duration of this consultancy is 16 weeks, and the work can be performed remotely, allowing for flexibility in managing tasks and collaborating with various partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Expert will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Reviewing the initial draft of the NDDR prepared by the Ministry of Telecommunications and Digital Economy, incorporating feedback from the ESCWA team.
• Validating and updating existing data to ensure accuracy and completeness in line with the five main clusters of digital development.
• Conducting research to gather additional data necessary for a comprehensive review.
• Completing the addendum to the NDDR by collecting relevant information that reflects the full scope of digital development priorities.
• Coordinating with the NDDR National Focal Point to engage stakeholders in providing additional information or missing data.
• Ensuring all data and information presented in the NDDR are properly referenced and maintaining a comprehensive bibliography.
• Producing a final draft of the NDDR that is ready for conversion into an official national report.
• Supporting the Ministry and ESCWA teams in revising and updating the National Digital Development Agenda (NDDA) based on findings from the NDDR, translating insights into strategic directions and actionable objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) or a related field. A Master's degree or Ph.D. is preferred. All applicants are required to submit a copy of their educational qualifications, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of experience in technology-related research and issues, with a solid understanding of planning and strategic development in the digital domain being highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree in ICT or a closely related field. A Master's degree or Ph.D. is considered an asset, indicating a higher level of expertise and knowledge in the subject matter. Candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications as part of the application process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in technology-related research and issues. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of digital development, strategic planning, and the ability to analyze and synthesize complex information. Candidates with a proven track record in similar roles will be preferred, as they will bring valuable insights and expertise to the project.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is mandatory for this position, as it is a working language of ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all four areas of language use: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of English is desirable, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. A confident level of English in at least two of the four areas is expected, allowing for effective communication and collaboration with international teams.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The expected duration of the consultancy is 16 weeks, during which the National Expert will engage with various stakeholders and contribute to the development of the NDDR and NDDA. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process for all candidates.