Consultant for Open Data Policy Development

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 support the countries of the Arab region in achieving sustainable development through economic and social development initiatives. ESCWA operates in 17 member countries and focuses on various areas including economic development, social justice, and environmental sustainability. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to promoting regional cooperation and integration, and it plays a crucial role in providing technical assistance and policy advice to member states.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a pivotal role in developing a national open data policy for Libya, which is essential for enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance. The position requires a comprehensive understanding of open data principles and practices, as well as the ability to analyze existing policies and frameworks. The consultant will be expected to conduct thorough research, engage with national stakeholders, and synthesize findings into a coherent policy document. This role is critical in ensuring that the open data policy aligns with international best practices while addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by Libya. The consultant will also be responsible for drafting a detailed report that includes an executive summary, a table of contents, and references to all sources used in the research process. The final deliverable must adhere to ESCWA's standards for quality and originality, ensuring that it is free from plagiarism and properly cites all referenced materials.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include:

• Reviewing national digital documents and existing policies related to digital transformation and innovation in Libya.
• Analyzing regional and international best practices in open data policies, selecting at least two regional and two international examples for comparison.
• Identifying and engaging with key national stakeholders through interviews and meetings, documenting discussions and feedback.
• Contributing to sectoral workshops to gather insights on needs and priorities related to open data.
• Preparing a draft open data policy based on best practices, gap analysis, and national needs, including a SWOT analysis.
• Presenting the draft policy at a national workshop or meeting, capturing feedback for revisions.
• Updating the draft policy based on comments received from ESCWA and GIA during the review process. The consultant must ensure that gender considerations and youth perspectives are integrated into the research and writing process, using gender-sensitive language throughout the report.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in ICT, technology, engineering, computer science, or a related field. A 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 professional experience in digital technologies, with a strong emphasis on research and policy development. Experience in delivering research papers and developing digital plans is desirable, as is familiarity with open data policies and frameworks.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field such as ICT, technology, engineering, or computer science. A Ph.D. is considered an asset, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the field. Candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications as part of the application process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in the domain of digital technologies. This experience should include a strong focus on research, policy development, and practical applications of digital solutions. Previous experience in delivering research papers and developing digital strategies is highly desirable, as well as specific experience with open data policies and frameworks, which is crucial for the successful execution of the consultancy.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken Arabic and English is mandatory for this position, as these are the working languages of ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all areas, while knowledge is rated as 'confident' in at least two areas.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 16 weeks 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 the confidentiality of applicants' personal information, particularly regarding bank account details.