Consultancy on Macroeconomic Performance and Policy Frameworks in the Arab Region

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 regional challenges and enhance sustainable development. The organization operates in 22 countries across the Arab region and employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to improving the socio-economic conditions of the region. ESCWA's work encompasses various sectors including economic development, social development, and environmental sustainability, and it aims to foster inclusive growth and shared prosperity among its member states.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position focuses on producing an analytical paper on Macroeconomic Performance and Policy Frameworks in the Arab Region. The consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive understanding of how access to markets and productive resources interacts with macroeconomic and structural conditions across Arab countries. The role requires the consultant to assess the relationships between these factors and key macroeconomic outcomes, identify constraints, and propose a policy framework aimed at enhancing economic performance. The consultant will work under the guidance of ESCWA and is expected to deliver three key outputs: an annotated outline, a full draft of the paper, and a finalized version incorporating feedback and additional data. This position is crucial for addressing the economic challenges faced by the Arab region and aims to contribute to sustainable economic transformation and shared prosperity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key tasks including:

• Developing a conceptual and methodological framework that examines the influence of access to markets, capital, labor, energy, technology, and knowledge on macroeconomic and structural performance across Arab countries.
• Analyzing datasets to identify trends and conducting empirical assessments of their relationships with productivity, investment, diversification, private-sector development, employment, incomes, resilience, and economic convergence in the region.
• Assessing principal macroeconomic and structural constraints such as instability, debt vulnerabilities, fragmented markets, and institutional differences.
• Creating a policy framework that encompasses relevant macroeconomic, trade, investment, industrial, financial, labor, technological, and institutional policies to bolster productivity and economic resilience.
• Preparing and finalizing the analytical paper, ensuring it includes quantitative evidence, regional and international experiences, and policy recommendations based on feedback from ESCWA.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD in economics or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in research related to regional development issues is required. Candidates should have a proven track record of publications on macroeconomic issues pertaining to the Arab region in peer-reviewed journals or reputable international publications. Experience in undertaking high-level initiatives with international organizations is desirable, as is the ability to demonstrate quantitative analysis and interpretation skills.

Educational Background:
The position requires a PhD in economics or a closely related field. Candidates must provide a copy of their educational degree as part of their application. Incomplete applications will not be considered, emphasizing the importance of meeting this educational requirement.

Experience:
The consultant must have at least 15 years of professional experience in research focused on regional development issues. This extensive experience should include a strong background in macroeconomic analysis, particularly as it pertains to the Arab region. Candidates should also have experience in publishing research findings in reputable journals, which demonstrates their expertise and credibility in the field.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, with a requirement for proficiency in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, Arabic is a working language of UNESCWA, and while fluency in Arabic is not explicitly required, it may be advantageous for the role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 4 months, and the work is primarily remote. The position does not involve any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for applications, interviews, or training. This policy underscores the organization's commitment to transparency and fairness in its recruitment practices.