Consultancy on Energy Systems 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 that aims to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. Established in 1973, ESCWA works with member states to foster cooperation and integration, addressing issues such as sustainable development, economic diversification, and social justice. The organization operates in 17 member countries and employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of people in the region through research, policy analysis, and capacity-building initiatives.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position focuses on analyzing energy systems within the Arab region, emphasizing the importance of energy for economic development and human well-being. The consultant will be responsible for producing an analytical paper that addresses the current landscape of energy systems, the implications of energy vulnerability, and the potential for sustainable energy transitions. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of energy infrastructure, investment opportunities, and the socio-economic factors influencing energy access and reliability. The consultant will work closely with ESCWA's Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability Cluster, ensuring that the analysis aligns with regional development goals and provides actionable insights for policymakers.

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

• Framing energy systems within the context of sustainable energy transitions, highlighting the critical role of energy in economic development.
• Reviewing the current landscape of energy systems in Arab States, including ongoing and planned infrastructure projects.
• Assessing the potential economic multipliers from energy projects, focusing on investment, diversification, and human capital development.
• Examining how digital and physical infrastructure improvements have enhanced the resilience of energy systems in the region, utilizing ESCWA's knowledge products.
• Providing insights and recommendations for enabling investment and cooperation that can yield measurable improvements in domestic and regional energy systems.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in engineering, economics, business, or a related energy field. A PhD is considered an asset. All applicants are required to submit proof of their educational qualifications, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the energy sector, particularly in relation to regional development issues in the Arab region. Experience in writing reports and papers for international organizations on energy topics is essential, along with a demonstrated ability to conduct quantitative analysis and interpretation.

Educational Background:
The position requires a master's degree in a relevant field such as engineering, economics, business, or energy-related disciplines. A PhD is desirable, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the field. Candidates must provide documentation of their educational qualifications as part of the application process.

Experience:
A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the energy sector is required, with a focus on regional development issues pertinent to the Arab region. Candidates should have a proven track record of writing analytical reports and papers for international organizations, showcasing their ability to communicate complex energy-related topics effectively. Experience in conducting quantitative analysis is also desirable, indicating a strong analytical skill set.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable, reflecting the working language of ESCWA, while knowledge of French is also considered an asset. Fluency is defined as being 'fluent' in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding, whereas knowledge is defined as being 'confident' in at least two of these areas.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 6 weeks, and the work will be conducted remotely. There are no fees associated with the application or recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge candidates at any stage. This position does not specify additional benefits or compensation details, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.