Consultant for Blockchain Policy Development

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional commission established by the United Nations 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 facing the region, including sustainable development, economic growth, and social inclusion. The organization operates in 18 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 people in the region.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in developing a national blockchain policy for Libya, which is essential for harnessing the potential of blockchain technology to advance sustainable development and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The consultant will be expected to conduct a thorough review of existing national digital documents and policies related to digital transformation and innovation in Libya. This includes analyzing best practices from regional and international contexts to inform the development of a coherent blockchain policy. The consultant will engage with key national stakeholders through interviews and workshops to gather insights and feedback, ensuring that the policy reflects the needs and priorities of the Libyan context. The final deliverable will be a comprehensive report that outlines the proposed blockchain policy, including a detailed analysis of gaps and recommendations for implementation. The consultant will also be responsible for ensuring that gender considerations and youth perspectives are integrated into the research and policy recommendations, promoting inclusivity and equity in the development process.

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

• Reviewing national digital documents and existing policies related to digital transformation and innovation in Libya.
• Analyzing at least two regional and two international best practices related to blockchain policies and frameworks.
• Identifying key national stakeholders and coordinating interviews and meetings to gather their insights, summarizing discussions in detailed minutes.
• Contributing to sectoral workshops to discuss needs and priorities, if necessary.
• Preparing a draft policy based on international best practices, gap analysis, and national needs, including a SWOT analysis.
• Presenting the draft report in a national workshop or meeting, capturing feedback and comments for further refinement.
• Updating the draft proposal based on feedback received during the review process by ESCWA and GIA.
• Ensuring that the report uses gender-sensitive language and addresses the needs of both men and women, as well as youth.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in ICT, technology, engineering, computer science, or a related field. A Ph.D. degree is desirable but not mandatory. All applicants are required to submit a copy of their educational qualifications, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and actionable policy recommendations. Experience in stakeholder engagement and facilitation is also essential, as the consultant will be required to interact with various stakeholders throughout the policy development process.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT), technology, engineering, or computer science. A Ph.D. is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's profile. Candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications as part of the application process, ensuring that they meet the minimum educational requirements for the role.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of professional experience and research in the domain of digital technologies is required for this position. Candidates should have a proven track record of delivering research papers and developing digital plans. Previous experience with blockchain policies and frameworks is highly desirable, as it will directly contribute to the consultant's ability to develop a comprehensive national blockchain policy for Libya. The consultant should also demonstrate familiarity with the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing digital technologies in a national context.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken Arabic and English is required for this position, as these are the primary working languages of the United Nations and ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is an advantage but not mandatory. The requirement for fluency means that candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages, particularly in the context of technical and policy-related discussions.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 16 weeks, during which the consultant will work remotely. The position does not specify a seniority level, but it is implied that the consultant should possess a high level of expertise in the relevant field. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be aware that their bank account information is not required during the application process. The content produced by the consultant will be the sole property of ESCWA, and confidentiality regarding the report's content must be maintained.