Consultancy on Economic Diversification and Resilience in the Arab Region

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) was established in 1973 with the mission to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA aims to foster cooperation among member states and support their efforts to achieve sustainable development. The organization operates in 17 member countries across the Arab region, employing a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing regional challenges and enhancing the well-being of the population. ESCWA focuses on various areas, including economic diversification, social development, and environmental sustainability, and works closely with national governments, regional organizations, and international partners to implement its initiatives.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position involves preparing an analytical paper on Economic Diversification and Resilience in the Arab Region. The consultant will assess the current state of economic diversification across Arab economies, identifying patterns, drivers, and constraints. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of the region's economic landscape, including the examination of market access, productive capabilities, and the development of policy recommendations aimed at enhancing economic resilience. The consultant will produce three key deliverables: an annotated outline by September 20, 2026; a first draft of the paper by October 30, 2026; and a finalized version by November 30, 202

• This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements while contributing to a significant regional analysis.

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

• Assessing the structure and evolution of economic diversification across Arab economies, focusing on products, sectors, exports, markets, and income sources. This involves reviewing existing industrial and diversification strategies and analyzing data trends over time at both country and regional levels.
• Identifying key constraints to diversification, such as market fragmentation, commodity dependence, weak productive and technological capabilities, limited private-sector dynamism, financing constraints, skills gaps, and institutional and regulatory barriers.
• Discussing a framework for accelerating industrial development toward structural transformation, considering the assets and changing nature of economic activities in the region.
• Developing actionable policy recommendations aimed at fostering economic diversification and resilience across the Arab region, ensuring that the recommendations are grounded in empirical analysis and aligned with regional development goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD in economics or a related field, demonstrating a strong academic foundation in economic theory and practice. 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 in peer-reviewed journals or international reports focusing on macroeconomic policy and economic diversification. Experience in leading high-level initiatives from international organizations is desirable, as is the ability to conduct quantitative analysis and interpret complex data effectively.

Educational Background:
The position requires a PhD in economics or a closely related discipline. This advanced degree should provide candidates with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to engage with complex economic issues, particularly those related to regional development and economic diversification. Candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree as part of the application process, as incomplete applications will not be considered.

Experience:
The ideal candidate will have at least 15 years of professional experience in research focused on regional development issues. This extensive experience should include a deep understanding of economic diversification, macroeconomic policy, and the ability to conduct high-level research that informs policy decisions. Candidates should also have experience working with international organizations and be familiar with the dynamics of economic development in the Arab region.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. 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 another working language of the UN, and proficiency in Arabic is advantageous since it is a working language of UNESCWA. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in these languages to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the organization's objectives.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 4 months, during which the consultant will work remotely. The position does not specify a fee for the application process, adhering to the United Nations' policy of not charging candidates at any stage of recruitment. The organization emphasizes its commitment to transparency and ethical recruitment practices, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide personal financial information.