Consultant on Regional Connectivity and Prosperity Framework

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 member states, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration on regional issues. The organization focuses on various areas including economic development, social development, and environmental sustainability, with a mission to enhance the quality of life for people in the region. ESCWA operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, engaging with governments, civil society, and the private sector to address pressing challenges and promote sustainable development goals. The organization employs a diverse team of experts and researchers dedicated to advancing knowledge and policy solutions in the region.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a pivotal role in delivering a comprehensive technical paper focused on regional connectivity and prosperity in the Arab region. This position requires the development of a conceptual and analytical framework that will assess regional connectivity, identify key enablers and constraints, and ultimately contribute to the prosperity potential of the region. The consultant will be responsible for producing three key deliverables over a specified timeline, including a conceptual framework, a full draft of the paper, and a finalized version that incorporates feedback and methodological documentation. The work will involve extensive research, analysis, and collaboration with ESCWA and other stakeholders to ensure the framework is robust, credible, and actionable. The consultant will also need to engage in expert consultations and discussions to refine the framework and validate findings, ensuring that the final output is aligned with international best practices and addresses the unique challenges faced by the Arab region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks aimed at producing a comprehensive technical paper on regional connectivity and prosperity. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and refining the conceptual framework for the Regional Connectivity and Prosperity Index, ensuring it is grounded in economic theory and empirical evidence.
• Designing a methodological framework that includes indicator selection, normalization, weighting, aggregation, and validation approaches.
• Empirically validating an analytical model that examines the relationships between regional connectivity, strategic assets, investments, institutional readiness, and prosperity.
• Analyzing regional results in comparison to global regions, deriving findings and policy implications for the Arab context.
• Assessing the availability and quality of underlying datasets, identifying gaps, and proposing solutions for data inconsistencies.
• Providing continuous technical guidance to the ESCWA team throughout the development process, including methodological choices and data interpretation.
• Participating in expert consultations and focus group discussions, responding to feedback, and documenting methodological decisions made during the review process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD in economics or a related field, demonstrating a strong academic background relevant to the position. A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in research related to regional development issues is required, showcasing a deep understanding of the complexities involved in this field. Candidates should have a proven track record of publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals, highlighting their expertise and contributions to the academic community. Experience in undertaking high-level initiatives with international organizations is desirable, as it reflects the candidate's ability to navigate complex institutional environments and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate proficiency in quantitative analysis and interpretation, showcasing their ability to handle complex data and derive meaningful insights.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to hold a PhD in economics or a closely related field. This advanced degree is essential for understanding the theoretical foundations and analytical frameworks necessary for the consultancy work. Candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree as part of the application process, as incomplete applications will not be considered. The educational background should reflect a strong emphasis on research methodologies, economic theory, and regional development issues, equipping the candidate with the necessary skills to contribute effectively to the project.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 15 years of professional work experience in the field of research on regional development issues. This extensive experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of regional connectivity and prosperity, as well as for developing effective policy recommendations. The candidate's experience should include a history of engaging with international organizations and contributing to high-level initiatives, demonstrating their ability to work in collaborative environments and address multifaceted challenges. Additionally, candidates should have experience in quantitative analysis, showcasing their ability to interpret data and derive actionable insights that can inform policy decisions.

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 United Nations. Furthermore, knowledge of Arabic is advantageous, as it is a working language of UNESCWA, allowing for better communication and engagement with regional stakeholders. Candidates should be able to articulate their language skills clearly, indicating their level of fluency and confidence in using these languages in a professional context.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 6 months, during which the consultant will work remotely. The position does not specify a fee for the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. This policy reflects the organization's commitment to transparency and fairness in its hiring practices. Candidates should be aware that the consultancy may involve collaboration with various stakeholders and require flexibility in adapting to the needs of the project.