Consultant - National Assessment on the Economic Inclusion and Empowerment

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

• ESCWA aims to promote economic and social development in the Arab region through regional cooperation and integration. The organization works with member states to formulate policies and strategies that address the challenges faced by the region, focusing on sustainable development, social justice, and the empowerment of marginalized groups. ESCWA operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, providing technical assistance, capacity building, and policy advice to enhance the socio-economic conditions of its member states.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in conducting a comprehensive assessment of the economic inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in Jordan. This position is vital as it aims to evaluate the current landscape of disability inclusion, identify systemic barriers, and propose actionable recommendations to inform the National Strategy for the Economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. The consultant will be responsible for synthesizing existing data, conducting qualitative fieldwork, and engaging with various stakeholders to ensure that the assessment is thorough and reflective of the needs of persons with disabilities. The expected duration of the consultancy is three months, during which the consultant will deliver several key outputs, including an inception report, a draft assessment report, and a final assessment report that incorporates stakeholder feedback.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include conducting a desk review of existing national legislation and policies related to disability inclusion, performing a sectoral analysis to understand the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in various sectors such as education and employment, and designing a mixed-methods research methodology for data collection. The consultant will also conduct qualitative consultations with key stakeholders, including government ministries and organizations of persons with disabilities, and facilitate focus group discussions with individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, the consultant will draft a comprehensive assessment report that outlines structural gaps and provides actionable recommendations for the National Strategy for the Economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. The consultant will also be responsible for presenting preliminary findings at a validation workshop and incorporating feedback into the final report.

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 7 years in social policy, social research, and disability inclusion in the Arab region is required. Candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree as part of their application, and incomplete applications will not be considered. The position requires strong analytical skills, the ability to synthesize complex information, and experience in conducting qualitative research.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as development studies, sociology, political science, economics, psychology, or other social sciences is mandatory. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of social policies and the dynamics of disability inclusion.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of proven work experience related to social policy, social research, and disability inclusion, particularly within the Arab region. This experience is crucial for effectively assessing the current landscape of disability inclusion and formulating relevant recommendations.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations and ESCWA. Fluency is defined as being 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is also beneficial but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is recruited on a local basis, meaning that the incumbent must have the legal right to live and work in Lebanon. The recruitment process does not involve any fees at any stage, and applicants are advised that the United Nations does not request information regarding bank accounts.