Consultant for the Development of the National Strategy for the Economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), which was established in 197

• ESCWA's mission is to promote economic and social development in the Arab region through regional cooperation and integration. The organization works with member states to support their development efforts and enhance their capacities. ESCWA operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, focusing on various issues including social development, economic empowerment, and the rights of marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities. The organization employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various stakeholders to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in developing the National Strategy for the Economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in Jordan. This position requires a deep understanding of the legislative and policy frameworks surrounding disability rights, particularly the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and Jordan's Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities No. 20 of 201

• The consultant will be expected to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current landscape regarding the economic inclusion of persons with disabilities, identifying barriers and gaps in existing interventions. The consultant will also be responsible for designing a strategic framework that aligns with national priorities and international standards, ensuring that the strategy is evidence-based and inclusive of stakeholder perspectives. The role involves extensive collaboration with national counterparts, stakeholders, and the private sector to ensure the strategy is comprehensive and actionable, ultimately aiming to enhance employment outcomes and promote disability-inclusive economic development in Jordan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The lead consultant will be responsible for several key duties:

• Strategic Framework Design & Visioning: Define the strategic orientation, vision, mission, core values, and thematic pillars of the National Strategy, ensuring alignment with the CRPD and national laws.
• Evidence Synthesis & ESCWA Methodology Integration: Integrate findings from a comprehensive situational analysis on economic empowerment, applying ESCWA methodologies to address barriers.
• Operational Action Plan & Implementation Architecture: Develop a multi-year Operational Action Plan detailing priority interventions, activities, outputs, and resource allocation, along with a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) matrix.
• Stakeholder Consultations & 2027 Strategy Vetting: Lead consultations with various stakeholders, prepare technical documentation, and incorporate feedback into the final policy document.
• Deliverables include an Inception Report, First Draft Strategy, and Final Approved National Strategy Document, among others, with specific deadlines for each deliverable.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in development studies, sociology, political science, economics, psychology, or a related field. Proven work experience of at least 10 years in areas related to the CRPD, disability inclusion, and policy mainstreaming in the Arab region is required. Candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The role demands a strong understanding of disability rights and the ability to engage with various stakeholders effectively.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as development studies, sociology, political science, economics, psychology, or other social sciences is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to address the complexities of disability inclusion and economic empowerment.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of proven work experience related to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), disability inclusion, and policy and program mainstreaming specifically within the Arab region. This extensive experience is crucial for understanding the nuances of the local context and effectively contributing to the development of the National Strategy.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is mandatory for this position, as it is a working language of ESCWA. Knowledge of English is desirable, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in Arabic means being rated as 'fluent' in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding the language, while knowledge of English means being rated as 'confident' in at least two of those areas.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for 8 months. There are no fees associated with the recruitment process, and the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage. The organization emphasizes that it does not require information regarding applicants' bank accounts.