Expert on Development of a Competency-Based Public Policy Training Package

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) was established to support member States in enhancing public administration, governance, and institutional capacities. ESCWA aims to promote effective, accountable, and inclusive public institutions and improve public service delivery, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 16 and the broader objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The organization has been instrumental in regional initiatives aimed at strengthening the competencies of public officials, including the development of frameworks for job competencies in the public sector. ESCWA operates in multiple countries across the Western Asia region, focusing on various aspects of governance and public policy.

Job Overview:
The primary objective of this position is to develop a comprehensive, Arabic-language, competency-based public policy training manual and accompanying materials that encompass the entire public policy cycle. This includes stages from problem identification and agenda setting to policy design, planning, decision-making, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The training manual will be structured to align learning objectives and training modules with the public-policy competencies and proficiency levels outlined in the Civil Service Board’s (CSB) Reference Framework for Job Descriptions and Competencies in the Public Sector (RIME). The training package is intended for independent and sustainable delivery by the National School of Administration (ENA) and will be provided in editable formats to facilitate future adaptations and updates. The expert will be responsible for ensuring that the training materials are suitable for public officials at various career stages, including newly recruited officials, those eligible for promotion, and senior public administration leaders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The expert will undertake a series of tasks under the supervision of the Head of ESCWA’s Governance and Conflict Prevention Cluster and in coordination with the President of the Civil Service Board. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting a reference review of academic and institutional literature on the public policy cycle, including policy formulation, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Analyzing the CSB’s reference job descriptions and competency framework to emphasize public policy competencies and proficiency levels.
• Developing a detailed instructional design for the training manual, including an integrated structure for the curriculum, competency mapping, training pathways, and proposed training methods.
• Creating the training manual and materials, which will include learning outcomes, session plans, trainer’s guides, participant materials, and case studies.
• Designing assessment instruments for pre-training and post-training evaluations, as well as a certification framework.
• Implementing pilot training exercises and a Training of Trainers (ToT) program to ensure effective delivery of the training modules.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related field, with a PhD being desirable. A minimum of ten years of proven experience in designing training programs and preparing training manuals is required. Candidates should have in-depth familiarity with the public policy cycle and its application within the Lebanese public administration. Experience in Training of Trainers and previous work with government institutions, the United Nations, or international organizations is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related field. A PhD in a similar discipline is considered an asset. All candidates must submit a copy of their educational qualifications, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of practical experience in designing training programs and preparing training manuals. Candidates should have extensive knowledge of the public policy cycle, particularly in the context of Lebanese public administration. Experience in Training of Trainers and familiarity with government institutions or international organizations is preferred.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is an excellent command of Arabic in writing and editing, along with proficiency in English and French. Fluency in these languages is essential, with 'fluency' defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and 'knowledge of' defined as a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

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 the United Nations does not request information regarding applicants’ bank accounts.