Consultancy on Preparing a Technical Paper on Methodology for Revenue Sharing Systems

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 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 economic growth, social justice, and sustainable development. The organization operates in 22 countries across the Arab region and employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of people in the region. ESCWA conducts research, provides technical assistance, and facilitates dialogue among member states to foster collaboration and share best practices.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position involves delivering a comprehensive technical paper focused on the methodology for revenue-sharing systems, specifically tailored for Arab countries, with a case study on Iraq. The consultant is expected to produce a structured and analytically rigorous assessment of fiscal federalism and inter-governmental transfers, drawing from international standards and best practices. The paper should not exceed 8,000 words and must include a thorough examination of key concepts, the design and performance of revenue-sharing systems, and their implications for regional development and equity. The consultant will also identify actionable insights and policy options that are relevant to Iraq’s unique context, particularly in relation to natural-resource revenue sharing and equitable transfer formulas.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks, including: presenting a conceptual overview of federal fiscal transfers; examining vertical and horizontal equity in fiscal transfers, including methodologies and critical issues; reviewing international experiences with fiscal transfers and drawing lessons for comparative practice; designing and assessing institutional arrangements for fiscal transfers; specifying data requirements and stakeholder engagement mechanisms; and applying analytical insights to the Iraqi context to identify tailored policy options and actionable recommendations. The consultant will need to engage with various stakeholders and ensure that the recommendations are informed by both international best practices and the specific needs of Iraq.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in economics, finance, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in designing federal revenue-sharing systems is required, along with a minimum of 1 year of experience providing advisory or technical support to governments on federal revenue sharing and public finance topics. Candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be considered. The role requires a strong understanding of international standards and practices related to fiscal transfers and revenue-sharing systems.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in economics, finance, or a related area is mandatory for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively analyze and develop revenue-sharing methodologies that are applicable to the context of Iraq and the broader Arab region.

Experience:
The position requires a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of 10 years in the field of federal revenue-sharing systems. This experience should encompass a deep understanding of international standards, practices, and approaches related to fiscal transfers. Additionally, candidates must have at least 1 year of experience providing advisory or technical support to governmental bodies, which is crucial for understanding the complexities and challenges involved in implementing effective revenue-sharing frameworks.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. 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 another working language of the UN, while Arabic is specifically relevant to ESCWA's operations. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in English and possess a confident understanding of Arabic to engage with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 2 months and is offered on a remote basis. 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. This ensures that the recruitment process is transparent and accessible to all qualified candidates without any financial barriers.