Consultant for the Development of National Open-Source Software Policy in Palestine

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established in 197

• Its mission is to support the economic and social development of its member states in the Arab region. UN-ESCWA works to promote sustainable development, enhance regional cooperation, and improve the quality of life for people in the region. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Arab world, focusing on various sectors including technology, governance, and social issues. UN-ESCWA employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by the region.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive National Open-Source Software Policy for Palestine. This role involves creating a strategic framework that governs how public institutions assess, procure, use, develop, reuse, and share open-source software. The consultant will need to ensure that the policy aligns with international best practices and addresses the specific needs of Palestine, particularly in the context of fiscal constraints and the need for sustainable digital solutions. The consultant will conduct thorough research, engage with stakeholders, and produce a detailed report that includes an executive summary, a final policy document, and an implementation roadmap. The final report must be in Arabic and adhere to specific formatting requirements, including a table of contents and proper citation of sources. The consultant is expected to maintain confidentiality regarding the content of the report and ensure that all deliverables are original and free from plagiarism.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include proposing a detailed report outline, reviewing best practices on open-source software policies, analyzing existing digital technology policies in Palestine, developing a draft National Open-Source Software Policy, conducting stakeholder interviews, presenting the draft policy in a consultative workshop, and updating the policy based on feedback. The consultant must ensure that gender considerations and youth dimensions are integrated into the research and policy development process. The consultant will also be responsible for ensuring that the final report meets all specified requirements and is submitted in the correct format.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in digital technologies, software engineering, or a related field, with a Ph.D. being desirable. A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in digital technologies and software engineering is required. Candidates should demonstrate professional experience in open-source governance, digital government architecture, API governance, cloud governance, cybersecurity, and data protection. All candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree, and incomplete applications will not be considered.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in digital technologies, software engineering, or a related field is required for this position. A Ph.D. is considered an asset, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the relevant fields.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of professional experience in digital technologies and software engineering. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in areas such as open-source governance, digital government architecture, API governance, cloud governance, cybersecurity, and data protection. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the complexities involved in developing a national policy for open-source software.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken Arabic and English is required for this position. 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 one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders in both Arabic and English.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for 16 weeks. The consultant must adhere to the United Nations' policies regarding recruitment, which state that no fees will be charged at any stage of the recruitment process. The consultant is also required to maintain confidentiality regarding the content of the report and ensure that all deliverables are original and properly referenced.