Consultant to Prepare a Study on the Impact of Cash Assistance and Care

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 support the social and economic development of its member states through research, policy analysis, and capacity-building initiatives. ESCWA operates in 17 countries across the Arab region, focusing on sustainable development, social justice, and economic growth. The organization employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by the region, including conflict, poverty, and inequality.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive assessment of cash assistance and care services provided to older persons in Palestine, specifically in the West Bank and Gaza. This role is crucial in understanding the effectiveness, adequacy, accessibility, and responsiveness of these services, which are essential for improving the well-being of older persons. The consultant will work closely with ESCWA and the Ministry of Social Development to generate evidence that will inform future reforms and enhance social protection policies and programs. The study aims to provide insights into the demographic and socio-economic situation of older persons, as well as the challenges they face in accessing necessary services. The consultant will utilize both quantitative and qualitative research methods to gather data and analyze findings, ultimately contributing to the development of actionable policy recommendations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare an inception report detailing the methodology, workplan, sampling strategy, analytical framework, and data collection instruments.
• Conduct a comprehensive desk review of relevant literature and data.
• Provide a demographic and socio-economic snapshot of older persons in Palestine.
• Design and conduct quantitative and qualitative data collection processes, including surveys and interviews.
• Analyze and triangulate findings to assess the effectiveness of cash assistance and care services.
• Identify gaps in policy, institutional frameworks, and service delivery.
• Draft the study report, including all necessary annexes and data tables.
• Revise the report based on feedback from ESCWA and the Ministry.
• Present findings and recommendations during meetings and workshops. 1
• Coordinate with ESCWA and the Ministry throughout the data collection process to ensure quality and consistency. 1
• Adhere to ethical research standards and maintain confidentiality throughout the study.

Required Qualifications:
A Master's degree or equivalent in Social Policy, Public Policy, Development Studies, Sociology, Economics, Public Health, Statistics, Social Work, or a related field is required. Candidates must submit proof of their educational qualifications. A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in relevant fields is required, with experience working with national ministries or international organizations being desirable. Strong analytical and research skills, along with the ability to synthesize complex findings into actionable policy recommendations, are essential. Excellent report-writing skills are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as Social Policy, Public Policy, Development Studies, Sociology, Economics, Public Health, Statistics, or Social Work. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of social protection systems and the specific needs of older persons in Palestine.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in fields related to social policy, public policy, or development studies. Experience working with national ministries, United Nations agencies, or other international organizations is highly desirable. Familiarity with the Palestinian social protection system or previous work experience in Palestine is considered a significant advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is mandatory for this position, as it is a working language of ESCWA. Fluency in English is desirable, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate fluency in all four areas of language proficiency: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is a plus but not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is recruited on a local basis, meaning the incumbent must have the legal right to live and work in the specified location. The consultancy is expected to last for 4 months, and the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. The organization emphasizes ethical recruitment practices and does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.