Consultant to Develop a Paper on Care Reforms and Systems

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 cooperation among its member states, which include 18 countries in the Arab region. The organization focuses on various areas including economic development, social justice, and gender equality, aiming to enhance the living standards of people in the region. ESCWA employs a diverse team of professionals and collaborates with various stakeholders to address pressing issues faced by the Arab states, including care reforms and systems.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be tasked with drafting a comprehensive paper that outlines a framework for advancing care reforms and systems, particularly in the context of socio-demographic changes affecting the Arab region. The role involves analyzing the political economy of care, understanding the determinants that influence care policies, and drawing lessons from both Arab and Latin American experiences. The consultant will work closely with the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) to ensure that the paper reflects a holistic approach to care reforms, moving beyond fragmented policies to propose comprehensive systems that recognize the importance of care in sustainable economic development. The consultant is expected to engage with various stakeholders, conduct a desk review of existing literature, and synthesize findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key tasks, including: conducting a desk review of successful and unsuccessful care policy advancements in both Latin America and the Arab region; consulting with stakeholders to identify challenges and barriers in advancing care policies; reviewing stakeholder feedback to inform the paper's content; proposing key determinants and dynamics that influence care policies; drafting an outline for the paper in consultation with ESCWA and ECLAC; preparing the first draft of the paper for review; and finalizing the document based on feedback from ESCWA and ECLAC teams. The consultant will also be responsible for providing regular updates on progress to the supervising Social Affairs Officer.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in economics, sociology, law, gender studies, or a related field. A PhD in one of these areas is preferred. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in public policy making, with a strong background in social policy reform. Experience specifically related to care policies is highly desirable. All applicants must submit proof of their educational qualifications, as incomplete applications will not be considered.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant field such as economics, sociology, law, or gender studies is required for this position. A PhD in one of these disciplines is considered an asset, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the subject matter.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of professional experience in public policy making, with a focus on social policy reform. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on care policies, demonstrating their ability to navigate the complexities of care systems and propose effective reforms.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also important, given its status as a working language. Additionally, familiarity with Arabic is desirable, as it is a working language of ESCWA. Knowledge of Spanish is considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders.

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 during the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information.