Peer Reviewer of the Report on Safeguarding Social Spending in the Arab States

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional commission established in 1973 to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA aims to foster cooperation among member states and provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration on various issues, including economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Arab region and works closely with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and international organizations. ESCWA's mission is to support member states in achieving sustainable development goals and addressing regional challenges through research, policy analysis, and capacity-building initiatives.

Job Overview:
The position of Peer Reviewer involves a critical assessment of a report focused on safeguarding social spending in the Arab States, particularly in the context of geopolitical shocks and crises. The role is essential in ensuring that the report's findings and recommendations are robust, relevant, and actionable. The peer reviewer will be expected to provide constructive feedback on the draft report, which will contribute to the discussions at the upcoming Arab Public Finance and Budgeting Forum. This position requires a deep understanding of public finance, macroeconomics, and the socio-economic challenges faced by the Arab region, particularly in light of recent conflicts and economic downturns. The peer reviewer will also engage in supplementary research to enhance the report's quality and relevance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main duties and responsibilities of the peer reviewer include:

• Conducting a thorough and critical review of the draft report on safeguarding social spending.
• Providing written feedback that spans 1-2 pages, addressing various aspects of the report, including its key messages and overall coherence.
• Undertaking supplementary research as necessary to support the review process and enhance the report's findings.
• Preparing a concise summary of the report that highlights its main findings, key messages, and policy recommendations aimed at strengthening the report's impact and informing discussions at the Arab Public Finance and Budgeting Forum.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in economics, finance, or a related field. A PhD is considered desirable. All applicants are required to submit a copy of their educational qualifications, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Additionally, a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in public finance, macroeconomics, development economics, or a related field is mandatory. Publications in peer-reviewed journals within the relevant field are also desirable, as is experience in the development context of the Arab region.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in economics, finance, or a related field. A PhD is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability. Candidates must provide documentation of their educational qualifications as part of the application process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in areas related to public finance, macroeconomics, or development economics. This experience should ideally include work within the Arab region, providing the candidate with a nuanced understanding of the socio-economic challenges and opportunities present in these countries. Experience in conducting research and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals is also highly valued, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to contribute to academic and policy discussions effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable, given that it is a working language of ESCWA. Fluency is defined as being 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of Arabic is considered 'confident' in at least two of these areas, which may include speaking and understanding, for example.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote and is expected to last for a duration of 10 days. There are no fees associated with the application or recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge candidates at any stage. The organization emphasizes that it does not require information regarding applicants' bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and ethical recruitment process.