National Legal Consultant

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 support member states in achieving sustainable development goals through various initiatives and programs. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, focusing on enhancing regional cooperation and integration, providing technical assistance, and fostering dialogue among member states. ESCWA employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by the region, with a mission to improve the living standards of people in the Arab world and promote inclusive and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The National Legal Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting ESCWA's work on the XB project, which focuses on competition-based market studies, business regulations, and market functioning. The consultant's primary responsibility will be to provide legal and regulatory inputs that enhance the clarity and policy relevance of ESCWA's outputs. This position is particularly important as it aims to strengthen legal analysis and support recommendations that improve competition conditions and institutional arrangements in the Arab region. The consultant will be involved in analyzing the legal frameworks affecting market performance, particularly in the building materials sector in Oman, which is vital for national development. The consultant will also contribute to the broader objectives of ESCWA by engaging in various competition-policy activities and providing technical assistance to member states.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will work under the supervision of the Project Manager and Economic Affairs Officer, focusing on the legal and regulatory analysis of ESCWA's competition policy initiatives. Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the legal analysis of the XB project specifically related to the Oman building materials sector.
• Providing legal and regulatory inputs to market studies, competition assessments, and business regulations.
• Conducting thorough reviews of regulatory and institutional frameworks to identify constraints affecting market competition.
• Contributing to the development of analytical papers and reports that inform policy recommendations.
• Collaborating with national competition authorities and other public institutions to enhance market performance.
• Engaging in capacity-building activities and knowledge sharing to strengthen competition frameworks in member states.
• Assisting in the identification of anti-competitive practices and proposing evidence-based policy interventions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in law, business law, or related fields. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. All applicants are required to submit a copy of their educational qualifications, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Additionally, a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in law, economics, business, or related fields is mandatory. Experience in contributing to analytical papers is essential, and familiarity with legal frameworks in business environments is desirable. Previous experience working with international organizations will be an advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in law, business law, or a related area. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have sufficient qualifying experience. It is crucial for applicants to provide proof of their educational qualifications, as this is a key requirement for the application process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of professional experience in fields related to law, economics, or business. Candidates should have a proven track record of contributing to analytical papers and possess a solid understanding of legal frameworks within business contexts. Experience working with international organizations is also highly desirable, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, as these are the working languages at ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all four areas of language use: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. While French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, it is not a requirement for this position. However, knowledge of French may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered on a local basis, meaning that the incumbent must have the legal right to live and work in Lebanon. The expected duration of the consultancy is 2 months, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants should be aware that the organization does not request information regarding bank accounts during the recruitment process.