Disability Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is an organization that aims to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. Established in 1973, ESCWA works with member states to enhance their capabilities in various sectors, including social development, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, focusing on inclusive development and the empowerment of marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities. ESCWA has a significant body of knowledge on disability issues and regularly conducts studies and workshops to support member states in implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Job Overview:
The Disability Consultant position is designed to provide technical assistance to Kuwait in the area of disability inclusion. The consultant will be responsible for developing training materials tailored to the context of Kuwait, facilitating workshops, and providing feedback on the institutional action plan for disability inclusion. The role is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the Arab region, particularly in light of the barriers they encounter in accessing services and opportunities. The consultant will work closely with the ESCWA disability team to ensure that the training and workshops are effective and aligned with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The position requires a deep understanding of the CRPD and the ability to translate complex legal obligations into practical training modules.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include conducting a desk review of relevant documents, developing training methodologies and materials, facilitating training workshops, and providing technical feedback on Kuwait's institutional action plan for disability inclusion. Specific tasks involve reviewing ESCWA’s Disability Mainstreaming Tool, Kuwait’s state reports to the UN, and the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities' observations. The consultant will also lead technical sessions on the CRPD, coordinate with ESCWA's team for seamless workshop delivery, and contribute to the workshop report and evaluation outcomes. Additionally, the consultant will assist in revising and structuring the institutional action plan in collaboration with national counterparts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in development studies, sociology, political science, economics, psychology, or a related field focused on disability. A minimum of 7 years of proven work experience in areas related to the CRPD, disability inclusion, and policy and program mainstreaming in the Arab region is required. Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding of disability issues and the ability to engage with various stakeholders effectively. All applicants must submit a copy of their educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be considered.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as development studies, sociology, political science, economics, psychology, or other social sciences is mandatory for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to address the complexities of disability inclusion and the implementation of the CRPD.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of relevant work experience, particularly in the context of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and disability inclusion. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging in research, policy development, and program implementation related to disability issues in the Arab region. This level of experience is crucial for the consultant to effectively contribute to the training and support provided to Kuwait.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required 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 also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, but not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for a duration of 3 months. There are no additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation provided in the job description. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.