Consultant to Prepare a Study on the Impact of Cash Assistance and Care

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 works with member states to formulate policies and strategies that promote inclusive and sustainable development, with a focus on social justice, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, providing technical assistance, research, and capacity-building initiatives. ESCWA employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by the region, with a commitment to fostering collaboration among member states and stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment of cash assistance and care services for older persons in Palestine, specifically in the West Bank and Gaza. This role is crucial in understanding the effectiveness, adequacy, accessibility, and responsiveness of these services, which are vital for the well-being of older individuals facing socioeconomic challenges. The consultant will work closely with ESCWA and the Ministry of Social Development to gather data, analyze findings, and provide actionable recommendations for policy improvements. The ultimate goal is to enhance the social protection framework for older persons, ensuring that their needs are met and that they can maintain their dignity and quality of life. The consultant will utilize both quantitative and qualitative research methods to gather comprehensive insights into the current state of cash assistance and care services, identifying gaps and areas for improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare an inception report detailing the methodology, workplan, sampling strategy, analytical framework, and data collection instruments.
• Conduct a thorough desk review of relevant literature and policy documents.
• Provide a demographic and socio-economic snapshot of older persons in Palestine.
• Design and implement data collection processes, including surveys and interviews.
• Analyze findings to assess the effectiveness and accessibility of services.
• Identify gaps in policy and service delivery.
• Draft the study report, including all necessary annexes and references.
• Revise the report based on feedback from ESCWA and the Ministry.
• Present findings and recommendations in meetings and workshops. 1
• Ensure methodological consistency and quality throughout the research process. 1
• Adhere to ethical research standards and data protection protocols.

Required Qualifications:
A Master's degree or equivalent in Social Policy, Public Policy, Development Studies, Sociology, Economics, Public Health, Statistics, Social Work, or a related field is required. Candidates must submit proof of their educational qualifications, as incomplete applications will not be considered. A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in the aforementioned fields is required. Experience working with national ministries or international organizations, particularly in the context of social protection, is highly desirable. Strong analytical skills and experience in handling both quantitative and qualitative data are essential, along with the ability to synthesize findings into clear policy recommendations and produce high-quality reports.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or an equivalent qualification in a relevant field such as Social Policy, Public Policy, Development Studies, Sociology, Economics, Public Health, Statistics, or Social Work. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of social protection systems and the specific needs of older persons in the context of Palestine.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in relevant fields, demonstrating a strong understanding of social policy and development issues. Experience working with governmental bodies, UN agencies, or international organizations is preferred, particularly in relation to social protection systems. Familiarity with the Palestinian context and previous work experience in Palestine will be considered a significant advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of ESCWA. Knowledge of English is desirable, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency is defined as being able to speak, read, write, and understand the language proficiently, while knowledge indicates a confident ability in at least two of these areas.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is offered on a local basis, meaning that candidates must have the legal right to live and work in the specified location. The position is expected to last for a duration of 4 months. The recruitment process does not involve any fees at any stage, and the United Nations emphasizes that it does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.