Economic Researcher Jobs in Lebanon

<section><p class="heading jdMain">Job Description</p><p class="heading">Roles &amp; Responsibilities</p><div class="paragraph"><p><strong>Position Information</strong></p><ul><li>VA No.: UNDP/LBN/VA26/102</li><li>Position Title : Senior Trade Specialist - Supporting trade and SME policy reform, and trade facilitation</li><li>Duty Station: H ome based and includes field visits to the Ministry of Economy and Trade (MoET)-</li><li>Beirut.</li><li>Duration: 4 months (without exceeding 10 working days per month)</li><li>Vacancy Date of Issue: 5 July 2026</li><li>Vacancy Closure Date: 13 July 2026</li><li>National or International consultancy: National consultancy</li></ul><p>To review the full Terms of Reference (TOR), please follow link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vYM0hLoKFF-gEn_wwDwZ-7aZWN-6RwDO/view?usp=sharing</p><p><strong>BACKGROUND</strong></p><p>Led Enterprises in Lebanon is a new project funded by the Government of Canada for a period of 3.5 years. The project aims at supporting gender-responsive job creation and help generating economic opportunities for women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across various productive sectors with high growth potential. Through this objective the project will be fostering the economic security, stability and prosperity of women entrepreneurs and women-led MSMEs in Lebanon. The project includes 3 main components: Component 1: Ensuring that government institutions are more responsive to women s needs through processes that are more conducive to doing business, Component 2: Ensuring that women-led MSMEs have access to the financial resources to grow and remain sustainable, Component 3: Ensuring that women-led MSMEs receive the needed technical support to increase their access to local and international markets. The project was developed in response to the multiple crises that have hit Lebanon, in particular the financial crisis which have hindered the ability of MSMEs in general and women-led MSMEs to access the needed financing to grow. With the collapse of the banking system and the resulting depletion of all sources of financing, access to finance is considered as one of the biggest impediments for MSMEs and particularly women MSMEs to develop and take their business to the next level. This has compounded to the already existing barriers women entrepreneurs have been facing namely stringent collateral requirements, high interest rates, complex documentation processes, sub-optimal financial literacy, absence of market information, etc. In light of the current situation and the ongoing conflict, and based on consultations held with WEE project beneficiaries, MSMEs are currently facing significant cash flow constraints and growing financial pressures that are affecting their ability to sustain operations, retain workers, and plan for the short and medium term. Many businesses are operating in an increasingly uncertain environment, with limited capacity to assess risks, respond to disruptions, and adopt practical financial strategies to maintain stability during crises.</p><p>This Terms of Reference (TOR) outlines the scope of work, qualifications, and expected deliverables for the Senior Trade Specialist who will be responsible.</p><p>The expert will ensure</p><p><strong>SCOPE OF WORK, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ANALYTICAL WORK</strong></p><p>UNDP is seeking the services of a Short-Term Individual Consultant (Senior Trade Specialist) to improve the business environment for SMEs through regulatory reform, trade facilitation, SME data centralization, and strengthening institutional mechanisms for protecting national production. Under this consultancy, the Consultant is expected to complete the following tasks:</p><p><strong>Task 1: Draft the Small Business Act Law:</strong> The Consultant will lead the development of the Smal Business Act law to support the growth of the business environment for SMEs. As part of this exercise, the Consultant will:</p><ul><li>Conduct benchmark analysis to assess legal requirements that would support, the growth, formalization and competitiveness of small businesses as part of best practices and international experiences</li><li>Develop the draft law that will be shared with the legal experts from the Ministry to review and advocate for the enactment of the law for SMEs</li><li>Work closely with designated legal experts from the Ministry to review, refine, and finalize the draft law. This includes incorporating technical feedback and ensuring legal coherence. The Consultant will also support coordination efforts with relevant stakeholders to facilitate consensus-building and advocacy for the adoption of the law.</li><li>Develop clear and context-relevant criteria that will be used to define SMEs, building on the Ministry of Industry existing classification. The criteria should consider factors such as firm size, turnover, sectoral characteristics, and employment thresholds, ensuring consistency and applicability within the national context, while informed by international similar practices.</li><li>Coordinate on the centralization of the database of SMEs at the ministry of Economy and Trade through the TIC or through a new unit. This will require coordination with concerned government entities to ensure continuous update of information</li></ul><p><br></p></div></section><section><p class="heading">Desired Candidate Profile</p><p class="paragraph"></p><ul><li>Master's Degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.</li><li>At least 10 years of professional experience in trade policy, economic reform, including SMEs business environment improvement, and extensive work with government institutions on regulatory and legislative frameworks.</li><li>Fluency in Arabic and English is mandatory (both oral and written)</li></ul><p></p></section>

<h2 class="h5">Job description</h2> <div class="t-break" data-jb-field="description"> Result of Service<br>The consultant is expected to draft a paper that develops a framework outlining the key determinants for advancing care reforms and systems.<br> Work Location<br>Remote<br> Expected duration<br>3 months<br> Duties and Responsibilities<br>Background Around the world, societies and economies are undergoing socio-demographic changes such as ageing populations, low fertility rates, urbanization, increased migration, widespread crises and conflicts, and climate change, which have all intensified the demand for care. However, while gaining global importance, care work still remains invisible and undervalued, often relegated to informal and unpaid labour, disproportionately borne by women, thus hindering their empowerment. Although this trend is observed globally, it is particularly acute in the Arab region where women undertake 80 to 90 per cent of all unpaid care work and spend 4.7 times more time than men on these responsibilities, exceeding the global average of 3.62 . Unpaid care work hinders women’s visibility and participation in public economic and political spheres as well as in decision-making processes in the Arab region. The disproportionate unpaid care work undertaken by women limits their economic engagement and opportunities, as it makes it challenging for them to balance work and family responsibilities. Additionally, women often face gender stereotypes, limited professional development opportunities, and an institutional culture that marginalizes their contributions. Women’s economic and political participation in the region remain low compared to global averages. In 2025, women’s labour force participation was only 19 per cent, less than half the global average of 49 per cent, making it the lowest rate worldwide . Women’s political representation shows a similarly stark gap. In December 2025, women held only 27 per cent of national parliamentary seats globally, with an even lower share in the Middle East and North Africa at around 16 per cent, the lowest in the world . However, there has been growing regional momentum realizing gains in the care economy with many countries in the Arab region offering instructive examples of care reforms. Nevertheless, these reforms are often sector-specific, focusing on one policy area such as labour without approaching care in a holistic manner interconnected across different sectors and policy areas. Within this context, understanding the political economy which examines how social, economic, and political factors shape care policies and systems becomes a pressing priority. Building on these reform efforts in the Arab region and looking at breakthroughs in care policymaking globally, including Latin America which has been particularly active in advancing comprehensive care systems, it is increasingly important to understand how care, often framed solely as a gender equality issue, intersects with other major development issues and policy domains. This highlights the regional need for policies that recognize care as a central element of sustainable economies and redistribute it among different stakeholders including the state. Ongoing inter-regional collaboration between UN regional commissions, namely ESCWA and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) including through a project on advancing care policies for transformative recovery in Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific and the Arab states, seeks to draw lessons from Latin American countries’ experiences in advancing comprehensive care systems. Given the inherent political nature of care policymaking, it is essential to understand what prompts political actors to prioritize care. A key driver is awareness around the critical role care plays in society and its far-reaching implications for economic and social well-being. When care is made visible as a cross-cutting issue that affects economic growth, labour force participation, health outcomes, social cohesion, and gender equality, it is more likely to gain traction in political discourse and influence the selection of policy instruments, thereby driving change in laws, budgets, and institutional support for care systems. Objective and methodology ESCWA seeks to hire a consultant to assist in drafting a paper, in collaboration with ECLAC, that thoroughly examines the factors and determinants behind care reforms, investigating the political economy of care in the Arab region and relating it to Latin America’s experience. The paper will draw on experiences from both Latin American and Arab countries to demonstrate the importance of moving beyond fragmented care reform policies towards comprehensive care systems. It will build on the recommendations provided by experts during ESCWA’s Expert Group Meeting on the Political Economy of Care Policies: Determinants for Reform in the Arab Region organized in July 2026. Tasks and responsibilities The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: - Desk review: undertake a desk review of available successful and as well as unachieved experiences in advancing care policies and systems from Latin America and the Arab region; - Based on the results of the desk review, undertake consultations with relevant stakeholders on the main determinants, challenges or barriers which they have faced while working on advancing care policies and systems; - Review the results of consultations with relevant stakeholders from the Arab region on the main determinants, challenges or barriers which they have faced while working on advancing care policies and systems; - Propose the elements and dynamics among key determinants to advance care policies and systems and draw lessons for future policy making and reforms on care while taking into account the discussions and recommendations of the Expert Group Meeting above mentioned. - Suggest a detailed outline to be validated and agreed upon with ESCWA’s team in consultation with ECLAC; - Based on the agreed outline, prepare the first draft of the paper to be reviewed by ESCWA’s team; - Prepare a final draft based on the comments and recommendations provided by ESCWA and ECLAC’s teams. Supervision: The consultant will work Under the direct supervision of the Social Affairs Officer responsible for the care economy stream at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) Ms. Rouba ARJA, and overall guidance of the gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development cluster leader. The consultant is expected to provide regular updates on the work progress.<br> Qualifications/special skills<br>A master’s degree in economy, or sociology, or law or gender studies or related area is required. A PhD in one of these fields is desirable. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 10 years of professional work experience in areas related to public policy making is required. Previous experience in social policy reform and changes is required. Previous experience in working on care policies is desirable.<br> Languages<br>English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Spanish and/or Arabic is desirable. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.<br> Additional Information<br>Not available.<br> No Fee<br>THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.<br><br><br> </div>

<h2 class="h5">Job description</h2> <div class="t-break" data-jb-field="description"> Result of Service<br>1- Annotated outline based on discussion with ESCWA regarding structure and scope of the paper 2- First draft of analytical paper based on feedback received on annotated outline, including preliminary list of references 3- Final analytical paper based on feedback received on first draft, including footnotes and complete references<br> Work Location<br>Remotely<br> Expected duration<br>6 weeks<br> Duties and Responsibilities<br>Background Food systems are central to food security, livelihoods and natural resource sustainability cross the Arab region. They encompass the actors and activities involved in producing, processing, distributing and consuming food, and are shaped by their interactions with health, nutrition, livelihoods, natural resources and climate. The 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit underscored the need for integrated approaches to food systems transformation, recognizing these interlinkages and the importance of coherent action across sectors. Food systems in the Arab region are exposed to multiple, interconnected pressures. Water scarcity, land degradation and climate change constrain productive capacity and increase exposure to drought, heat stress, floods and other climate-related shocks, with implications for food production and rural livelihoods. At the same time, high dependence on food imports in many countries increases the exposure of food availability and affordability to international market volatility, trade disruptions and supply-chain shocks. Conflict, economic instability and other crises can compound these pressures, disrupting production, markets and infrastructure and exacerbating existing vulnerabilities across food systems. These pressures have important implications not only for food security and nutrition, but also for rural livelihoods, employment, and natural resource management. Understanding the structural characteristics and vulnerabilities of food systems across the region is therefore important for strengthening resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity. Objective To prepare an analytical paper on food systems across Arab States that elaborates on current conditions and offers insights on potential future developments. The consultant will compile and analyze relevant data, identify regional examples, and prepare a paper in accordance with the agreed outline. Duties and Responsibilities Under the overall guidance of the Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability Cluster Lead and the direct supervision of the Chief of Environmental and Food Policies Team, the consultant will undertake the following tasks: • Provide a framing for food systems transformation in the Arab region, drawing on national processes and priorities, as well as regional and global approaches to food systems. • Review the present landscape characterizing food systems in Arab countries, providing examples of fruitful cooperation between multiple Arab countries. • Examine key drivers of food-system vulnerability and resilience in the region, including climate change, water scarcity, natural resource constraints, conflict, and economic and market shocks. • Assess the role of cross-national linkages in shaping food-system outcomes, including flows of food, agricultural inputs, finance, technology and knowledge, and identify opportunities for regional cooperation. • Offer insights and recommendations on priority areas for investment and cooperation to strengthen food security, nutrition, livelihoods, and the resilience and sustainability of food systems across the region.<br> Qualifications/special skills<br>A master's degree or higher in food security/food systems, economics, public policy, agriculture, climate change, sustainable development or a related field is required. A PhD is desirable. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 10 years of professional work experience in the field of food systems, with demonstrated experience working on regional development issues related to the Arab region is required. Demonstrated experience writing reports and papers for international organizations on energy is required. Demonstrated experience conducting quantitative analysis and interpretation is desirable.<br> Languages<br>English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable. Knowledge of French is desirable. Note: "Fluency" equals a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and "Knowledge of" equals a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.<br> Additional Information<br>Not available.<br> No Fee<br>THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.<br><br><br> </div>

<h2 class="h5">Job description</h2> <div class="t-break" data-jb-field="description"> Result of Service<br>Deliverable 1: Inception Report Including refined methodology, sampling framework, tools, workplan, ethical safeguards. Deliverable 2: Desk Review Note Summary of policy and evidence landscape. Deliverable 3: Data Collection Tools Survey instruments, KII/FGD guides, accessibility plan. Deliverable 4: Preliminary Findings Presentation Emerging findings. Including: 1. Executive Summary 2. Context Analysis 3. Disability and Social Protection Landscape 4. Findings on Impact of Social Assistance 5. Inclusion/Exclusion Analysis 6. Adequacy Analysis 7. Institutional/System Review 8. Good Practices / Social Change Initiative Lessons 9. Policy Options 10. Recommendations<br> Work Location<br>Remotly<br> Expected duration<br>18 weeks<br> Duties and Responsibilities<br>Background The State of Palestine continues to face a complex web of development challenges compounded by protracted occupation, movement restrictions, recurrent conflict, economic downturn, and growing poverty. These pressures have disproportionately affected persons with disabilities, who often experience multiple and intersecting forms of exclusion linked to income poverty, inaccessible services, discrimination, mobility constraints, unemployment, and difficult coping mechanisms. Recent evidence indicates that Palestine has made important strides toward strengthening a more inclusive social protection system, including through reforms of the National Cash Transfer Programme (NCTP) , the introduction in 2024 of rights-based social allowances for persons with severe disabilities and other vulnerable groups, strengthening of the Social Registry, and greater attention to disability-responsive policy frameworks . At the global level, the 2025 Amman-Berlin Declaration on Global Disability Inclusion reaffirmed that all development programmes should be inclusive of and accessible to persons with disabilities, while setting a target that at least 15 percent of country-level development programmes pursue disability inclusion as an explicit objective (“15 percent for the 15 percent”). It also reaffirmed meaningful participation of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and alignment with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) . Within this context, there is a strong need to generate robust evidence on the impact of social assistance on the lives of persons with disabilities in Palestine, including whether current forms of assistance are adequate, equitable, disability-responsive, gender-sensitive, and impactful in improving wellbeing, autonomy, inclusion, and resilience. To this end, the Palestinian Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) submitted a technical cooperation request to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) to support the conduct of a study assessing, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the impact on approximately 15,000 persons with severe disabilities’ who were in 2024 enrolled into the social allowance component for this specific group, aiming to improve the following markers of social and economic wellbeing: - maintain an adequate standard of living by guaranteeing a minimum level of income, thereby - ensuring that their essential needs are met and that - inequality vis-à-vis other social groups is reduced This exercise will be contextualized with earlier assessments carried out by ESCWA’s Social Protection Team in 2023 during a technical advisory mission to the Ministry in Ramallah. During that mission, ESCWA experts applied the Social Protection Programme Rapid Assessment Framework (SPP RAF) developed by ESCWA to the database of National Cash Transfer Programme (NCTP) beneficiaries and applicants. In addition, the team reviewed the revised Proxy Means Test (PMT) formula to identify inclusion and exclusion errors, conducted a clustering analysis of beneficiaries, identified key gaps and needs, and proposed recommendations to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the programme. The study on the impact of Social Services on Persons with Disability on income and economic wellbeing will support national stakeholders, development partners, and disability rights advocates in identifying policy options to strengthen the rights of persons with disabilities including inclusive social protection and to ensure that no person with disability is left behind. Tasks - Duties and responsibilities The purpose of the assignment is to study, assess and analyze the impact of social allowance component and the procurement of social protection services from qualified service providers on persons with severe disabilities in Palestine, with particular attention to income security and maintaining a standard of living, guaranteeing that essential needs are met. As such a key outcome of the study will not only be to what extent the poverty gap of this group has been narrowed, but also how the income support provided ensured that the essential consumption and disability related needs of this group have been met by receiving the allowance. As such, the targeting accuracy and the adequacy of the benefit levels will be additional key outcome parameters of the impact study. Complementarily, the study will also aim to address related aspects like accessibility, gender equality, dignity, and thereby will identify recommendations for potential reforms of the allowance component. The study will provide the Government of Palestine and partners with a practical roadmap to transform existing social assistance into a more inclusive, adequate, rights-based and disability-responsive social protection system, aligned with national priorities and international commitments. The overall objective is to assess how social assistance (and cash assistance) contributes to improving the socio-economic well-being, inclusion, and realization of the rights of persons with disabilities in Palestine. The study shall also provide a comparative analysis between persons with disabilities who receive social assistance and those who are not covered by these programmes. It is also expected to focus on policy level reforms related to persons with disabilities. The study is expected to determine whether the programme has achieved stated objective(s), and if any adjustments are needed going forward, (especially given changing social/political/economic circumstances etc.). Thereby using the original policy objective of the programme as the study's guiding question. Specifically, the study will: • Analyse existing social assistance programmes available to Persons with Disabilities in Palestine, including cash transfers, disability allowances, in-kind support, emergency assistance, subsidies, case management, and referral systems as well as the procurement of social protection services from qualified service providers. An evidence based assessment will be conducted using the advance version of the SPP RAF, subject to the availability of up to date data on PWD beneficiaries and non beneficiaries. • Assess impact on beneficiaries of social assistance and their households, including poverty reduction; improved access to health care, assistive devices, rehabilitation, and medicines; improved access to education, mobility, and transport, employment, social participation, and community inclusion, among others. • Examine adequacy, regularity, and predictability of benefits relative to disability-related extra costs (transport, care, assistive devices, rehabilitation, medication, lost earnings, etc.). • Assess inclusion and exclusion patterns, including barriers faced by vulnerable groups such as women and girls with disabilities; children with disabilities; older persons with disabilities; conflict-affected and displaced households • Review institutional set-ups and service delivery mechanisms, including registration, targeting, disability assessment, grievance redress, outreach, accessibility, payment systems, case management, and data systems. • Document lessons learned and promising practices, including experiences emerging from the Social Change Initiative and other rights-based disability inclusion efforts. • Generate evidence-based recommendations for a more disability-inclusive, shock-responsive, rights-based social protection system in Palestine.<br> Qualifications/special skills<br>A Master's degree or equivalent in social policy, economics, public policy, development studies, disability studies, sociology, or a related field is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in social policy, economics, public policy, disability inclusion, social protection, or related fields is required. A minimum of 5 years of experience working with government institutions, public agencies, or international organizations on social protection systems, disability inclusion, public policy, social assistance programmes, or related socio-economic development issues is required. Demonstrated experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative research, policy analysis, and socio-economic assessments is required. Strong knowledge of disability-inclusive development, rights-based approaches, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is required. Proven experience in drafting analytical reports, policy papers, or assessments for governments, UN agencies, or international organizations is desirable. Familiarity with the Palestinian social protection and disability policy context is desirable. Experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including governmental entities, OPDs, UN agencies, NGOs, and development partners, is desirable. Excellent analytical, drafting, facilitation, and communication skills are required.<br> Languages<br>English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.<br> Additional Information<br>Not available.<br> No Fee<br>THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.<br><br><br> </div>

<section><p class="heading jdMain">Job Description</p><p class="heading">Roles &amp; Responsibilities</p><div class="paragraph"><p>Work Location Remote Expected duration 2 months Duties and Responsibilities I. Background The Arab region has the highest inequality in the world, and it is growing. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) has launched a project entitled Inequality in the Arab region , to better understand the nature of the multidimensional and overlapping inequalities faced by people in the Arab region, to identify key drivers, and provide policy solutions to policymakers for addressing these inequalities. The project has three components: (1) a flagship study on a thematic aspect of multidimensional inequality; (2) a high-level forum held annually in June; and (3) practical initiatives on the country level in addressing a specific theme of multidimensional inequality. The 2027 Intergenerational Inequality Report will mark a turning point in how the Arab region understands and prepares for the future of inequality. Building on UNESCWA s multidimensional inequality framework and the Arab Vision 2045, the 2027 edition will adopt a strategic foresight lens to anticipate how inequality could evolve over the next two decades, and what can be done today to shape more equitable futures. The Arab region stands at a crossroads. Structural inequalities (economic, social, gendered, spatial, and generational) are intersecting with accelerating technological, environmental, and geopolitical transformations. Artificial intelligence, demographic transitions, climate stress, and shifting labour markets are altering opportunity landscapes and intergenerational mobility. A foresight component will enable UNESCWA to move beyond trend extrapolation to explore plausible, diverse, and disruptive futures of inequality in the Arab region. It will provide policymakers, researchers, and youth with an evidence-informed, imagination-driven foundation for long-term policy action. ESCWA seeks to engage an intern to support the 2027 Inequality in the Arab region report, including questioning how the future scenarios developed for the region will impact multidimensional inequalities. II. Tasks and Deliverables The intern is requested to: Support analysis of multidimensional inequality in the Arab region in 2045 Draft at least 1 policy write-up for the inequality solutions portal Support other areas of the inequality portfolio as requested Support small tasks in the run-up to the Arab Forum for Equality, depending on time and need.</p></div></section><section><p class="heading">Desired Candidate Profile</p><p class="paragraph"></p><h2>Qualifications/special skills</h2><p>To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:</p><ol><li>Applicants must: (a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (Second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent); or (c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above);</li><li>Applicants must: (a) be computer literate in standard software applications. (b) have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter; and (c) have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differeing opinions and vies.</li></ol><p>No previous work experience is required for this job opening</p><h2>Languages</h2><p>English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English &amp; Arabic is required.</p><p>Note: Fluency equals a rating of fluent in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and Knowledge of equals a rating of confident in two of the four areas.</p><p></p></section>

<h2 class="h5">Job description</h2> <div class="t-break" data-jb-field="description"> Result of Service<br>The consultant will deliver 3 key outputs in a timely manner: • Deliverable 1: By 10 September 2026, completion of the conceptual and analytical framework on regional connectivity and prosperity including detail theoretical foundations, methodological validation of the index, its components, and indicators framework (part 1). • Deliverable 2: By 30 October 2026, completion of the full draft with part 2 including the results of the index and the component indices, policy implications and recommendations. • Deliverable 3: By 30 November 2026, finalization of the full paper by refining results, taking into account review comments, and including complete methodological documentation.<br> Work Location<br>Remote<br> Expected duration<br>6 months<br> Duties and Responsibilities<br>Background Strengthening regional connectivity is increasingly being discussed among policy makers as a strategic pathway for enhancing resilience, accelerating economic integration and unlocking the development potential of the Arab region. The level of regional connectivity depends not only on infrastructure and cross-border flows, but also on the region's strategic assets, investment and financing ecosystems, and institutional readiness. The Arab region possesses substantial strategic assets , including natural (i.e., oil and gas reserves), physical (i.e., ports and maritime infrastructure), human (i.e., population and skill), financial (i.e., SWFs and capital markets), technological (i.e., AI and digital) and cultural (i.e., shared language, heritage sites). Yet these assets have not always translated into stronger regional connectivity. Understanding the factors that enable or constrain this transformation is therefore essential for designing effective regional policies and investment strategies. Although several international indices measure specific dimensions of connectivity—such as logistics, maritime transport, innovation or digital readiness—none provides an integrated assessment of regional connectivity by linking connectivity outcomes with the strategic assets, investment ecosystems and institutional conditions that underpin them. Nor do they examine how these factors collectively contribute to long-term regional prosperity. To address this gap, ESCWA proposes the Arab Regional Connectivity and Prosperity Framework (ARCPF). The Framework provides an integrated analytical approach for assessing regional connectivity and its key enablers and constraints to unlock the Arab region's prosperity potential. It examines how strategic regional assets, investment and financing ecosystems, and institutional readiness collectively shape regional connectivity, and how stronger connectivity contributes to greater resilience, deeper regional integration, and higher shared prosperity. Duties and Responsibilities The consultancy is related to producing a comprehensive technical paper on the theme of regional connectivity and prosperity with two parts: (a) a conceptual framework with theoretical foundations, methodological validation of the index, its components, and indicators framework; (b) the empirical analysis for the region with reference to other global regions, based on the results of the index and the component indices, policy implications and recommendations. Under the overall guidance of ESCWA, the consultant will undertake the following tasks: • Develop and refine the conceptual framework for the Regional Connectivity and Prosperity Index, building on ESCWA's initial proposal and strengthening it through international literature, economic theory, empirical evidence and international best practice. The framework should clearly define the terminologies, the component indices and their linkages, and realistic data availability for a robust basis for the index. • Design an internationally credible methodological framework including indicator selection, normalization, weighting, aggregation, sensitivity analysis and validation approaches. Provide the documentation to ensure transparency, reproducibility and future updating of the framework. • Develop and empirically validate an analytical model that examines the relationships between regional connectivity, strategic assets (including culture), investments, institutional readiness, and prosperity. Assess the relative contribution of each component within and across the components, identify major connectivity gaps, and analyse trends over time to support evidence-based policy recommendations. • Analyze and interpret the regional results by referencing them against other global regions, derive findings and policy implications for strengthening connectivity and prosperity in the Arab region context. • Assess the availability, quality, comparability and limitations of the underlying datasets, identify data gaps and propose practical approaches for addressing missing or inconsistent data. • Provide continuous technical guidance to the ESCWA team throughout the development process, including methodological choices, data compilation, validation, analytical interpretation and presentation of findings. • Participate in expert consultations and focus group discussions, respond to technical comments, incorporate relevant feedback from ESCWA and external experts, and document major methodological decisions made throughout the review process.<br> Qualifications/special skills<br>A PhD in economics or related field is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 15 years of professional work experience in the field of research on regional development issues is required. Publication in reputed peer reviewed journals in this field is required. Undertaking high-level initiatives from international organizations is desirable. Demonstration of quantitative analysis and interpretation is desirable.<br> Languages<br>English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of UNESCWA. For this position, Fluency in English is required. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.<br> Additional Information<br>Not available.<br> No Fee<br>THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.<br><br><br> </div>

<p>&nbsp;Deliverable 2: By 30 October 2026 -- completion of the first full draft of the paper, including the conceptual analysis, quantitative and empirical results, assessment of key constraints, policy implications and preliminary recommendations. Deliverable 3: By 30 November 2026 -- finalization of the full paper by refining results, taking into account review comments, and including complete data and methodological documentation. Work Location Remote Expected duration 4 months Duties and Responsibilities Background International migration has long played an important role in the economic and social development of the Arab region. The cross-border movement of people facilitates the circulation of labour, skills, knowledge, capital and ideas and can influence labour-market outcomes, investment, economic diversification, innovation and incomes. These effects extend across both origin and destination countries through employment, remittances, investment, entrepreneurship, diaspora networks, return migration and knowledge transfer. At the same time, patterns of international migration are evolving in response to climate change, conflict, economic crises and changing labour-market needs. Differences in labour-market institutions, migration policies, skills recognition, social protection and governance also affect the economic and social outcomes associated with migration. Understanding these changing patterns and their implications is important for developing policies that can better harness human mobility for economic transformation, resilience and shared prosperity. Against this background, ESCWA proposes an analytical paper on International Migration, Economic Transformation and Policy Frameworks in the Arab Region. The paper will examine patterns and channels of international migration across the region, assess their implications for origin and destination countries, and identify policy priorities for strengthening their contribution to productivity, diversification, resilience and sustainable economic transformation. Duties and Responsibilities The objective of the consultancy is to prepare an analytical paper on International Migration, Economic Transformation and Policy Frameworks in the Arab Region. The paper will assess how international migration influences labour markets and incomes, productivity and economic transformation, and the circulation of skills, knowledge and capital, while examining emerging trends and the policy conditions required to strengthen these outcomes. Under the overall guidance of ESCWA, the consultant will undertake the following tasks: Develop a conceptual and methodological framework examining the channels through which international migration affects origin and destination economies, including labour markets, incomes, productivity, skills, knowledge and innovation. Examine datasets, identify trends relating to workers movement, remittances, investments and economic diversification. Undertake an empirical assessment of migration flows and stocks across the Arab region, including intra-Arab and extra-regional movements, and assess their implications for labour markets, remittances, investment and economic diversification. Examine how climate change, conflict, economic crises are reshaping international migration patterns and assess their implications for economic transformation and resilience. Develop a policy framework for facilitating the movement and circulation of people, skills and knowledge, including talent mobility, recognition of qualifications, portable social protection, labour-market information systems, diaspora engagement and return migration. Prepare and finalize the analytical paper, incorporating quantitative evidence, regional and international experiences, policy recommendations and comments received from ESCWA.</p><p><strong>Desired Candidate Profile</strong></p>A PhD in economics or related field is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 15 years of professional work experience in the field of research on regional development issues focusing on migration issues is required. Publications on international migration issues in peer reviewed journals or reputed publications in international agencies is required. Undertaking high-level initiatives from international organizations is desirable. Demonstration of quantitative analysis and interpretation is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariate; and Arabic is a working language of UNESCWA. For this position, fluency in English is required. Note: Fluency equals a rating of fluent in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and Knowledge of equals a rating of confident in two of the four areas.

<p>The consultant will produce 3 deliverables in a timely manner: Deliverable 1: By 15 September 2026 -- completion of an annotated outline setting out the conceptual framework, key research questions, proposed empirical methodology, data sources and structure of the paper. Deliverable 2: By 30 October 2026 -- completion of the first full draft of the paper, including the conceptual analysis, quantitative and empirical results, assessment of key constraints, policy implications and preliminary recommendations. Deliverable 3: By 30 November 2026 -- finalization of the full paper by refining results, taking into account review comments, and including complete data and methodological documentation.</p><p><strong>Work Location</strong> Remote</p><p><strong>Expected duration</strong> 4 months</p><p><strong>Duties and Responsibilities</strong></p><p>Background</p><p>The Arab region possesses significant natural, financial, human and physical resources and considerable opportunities arising from regional markets, trade, investment, energy, technology, knowledge and labour mobility. Greater access to these resources and markets can expand productive capacity, improve resource allocation, facilitate investment and technology diffusion, and support diversification, productivity and economic resilience. However, macroeconomic instability, fragmented markets, weak productive capabilities, conflict and geopolitical uncertainty can limit these opportunities. Appropriate macroeconomic, trade, investment, industrial, financial and institutional policies are therefore critical for translating regional economic integration into sustainable economic transformation and shared prosperity. To address this gap, ESCWA proposes an analytical paper on Macroeconomic Performance and Policy Frameworks in the Arab Region. The paper will examine how access to markets and productive resources interacts with macroeconomic and structural conditions across Arab countries and identify policy priorities for strengthening productivity, diversification, resilience and sustainable economic transformation.</p><p>Duties and Responsibilities</p><p>The objective of the consultancy is to prepare an analytical paper on Macroeconomic Performance and Policy Frameworks in the Arab Region. The paper will assess the relationships between access to markets and productive resources and key macroeconomic and structural outcomes, identify factors that constrain these relationships, and develop a policy framework for strengthening economic performance across the Arab region. Under the overall guidance of ESCWA, the consultant will undertake the following tasks: Develop a conceptual and methodological framework examining how access to markets, capital, labour, energy, technology and knowledge can influence macroeconomic and structural performance across Arab countries. Examine datasets, identify trends, and undertake an empirical assessment of their relationship with productivity, investment, diversification, private-sector development, employment, incomes, resilience and economic convergence in the Arab region. Assess principal macroecnomic and structural constraints, including macroeconomic instability, debt and fiscal vulnerabilities, fragmented markets, weak productive capabilities, institutional differences, conflict and geopolitical uncertainty. Develop a policy framework covering relevant macroeconomic, trade, investment, industrial, financial, labour, technological and institutional policies to support productivity, economic transformation and resilience. Prepare and finalize the analytical paper, incorporating quantitative evidence, regional and international experiences, policy recommendations and comments received from ESCWA.</p><p><strong>Desired Candidate Profile</strong></p><h3>Qualifications/special skills</h3><p>A PhD in economics or related field is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.</p><p>A minimum of 15 years of professional work experience in the field of research on regional development issues is required.</p><p>Publications on macroeconomic issues of Arab region in peer reviewed journals or reputed international publications in this field is required.</p><p>Undertaking high-level initiatives from international organizations is desirable.</p><p>Demonstration of quantitative analysis and interpretation is desirable.</p><p><strong>Languages</strong> English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariate; and Arabic is a working language of UNESCWA. For this position, fluency in English is required.</p><p>Note: Fluency equals a rating of fluent in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and Knowledge of equals a rating of confident in two of the four areas.</p>

<section><p class="heading jdMain">Job Description</p><p class="heading">Roles &amp; Responsibilities</p><div class="paragraph"><p>Social Development Officer Ministry of Social Affairs Background In the context of prolonged displacement, economic crises, and increasing social vulnerabilities, MOSA seeks to recruit a development expert to support the implementation and coordination of social development interventions under the social welfare component of the National Social Protection Strategy, and the local development component of MoSA 2PHONE_NUMBER Strategy, particularly those delivered through Social Development Centers (SDCs). In this process, the role aims to bridge humanitarian, development and peace programming within MOSA and support the development and implementation of the MoSA Social Development Centers Strategy. The role will work closely with government counterparts, UN agencies, and civil society, to promote inclusive, holistic and conflict sensitive interventions that address vulnerabilities and strengthen community resilience. The position will also support the alignment of relevant humanitarian and development interventions with MoSA s SDC platform, including the gradual integration or linkage of selected partner-supported activities, tools and referral pathways into SDCs where appropriate, in line with national policies, institutional sustainability, protection principles and MoSA priorities.</p><p>Roles and Responsibilities</p><p>Support the development and operationalization of the SDC Strategy</p><p>Support MoSA in finalizing, refining and operationalizing the Social Development Centers Strategy, ensuring alignment with the MoSA 2PHONE_NUMBER Strategy and the National Social Protection Strategy. Support the translation of the SDC Strategy into practical implementation plans, including phased roll-out plans, annual workplans, geographic prioritization, responsibilities, timelines and follow-up mechanisms. Assist in defining and refining the role of SDCs as local entry points for social services, outreach, referrals, community engagement, social assistance linkages, protection-sensitive support, economic inclusion referrals and local initiatives.development Support MoSA in clarifying the minimum service package of SDCs, including core functions such as intake, identification, referral, follow-up, communication, community engagement, community outreach, protection risk identification, case management linkages and coordination with specialized service providers. Support the development or refinement of SOPs, guidance notes, templates and tools required for SDC strategy implementation.</p><p>Support implementation follow-up and coordination across MoSA structures</p><p>Work closely with relevant MoSA central departments, regional structures and SDC heads to support implementation of the SDC Strategy. Establish and maintain an implementation follow-up mechanism, including action trackers, progress dashboards, regular check-ins and reporting templates. Support regular coordination meetings between MoSA central units, regional focal points and selected SDCs to identify bottlenecks, document progress and agree on corrective actions. Support the organization and documentation of consultations, workshops and technical meetings related to SDC reform, service packages, referral pathways, staffing needs, capacity building and operational planning. Help ensure that SDC-level implementation is aligned with national standards while allowing flexibility to respond to local needs and area-specific vulnerabilities.</p><p>Coordinate stakeholders and partner alignment around SDCs</p><p>Support MoSA in coordinating with UNHCR, UN agencies, NGOs, municipalities, civil society organizations and development partners working in or through SDCs. Map ongoing and planned partner interventions linked to SDCs, including social services, protection, psychosocial support, GBV, child protection, disability inclusion, economic inclusion, local development, outreach and referral activities. Support MoSA in identifying opportunities to reduce duplication, improve complementarity and align partner-supported activities with the SDC Strategy. Support the integration of selected UNHCR-supported tools, practices, referral pathways and activities into SDCs, where appropriate and in line with MoSA systems.</p><p>Support monitoring, reporting, learning and institutionalization</p><p>Support MoSA in developing a monitoring framework for SDC Strategy implementation, including indicators on coverage, accessibility, service delivery, referrals, partner presence, capacity building, inclusion and user feedback. Prepare regular implementation updates, meeting minutes, action-point trackers, progress reports and briefing notes for MoSA leadership and partners. Document implementation challenges, lessons learned, good practices and recommendations to inform adjustments to the SDC Strategy and its roll-out. Support the preparation of briefs, concept notes and partner updates related to SDC reform, service delivery strengthening and institutional development. Support MoSA in institutionalizing SDC coordination and follow-up mechanisms within its regular structures, rather than creating parallel project-based arrangements.</p><p>Support MOSA s engagement with development actors, donors, finance institutions and the private sector to mobilize resources</p><p>Contribute to MOSA s engagement with development partners, including International Financial Institutions, Multilateral Development Banks, and Bilateral Development donors and the private sector to mobilize resources, roles and capacities that advance NSPS aligned initiatives with strategy Assist MOSA in identifying, strategically articulating and capitalizing development and resilience opportunities and partnerships, including through building internal capacities, tools and messaging Contribute to concept notes, briefs, and proposals linked to NSPS priorities</p><p>Documentation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting</p><p>Support MOSA to document and operationalize its SDC strategy and response framework through the development and refinement of SOPs, tools, guidance, and costed, multi year workplans, including phased implementation scenarios aligned with existing capacities, with the aim to enact it into inclusive government funded policies and/or legal frameworks Contribute to studies and analytical activities that build the conceptual framework and evidence base for comprehensive, inclusive and development-oriented responses to forced displacement. Organize, facilitate and report on relevant stakeholder meetings, as well as follow up on action points Report regularly on key activities, constraints, achievements, lessons learned and solutions, as well as contribute to monitoring, reporting, and learning focused on coverage, quality, and inclusiveness</p></div></section><section><p class="heading">Desired Candidate Profile</p><p class="paragraph"></p><ul><li>University degree, preferably at an advanced level, in International Development, Development Studies Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Economics, Social Sciences or other relevant technical fields</li><li>Minimum 7 years of experience in strategy development, planning, implementation and management of protection, community development or social services programming, reform and systems strengthening</li><li>Experience in community-based service delivery, case management, referral pathways, social workforce strengthening, and area-based programming is highly desirable.</li><li>Experience working with UN agencies, NGOs, municipalities, local authorities and government counterparts in Lebanon is an asset.</li><li>Knowledge of humanitarian-development linkages, displacement dynamics, protection mainstreaming and inclusion is desirable, particularly in relation to service delivery through national systems.</li><li>Strong understanding of social service delivery systems, decentralized service provision, SDC operations, social welfare, protection, inclusion and referral pathways.</li><li>Demonstrated experience in strategy operationalization, including development of workplans, implementation tools, SOPs, monitoring frameworks and progress reports.</li><li>Strong coordination and facilitation skills, including experience managing multi-stakeholder consultations, technical working groups and follow-up mechanisms.</li><li>Understanding of protection mainstreaming, accountability to affected populations, community engagement, case management, inclusion of persons with disabilities, gender-sensitive programming and access to services.</li><li>Solid knowledge of poverty, vulnerability, displacement, social protection and social development challenges in Lebanon.</li><li>Proven analytical, drafting and reporting skills, including ability to prepare briefs, meeting minutes, action trackers, implementation updates and donor/government-facing documents.</li><li>Ability to work closely with central and field-level teams, including SDC heads, regional coordinators and partner organizations.</li><li>Ability to work independently, manage multiple workstreams and follow up on implementation bottlenecks.</li><li>Fluency in Arabic and English; French is an asset.</li></ul><p></p></section>

<p>The consultant is expected to deliver data collection tools including questionnaires and guides and tabulation of data collected, literature review reports, concepts notes for knowledge products and meetings and workshops, sections/chapters of studies, write-ups on specific issues, and presentations.</p><p><strong>Work Location</strong> UN House-ESCWA / Hybrid</p><p><strong>Expected duration</strong> 4 months</p><p><strong>Duties and Responsibilities</strong></p><p>Background</p><p>Despite strong momentum towards gender equality and considerable achievements in women s empowerment, the Arab region continues to register one of the largest gender gaps. Arab women still lag behind in terms of political participation, labour force participation, equality and sex-based discrimination. In 2025, women s labour force participation was 19 per cent in the Arab States, less than half the global average of 49 per cent, making it the lowest rate worldwide. Various factors can be attributed to the low economic participation of women in the Arab region, most important of which are the high involvement of women in unpaid care work and their weak involvement in entrepreneurship. In the Arab States, women carry out 80 to 90 percent of all unpaid care tasks and spend an average of 4.7 times more time than men on unpaid care tasks. If women continue to bear the brunt of unpaid care work, there is a serious risk that gender gaps widen and hard-won achievements in women s socioeconomic empowerment are reversed. Addressing the available policies and legal frameworks is thus crucial to promote women s economic empowerment in the region and build the resilience of women to future shocks.</p><p>ESCWA supports its member States in promoting gender equality and the advancement of women at the legislative, policy and programmatic levels through the translation of global normative frameworks into region-specific actions within the areas of gender justice and the law, women, peace and security, women economic empowerment, care economy, and gender mainstreaming in national institutions. ESCWA supports member States in their efforts to reform care-related policies and develop new ones to promote women s economic empowerment. Within the care economy workstream, ESCWA is currently working with Lebanon, Oman, Morocco and Tunisia, following an approach comprising the preparation of knowledge products and organization of capacity building workshops. ESCWA also supports several countries including Iraq, Lebanon, Mauritania and Morocco to strengthen gender mainstreaming in national institutions. Furthermore, ESCWA develops training packages and contributes to capacity-building efforts to transform knowledge, good practices and related skills into innovative online and in-person awareness-raising sessions and training programmes to support countries in developing national strategies, policies and action plans relevant to implementing and reviewing global commitments, including those under CEDAW and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.</p><p><strong>Objective and methodology</strong></p><p>ESCWA seeks to hire a consultant to provide input and contributions to support the successful completion of several gender equality related outputs including:</p><ul><li>National case studies mainly on unpaid care work and care economy;</li><li>National technical requests related to the advancement of gender equality;</li><li>National dialogues and meetings as well as capacity building workshops targeting various governmental entities in Arab States to support the reforms and development of policies;</li><li>Papers and knowledge products to explore concepts related to women s economic empowerment in the region, gendered perspectives in recovery and reconstruction, and other women and gender-related concepts;</li><li>Regional meetings, consultations, and capacity building workshops to exchange experience and knowledge, disseminate the results and findings of prepared knowledge products and advocate for needed legal and policy reforms.</li></ul><p><strong>Tasks and responsibilities</strong></p><p>The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:</p><ul><li>Desk review: Undertake necessary research and desk reviews on topics related to gender equality and women empowerment as required for the development and finalization of the gender equality related outputs;</li><li>Prepare necessary data collection tools including questionnaires for surveys and guides for interviews and focus groups;</li><li>Undertake analysis of data and other inputs;</li><li>Draft inputs following the set outlines for various outputs;</li><li>Prepare required inputs for the preparation and organization of meetings with relevant stakeholders.</li></ul><p><strong>Supervision</strong>: The consultant will work under the direct supervision of Ms. Rouba ARJA, the Social Affairs Officer responsible for the women s economic empowerment project, and the overall guidance of the Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development cluster leader.</p><p><strong>Desired Candidate Profile</strong></p>A master's degree in social or economic or gender or anthropology studies or studies in related areas is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 5 years of professional work experience in socio-economic issues is required. Experience in preparing and reviewing publications or reports is required. Experience in working in the Arab region is required. Experience in working on gender issues and women s economic empowerment is required Experience in working with government entities is desirable. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Fluency in French is desirable. Note: Fluency equals a rating of fluent in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and Knowledge of equals a rating of confident in two of the four areas. Recruitment for this position is on a local basis. The incumbent is required to have the legal right to live and work in the specified working location.

<p><h4>About us</h4> <p>Whiteshield is an AI-native sovereign intelligence company helping governments move from insight to action and from planning to continuous adaptation. Its platform combines workforce intelligence, economic intelligence, and adaptive policy applications to support decision-makers in real time. Founded in 2011, the company combines public policy expertise, proprietary data assets, and AI-enabled applications to support decision-makers across workforce development, economic competitiveness, and societal transformation.</p> <p>With principal operations in Dubai (DIFC) and Riyadh and a global footprint spanning the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Eurasia, and Asia, Whiteshield serves governments, sovereign institutions, multilateral organisations, and leading corporations worldwide. Its technology portfolio equips leaders with decision intelligence, workforce intelligence, and adaptive policy solutions.</p> <p>Whiteshield’s mission is to help build adaptive societies where every citizen can learn, provide, and connect.</p> <h4>Where you fit in</h4> <p>We’re a high-velocity, impact-driven team building software and data-driven solutions at the edge of innovation. Whether launching products from zero to one or helping clients adapt to emerging technologies, we operate in dynamic environments where experimentation, rapid delivery, and collaboration are constant. AI isn’t an add-on here - it’s embedded in how we design, build, test, and ship. From AI-assisted coding and automated test generation to intelligent architecture reviews and data-driven decision loops, we leverage AI-native workflows to move faster and build smarter.</p> <p>We’re looking for a seasoned technologist who thrives in AI-enabled environments and understands how to amplify engineering output using modern AI tooling. You won’t just manage projects; you will define how AI-driven digital excellence happens here; setting standards for prompt engineering, code generation workflows, automated QA, intelligent documentation, and continuous learning systems.</p> <p>You’re a senior-level engineer with a wide-ranging technical toolkit and a strong bias toward leveraging AI to increase velocity and quality. You’ve built and shipped products, integrated AI into real delivery pipelines, and know how to move from concept to production under pressure. You’re comfortable orchestrating AI copilots, designing human-in-the-loop systems, and embedding automation across the SDLC. You’re also client-savvy. You can lead conversations, uncover needs, manage stakeholders, and translate business objectives into technical and AI-enabled delivery strategies. You understand how to position AI not as hype, but as a pragmatic accelerator - reducing time to value, improving quality, and unlocking new solution spaces. You thrive in fast-paced environments where agility, experimentation, and initiative are essential; and where AI is a core multiplier of team performance.</p> <h4>What you will do</h4> <ul> <li>Architect and build scalable, innovative software solutions; internally and for clients</li> <li>Lead engagements with clients, acting as both a trusted advisor and technical owner</li> <li>Rapidly prototype, iterate, and validate solutions using modern technologies</li> <li>Balance short-term deliverables with long-term vision for scalable systems</li> <li>Work across cross-functional teams to align product goals, timelines, and execution</li> <li>Mentor junior engineers and contribute to growing a culture of technical excellence</li> <li>Evaluate new technologies to be implemented at scale for citizen impact</li> <li>Embed AI-native development workflows across the SDLC, leveraging AI copilots, code generation, automated test creation, and intelligent documentation to increase velocity and quality</li> <li>Design and operationalize AI-assisted engineering practices, including prompt engineering standards, human-in-the-loop review processes, and continuous model evaluation to ensure secure, scalable, and production-ready delivery</li> </ul> <h4>Our core tech stack (flexible)</h4> <ul> <li>Backend: C# / .NET / Python</li> <li>Frontend: React / Next.js</li> <li>Database: MSSQL, Postgres, Elasticsearch, MongoDB</li> <li>Cloud: Azure or Google</li> <li>Dev tools: Git, CI/CD pipelines, Docker, Terraform, Ansible</li> <li>ML/AI: Langchain, LangGraph, N8n, scikit-learn, Ollama, Claude Code</li> </ul> <h4>Requirements</h4> <h4>What you’ll bring</h4> <ul> <li>6+ years of professional software engineering experience</li> <li>Expertise with C# and .NET Core, including building APIs and backend systems</li> <li>Proficiency in React and/or Next.js for modern frontend development</li> <li>Experience working with cloud services (Azure, AWS, or GCP)</li> <li>Strong communication and client management skills; comfortable owning technical delivery in client settings</li> <li>A passion for learning and working with emerging technologies</li> <li>Ability to work independently in fast-paced, dynamic environments</li> <li>Knowledge on how to integrate AI agentic development workflows to strong engineering practices</li> </ul> <h4>Bonus points for</h4> <ul> <li>Prior consulting, agency, or client-facing experience</li> <li>Experience designing cloud-native architectures and using infrastructure-as-code tools</li> <li>Open-source contributions or published technical content</li> <li>Familiarity with data science workflows or machine learning integration</li> </ul> <h4>Benefits</h4> <h4>Perks and opportunities</h4> <p><strong>Accelerated career trajectory</strong><br> We operate a performance-driven environment with clear progression pathways.</p> <p><strong>Seamless relocation</strong><br> For those relocating, we provide comprehensive transition support including visa sponsorship and relocation assistance enabling you to integrate quickly and focus on delivery from day one.</p> <p><strong>Supporting your performance</strong><br> We provide tier 1 global medical coverage, wellbeing support, family allowances where applicable, and structured savings plans.</p> <p><strong>Helping teams perform</strong><br> We work on complex high-impact engagements that demand intensity and ownership. At the same time, we are mindful of the impact this can have and aim to support sustainable performance over time through offering generous annual leave, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities to connect beyond the day-to-day through retreats and team events.</p></p><p></p>

<p><h4>About us</h4> <p>Whiteshield is an AI-native sovereign intelligence company helping governments move from insight to action and from planning to continuous adaptation. Its platform combines workforce intelligence, economic intelligence, and adaptive policy applications to support decision-makers in real time. Founded in 2011, the company combines public policy expertise, proprietary data assets, and AI-enabled applications to support decision-makers across workforce development, economic competitiveness, and societal transformation.</p> <p>With principal operations in Dubai (DIFC) and Riyadh and a global footprint spanning the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Eurasia, and Asia, Whiteshield serves governments, sovereign institutions, multilateral organisations, and leading corporations worldwide. Its technology portfolio equips leaders with decision intelligence, workforce intelligence, and adaptive policy solutions.</p> <p>Whiteshield’s mission is to help build adaptive societies where every citizen can learn, provide, and connect.</p> <h4>Where you fit in</h4> <p>We’re a high-velocity, impact-driven team building software and data-driven solutions at the edge of innovation. Whether launching products from zero to one or helping clients adapt to emerging technologies, we operate in dynamic environments where experimentation, rapid delivery, and collaboration are constant. AI isn’t an add-on here - it’s embedded in how we design, build, test, and ship. From AI-assisted coding and automated test generation to intelligent architecture reviews and data-driven decision loops, we leverage AI-native workflows to move faster and build smarter.</p> <p>We’re looking for a seasoned technologist who thrives in AI-enabled environments and understands how to amplify engineering output using modern AI tooling. You won’t just manage projects; you will define how AI-driven digital excellence happens here; setting standards for prompt engineering, code generation workflows, automated QA, intelligent documentation, and continuous learning systems.</p> <p>You’re a senior-level engineer with a wide-ranging technical toolkit and a strong bias toward leveraging AI to increase velocity and quality. You’ve built and shipped products, integrated AI into real delivery pipelines, and know how to move from concept to production under pressure. You’re comfortable orchestrating AI copilots, designing human-in-the-loop systems, and embedding automation across the SDLC. You’re also client-savvy. You can lead conversations, uncover needs, manage stakeholders, and translate business objectives into technical and AI-enabled delivery strategies. You understand how to position AI not as hype, but as a pragmatic accelerator - reducing time to value, improving quality, and unlocking new solution spaces. You thrive in fast-paced environments where agility, experimentation, and initiative are essential; and where AI is a core multiplier of team performance.</p> <h4>What you will do</h4> <ul> <li>Architect and build scalable, innovative software solutions; internally and for clients</li> <li>Lead engagements with clients, acting as both a trusted advisor and technical owner</li> <li>Rapidly prototype, iterate, and validate solutions using modern technologies</li> <li>Balance short-term deliverables with long-term vision for scalable systems</li> <li>Work across cross-functional teams to align product goals, timelines, and execution</li> <li>Mentor junior engineers and contribute to growing a culture of technical excellence</li> <li>Evaluate new technologies to be implemented at scale for citizen impact</li> <li>Embed AI-native development workflows across the SDLC, leveraging AI copilots, code generation, automated test creation, and intelligent documentation to increase velocity and quality</li> <li>Design and operationalize AI-assisted engineering practices, including prompt engineering standards, human-in-the-loop review processes, and continuous model evaluation to ensure secure, scalable, and production-ready delivery</li> </ul> <h4>Our core tech stack (flexible)</h4> <ul> <li>Backend: C# / .NET / Python</li> <li>Frontend: React / Next.js</li> <li>Database: MSSQL, Postgres, Elasticsearch, MongoDB</li> <li>Cloud: Azure or Google</li> <li>Dev tools: Git, CI/CD pipelines, Docker, Terraform, Ansible</li> <li>ML/AI: Langchain, LangGraph, N8n, scikit-learn, Ollama, Claude Code</li> </ul> <h4>Requirements</h4> <h4>What you’ll bring</h4> <ul> <li>6+ years of professional software engineering experience</li> <li>Expertise with C# and .NET Core, including building APIs and backend systems</li> <li>Proficiency in React and/or Next.js for modern frontend development</li> <li>Experience working with cloud services (Azure, AWS, or GCP)</li> <li>Strong communication and client management skills; comfortable owning technical delivery in client settings</li> <li>A passion for learning and working with emerging technologies</li> <li>Ability to work independently in fast-paced, dynamic environments</li> <li>Knowledge on how to integrate AI agentic development workflows to strong engineering practices</li> </ul> <h4>Bonus points for</h4> <ul> <li>Prior consulting, agency, or client-facing experience</li> <li>Experience designing cloud-native architectures and using infrastructure-as-code tools</li> <li>Open-source contributions or published technical content</li> <li>Familiarity with data science workflows or machine learning integration</li> </ul> <h4>Benefits</h4> <h4>Perks and opportunities</h4> <p><strong>Accelerated career trajectory</strong><br> We operate a performance-driven environment with clear progression pathways.</p> <p><strong>Seamless relocation</strong><br> For those relocating, we provide comprehensive transition support including visa sponsorship and relocation assistance enabling you to integrate quickly and focus on delivery from day one.</p> <p><strong>Supporting your performance</strong><br> We provide tier 1 global medical coverage, wellbeing support, family allowances where applicable, and structured savings plans.</p> <p><strong>Helping teams perform</strong><br> We work on complex high-impact engagements that demand intensity and ownership. At the same time, we are mindful of the impact this can have and aim to support sustainable performance over time through offering generous annual leave, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities to connect beyond the day-to-day through retreats and team events.</p></p><p></p>

<h2 class="h5">Job description</h2> <div class="t-break" data-jb-field="description"> <span>ABOUT US | Whiteshield is an AI-native sovereign intelligence company helping governments move from insight to action and from planning to continuous adaptation.<br> Its platform combines workforce intelligence, economic intelligence and adaptive policy applications to support decision-makers in real time.<br> Founded in 2011, the company combines public policy expertise, proprietary data assets and AI-enabled applications to support decision-makers across workforce development, economic competitiveness and societal transformation.<br> With principal operations in Dubai (DIFC) and Riyadh and a global footprint spanning the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Eurasia and Asia, Whiteshield serves governments, sovereign institutions, multilateral organisations and leading corporations worldwide.<br> Its technology portfolio equips leaders with decision intelligence, workforce intelligence and adaptive policy solutions.<br> Whiteshield’s mission is to help build adaptive societies where every citizen can learn, provide and connect.<br> WHERE YOU FIT IN | We’re a high-velocity, impact-driven team building software and data-driven solutions at the edge of innovation.<br> Whether launching products from zero to one or helping clients adapt to emerging technologies, we operate in dynamic environments where experimentation, rapid delivery, and collaboration are constant.<br> AI isn’t an add-on here - it’s embedded in how we design, build, test, and ship.<br> From AI-assisted coding and automated test generation to intelligent architecture reviews and data-driven decision loops, we leverage AI-native workflows to move faster and build smarter.<br> We’re looking for a seasoned technologist who thrives in AI-enabled environments and understands how to amplify engineering output using modern AI tooling.<br> You won’t just manage projects; you will define how AI-driven digital excellence happens here; setting standards for prompt engineering, code generation workflows, automated QA, intelligent documentation, and continuous learning systems.<br> You’re a senior-level engineer with a wide-ranging technical toolkit and a strong bias toward leveraging AI to increase velocity and quality.<br> You’ve built and shipped products, integrated AI into real delivery pipelines, and know how to move from concept to production under pressure.<br> You’re comfortable orchestrating AI copilots, designing human-in-the-loop systems, and embedding automation across the SDLC.<br> You’re also client-savvy.<br> You can lead conversations, uncover needs, manage stakeholders, and translate business objectives into technical and AI-enabled delivery strategies.<br> You understand how to position AI not as hype, but as a pragmatic accelerator - reducing time to value, improving quality, and unlocking new solution spaces.<br> You thrive in fast-paced environments where agility, experimentation, and initiative are essential; and where AI is a core multiplier of team performance.<br> WHAT YOU WILL DO | ❖ Architect and build scalable, innovative software solutions; internally and for clients ❖ Lead engagements with clients, acting as both a trusted advisor and technical owner ❖ Rapidly prototype, iterate, and validate solutions using modern technologies ❖ Balance short-term deliverables with long-term vision for scalable systems ❖ Work across cross-functional teams to align product goals, timelines, and execution ❖ Mentor junior engineers and contribute to growing a culture of technical excellence ❖ Evaluate new technologies to be implemented at scale for citizen impact ❖ Embed AI-native development workflows across the SDLC, leveraging AI copilots, code generation, automated test creation, and intelligent documentation to increase velocity and quality ❖ Design and operationalize AI-assisted engineering practices, including prompt engineering standards, human-in-the loop review processes, and continuous model evaluation to ensure secure, scalable, and production-ready delivery OUR CORE TECH STACK (Flexible) | ❖ Backend: C# / .<br>NET / Python ❖ Frontend: React / Next.<br>js ❖ Database: MSSQL, Postgres, Elasticsearch, MongoDB ❖ Cloud: Azure or Google ❖ Dev Tools: Git, CI/CD pipelines, Docker, Terraform, Ansible ❖ ML/AI: Langchain, LangGraph, N8n, scikit-learn, Ollama, Claude Code PERKS AND OPPORTUNITIES | Accelerated Career Trajectory We operate a performance-driven environment with clear progression pathways Seamless Relocation For those relocating - we provide comprehensive transition support including visa sponsorship and relocation assistance enabling you to integrate quickly and focus on delivery from day one.<br> Supporting Your Performance We provide Tier 1 global medical coverage, wellbeing support, family allowances where applicable and structured savings plans.<br> Helping Teams Perform We work on complex high-impact engagements that demand intensity and ownership.<br> At the same time we are mindful of the impact this can have and aim to support sustainable performance over time through offering generous annual leave, flexible work arrangements and opportunities to connect beyond the day-to-day through retreats and team events.<br> WHAT YOU’LL BRING | ❖ 6+ years of professional software engineering experience ❖ Expertise with C# and .<br>NET Core, including building APIs and backend systems ❖ Proficiency in React and/or Next.<br>js for modern frontend development ❖ Experience working with cloud services (Azure, AWS, or GCP) ❖ Strong communication and client management skills; comfortable owning technical delivery in client settings ❖ A passion for learning and working with emerging technologies ❖ Ability to work independently in fast-paced, dynamic environments ❖ Knowledge on how to integrate AI agentic development workflows to strong engineering practices Bonus Points For: ❖ Prior consulting, agency, or client-facing experience ❖ Experience designing cloud-native architectures and using infrastructure-as-code tools ❖ Open-source contributions or published technical content ❖ Familiarity with data science workflows or machine learning integration</span> </div>

<p>The objective is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of a national development plan through: the collection and analysis of macroeconomic, sectoral and socioeconomic data; application of econometric and statistical techniques to develop plausible counterfactual scenarios; assessment of progress toward development objectives.</p><p>The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) supports member States in designing, implementing and evaluating development strategies through evidence-based economic analysis. As countries increasingly rely on medium-term development plans to foster sustainable growth, economic diversification, fiscal resilience, productivity, employment and social development, there is a growing need for rigorous assessments of policy interventions while accounting for external shocks, structural factors and changing economic conditions.</p><p>The Individual Contractor (IC) shall undertake the following tasks:</p><p>Review plan documents and related policy material; Identify relevant indicators, targets and evaluation questions; Collect, compile, clean and harmonize macroeconomic, sectoral and socioeconomic datasets from national and international sources; Develop databases and documentation suitable for quantitative analysis; Contribute to design an evaluation framework and analytical methodology; Apply econometric techniques, including time series and panel data analysis, as appropriate; Support ESCWA s broader analytical work and outputs, as needed; Assess performance across key macroeconomic and sectoral indicators; Conduct robustness checks and sensitivity analysis; Prepare reports, technical notes, presentations and policy recommendations.</p><p><strong>Desired Candidate Profile</strong></p>A Master's degree in Economics, Econometrics, Statistics, Development Economics, Data Science, or a related field is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 1 year of professional work experience in macroeconomic analysis, applied economics, econometrics, development planning, economic modelling or policy evaluation is required. Demonstrated experience working with macroeconomic and socioeconomic data is required. Strong knowledge of econometric methods, including time-series and panel-data analysis, is desirable. Proficiency in Stata, R, Python, EViews or similar analytical software is required. Experience in preparing analytical reports for governments, international organizations or research institutions is required. Experience in the Arab region is desirable. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in both Arabic and English are required. Note: Fluency equals a rating of fluent in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and Knowledge of equals a rating of confident in two of the four areas.

<p>The consultant is expected to draft a paper that develops a framework outlining the key determinants for advancing care reforms and systems.</p><p>Work Location Remote Expected duration 3 months Duties and Responsibilities Background Around the world, societies and economies are undergoing socio-demographic changes such as ageing populations, low fertility rates, urbanization, increased migration, widespread crises and conflicts, and climate change, which have all intensified the demand for care. However, while gaining global importance, care work still remains invisible and undervalued, often relegated to informal and unpaid labour, disproportionately borne by women, thus hindering their empowerment. Although this trend is observed globally, it is particularly acute in the Arab region where women undertake 80 to 90 per cent of all unpaid care work and spend 4.7 times more time than men on these responsibilities, exceeding the global average of 3.62 . Unpaid care work hinders women s visibility and participation in public economic and political spheres as well as in decision-making processes in the Arab region. The disproportionate unpaid care work undertaken by women limits their economic engagement and opportunities, as it makes it challenging for them to balance work and family responsibilities. Additionally, women often face gender stereotypes, limited professional development opportunities, and an institutional culture that marginalizes their contributions. Women s economic and political participation in the region remain low compared to global averages. In 2025, women s labour force participation was only 19 per cent, less than half the global average of 49 per cent, making it the lowest rate worldwide . Women s political representation shows a similarly stark gap. In December 2025, women held only 27 per cent of national parliamentary seats globally, with an even lower share in the Middle East and North Africa at around 16 per cent, the lowest in the world . However, there has been growing regional momentum realizing gains in the care economy with many countries in the Arab region offering instructive examples of care reforms. Nevertheless, these reforms are often sector-specific, focusing on one policy area such as labour without approaching care in a holistic manner interconnected across different sectors and policy areas. Within this context, understanding the political economy which examines how social, economic, and political factors shape care policies and systems becomes a pressing priority. Building on these reform efforts in the Arab region and looking at breakthroughs in care policymaking globally, including Latin America which has been particularly active in advancing comprehensive care systems, it is increasingly important to understand how care, often framed solely as a gender equality issue, intersects with other major development issues and policy domains. This highlights the regional need for policies that recognize care as a central element of sustainable economies and redistribute it among different stakeholders including the state. Ongoing inter-regional collaboration between UN regional commissions, namely ESCWA and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) including through a project on advancing care policies for transformative recovery in Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific and the Arab states, seeks to draw lessons from Latin American countries experiences in advancing comprehensive care systems. Given the inherent political nature of care policymaking, it is essential to understand what prompts political actors to prioritize care. A key driver is awareness around the critical role care plays in society and its far-reaching implications for economic and social well-being. When care is made visible as a cross-cutting issue that affects economic growth, labour force participation, health outcomes, social cohesion, and gender equality, it is more likely to gain traction in political discourse and influence the selection of policy instruments, thereby driving change in laws, budgets, and institutional support for care systems.</p><p>Objective and methodology ESCWA seeks to hire a consultant to assist in drafting a paper, in collaboration with ECLAC, that thoroughly examines the factors and determinants behind care reforms, investigating the political economy of care in the Arab region and relating it to Latin America s experience. The paper will draw on experiences from both Latin American and Arab countries to demonstrate the importance of moving beyond fragmented care reform policies towards comprehensive care systems. It will build on the recommendations provided by experts during ESCWA s Expert Group Meeting on the Political Economy of Care Policies: Determinants for Reform in the Arab Region organized in July 2026.</p><p>Tasks and responsibilities The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:</p><ul><li>Desk review: undertake a desk review of available successful and as well as unachieved experiences in advancing care policies and systems from Latin America and the Arab region;</li><li>Based on the results of the desk review, undertake consultations with relevant stakeholders on the main determinants, challenges or barriers which they have faced while working on advancing care policies and systems;</li><li>Review the results of consultations with relevant stakeholders from the Arab region on the main determinants, challenges or barriers which they have faced while working on advancing care policies and systems;</li><li>Propose the elements and dynamics among key determinants to advance care policies and systems and draw lessons for future policy making and reforms on care while taking into account the discussions and recommendations of the Expert Group Meeting above mentioned.</li><li>Suggest a detailed outline to be validated and agreed upon with ESCWA s team in consultation with ECLAC;</li><li>Based on the agreed outline, prepare the first draft of the paper to be reviewed by ESCWA s team;</li><li>Prepare a final draft based on the comments and recommendations provided by ESCWA and ECLAC s teams.</li></ul><p>Supervision: The consultant will work Under the direct supervision of the Social Affairs Officer responsible for the care economy stream at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) Ms. Rouba ARJA, and overall guidance of the gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development cluster leader. The consultant is expected to provide regular updates on the work progress.</p><p><strong>Desired Candidate Profile</strong></p>A master's degree in economy, or sociology, or law or gender studies or related area is required. A PhD in one of these fields is desirable. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 10 years of professional work experience in areas related to public policy making is required. Previous experience in social policy reform and changes is required. Previous experience in working on care policies is desirable. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Spanish and/or Arabic is desirable. Note: Fluency equals a rating of fluent in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and Knowledge of equals a rating of confident in two of the four areas.

<p>Result of Service The objective of this position is to work on research areas related to the ESCWA Skills Monitor, Labor markets, and economic growth. Work Location UN HOUSE - UN ESCWA Expected duration 4 Months Duties and Responsibilities Background: The world is currently experiencing the Fourth Industrial Revolution. With this transition, the velocity of change and the sheer number of innovations are unprecedented. This revolution will inevitably eliminate many current lines of work yet has the capacity to bring in new lines of employment. The agility of this revolution makes the jobs of the future difficult to predict using traditional techniques. Given this background, this project will tackle three main issues: o The lack of timely information to monitor the dynamism of the labor market needs; o The mismatch between human capital accumulation and labor market demand; o Labor market policies and regulations are mostly outdated and unprepared for the impact of automation on jobs in most ESCWA countries. Almost all countries in the region are still heavily reliant on costly household/establishment survey data which is not carried out periodically. To assess job market policies, skill sets for newly created job categories that are and will continue to come about from the Fourth Industrial Revolution must be surveyed in a more innovative way. Without a new monitoring technique, information on the impact of technological change on available skill sets cannot be properly assessed. One finding that we can build on conventional survey (household establishment) results is that workers with higher educational attainment are expected to benefit the most from jobs in the formal sector if high-quality education is made available and better job market matching schemes are put in place. Looking at the ESCWA region, educational attainment over the past three decades, during which the region excelled in primary and secondary education (mid-skills), suggests that the population does not necessarily have adequate skills for newly created jobs. Also, in the absence of up-to-date and active labor market policies, the mismatch between market demand (especially in the formal sector) and education is translated into higher informal sector activities in most ESCWA countries. This project is expected to provide a forum for ESCWA countries to prepare for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIR) while factoring in the number of jobs needed between now and the attainment of the 2030 Agenda. The key aim is to support ESCWA States for the upcoming change in jobs TOR: and skills due to technological advancements taking place while considering the national characteristics. Ultimately, we will help member states harness job opportunities emerging from the advent of newer technologies, while taming challenges to attain outcomes stated in SDG- 8---support member states sustain economic growth (8.1), reach high levels of economic productivity (8.2), promote productive activities (8.3), attain full productive employment and decent work for all (8.5) and reduce the number of youth not in employment, education or training (8.6). Under the supervision of the Team Leader of Future of Work Project and the overall guidance of the cluster lead, the Individual contractor will assist in assessing the Future of Work. The Individual contractor will particularly help in country requests for features and analysis of data collected by the Skills Monitor, assess the job mismatch. Duties and Responsibilities: The Individual Contractor will mainly contribute to the following areas: 1. Substantive research in areas related to the 'Future of Work' Project. This includes reviewing existing literature as a background analysis. 2. Update Economic analysis on the skills Monitor results on a monthly basis, including analysis of the results. 3. Conduct data analysis using (i) data from the ESCWA Skills Monitor and (ii) data from different government hubs, including unemployment countries around the region (Country Profiles). 4. Provide Economic analysis for countries' technical assistance. 5. Conduct Skills Gap assessments. 6. Assist in technical assistance to Arab countries including in developing concept notes, training material, and country tailored policy research.</p><p><strong>Desired Candidate Profile</strong></p>A bachelor s degree in economics, social science, statistics, or a related area is required. A master s degree is desirable. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. At least 4 years of experience in economics, social science, statistics, or a related area is required. Knowledge in Machine learning, experience in household surveys, firm level survey, and Big Data analysis is desirable. Proven experience in economic data analysis, presentation, drafting and visualization is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required; Knowledge of French is desirable. Note:

<div><span style="font-size: 11px;"><b>POSITION INFORMATION</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;">VA No.: UNDP/LBN/VA26/122</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;">Position Title: Institutional Reform Officer</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;">Duty Station: Beirut</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;">Duration: 4 months (without exceeding 14 working days per month)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;">Vacancy Date of Issue: 23 July 2026</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;">Vacancy Closure Date: 30 July 2026</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;">National or International consultancy: National consultancy</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;"><b>BACKGROUND</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;">For over six years, Lebanon has been facing a prolonged economic, financial, and social crisis. The country has experienced multiple shocks, including an economic and financial collapse, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beirut Port explosion, and, most recently, an armed conflict lasting more than a year that caused extensive damage and losses.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;">These developments led to a severe economic contraction, depreciation of the Lebanese pound, soaring inflation, fiscal imbalances, and a sharp decline in the real value of income, particularly affecting public-sector employees. As a result, state institutions have struggled to fulfil their mandates due to a lack of financial resources and a significant loss of skilled public-sector professionals. Against this backdrop, the country’s capacity for evidence-based policymaking, regulation, and the delivery of national priorities has been severely constrained.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;">The State continues to face major resource and capacity constraints in responding to the crisis, supporting post-conflict recovery, and addressing structural challenges. At the same time, there is limited visibility regarding development aid directed to Lebanon.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;">Since the economic collapse in 2019, most donors have made funding conditional upon the implementation of broad reforms and progress towards an agreement with the International Monetary Fund. Consequently, only a small proportion of aid has been channelled through government systems. Most grants and loans remain off-budget, creating a disconnect between aid inflows and national public financial management systems.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;">To address the implications of these crises, UNDP has been supporting the Government of Lebanon in restoring its core functions, resuming its role in service delivery, and implementing priority reforms. This support links traditional public administration, civil service, and policy reforms with a digital transformation process, with the ultimate objective of reactivating the social contract.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;">In response, the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) launched Reinventing Government 2030, one of Lebanon’s most ambitious initiatives to modernize the State and rebuild citizens’ trust in public institutions.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11px;">The reform vision is structured around the following three phases:</span></div><p><strong>Desired Candidate Profile</strong></p><ul><li>Master's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field.</li><li>At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in project management, consulting, quality assurance, or organizational/institutional reform, including exposure to public sector or governance contexts.</li><li>Fluency in Arabic and English (both written and oral).</li></ul>

<p> <strong>GREENPEACE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA</strong> </p> <p> <strong>TERMS OF REFERENCE</strong> </p> <p> <strong>Regional Impact and Contribution Assessment of Greenpeace MENA s Work Since 2019</strong> </p> <ul> <li> <strong>Focus countries:</strong> United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Lebanon</li> <li> <strong>Consultancy assignment:</strong> Commissioning organisation Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa (Greenpeace MENA)</li> <li> <strong>Assignment period:</strong> [To be confirmed]</li> <li> <strong>Level of effort:</strong> [To be proposed by the consultant]</li> <li> <strong>Geographic scope:</strong> MENA region, with more focused analysis of the UAE, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Lebanon</li> <li> <strong>Assessment period:</strong> 2019 to the date of commencement of the consultancy</li> <li> <strong>Reporting to:</strong> [Executive Director / designated project lead]</li> </ul> 1. Background and Rationale<br><p>Since 2019, Greenpeace MENA has sought to advance climate justice and accelerate a fair energy transition across the Middle East and North Africa. Its work has combined public campaigning, policy engagement, movement building, youth mobilisation, strategic communications, research, coalition-building and regional narrative change.</p> <p>Over the same period, the region has experienced important changes in climate policy, renewable energy deployment, public awareness, youth engagement and economic transition. These shifts have not resulted from the work of any single actor. They have been shaped by governments, civil society, social movements, researchers, communities, multilateral processes, market forces and geopolitical developments.</p> <p>Greenpeace MENA therefore wishes to commission an independent regional assessment that documents progress since 2019 and examines the organisation s contribution to that progress where credible evidence exists. The assessment should avoid simplistic or unsupported attribution. Instead, it should use a theory-of-contribution approach that distinguishes between changes directly influenced by Greenpeace MENA, changes to which Greenpeace MENA plausibly contributed alongside others, and wider contextual developments that are relevant to the organisation s mission but cannot reasonably be linked to its work.</p> <p>The assessment is intended to generate a credible evidence base for strategic learning, accountability, communications, fundraising and future programme design. It should also identify where progress has been limited, uneven or reversible, and where Greenpeace MENA may need to adapt its strategy to increase impact.</p> 2. Purpose of the Consultancy<br><p>The purpose of the consultancy is to assess and document the evolution of climate action, climate justice, renewable energy, economic transition and climate movement-building in the region since 2019, with particular focus on the UAE, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Lebanon, and to analyse Greenpeace MENA s contribution to these changes wherever this can be credibly demonstrated.</p> <p>The consultancy should produce both a regional narrative and country-level evidence. It should capture formal policy change as well as shifts in public discourse, civil society capacity, youth leadership, coalition strength, political salience and the connection between climate issues and people s daily lives.</p> 3. Specific Objectives<br><ul> <li>Document major changes since 2019 in climate policy, renewable energy policy, implementation, investment and deployment across the five focus countries.</li> <li>Assess progress in climate justice policies, decisions, public debate and institutional practice, including equity, participation, adaptation, loss and damage, just transition and protection of affected communities.</li> <li>Analyse the evolution, reach, diversity and influence of the regional climate movement, with a particular focus on youth-led climate action and the leadership of young people from the region.</li> <li>Examine the extent to which climate issues have become more connected to people s daily concerns, including energy affordability, electricity access, air pollution, public health, livelihoods, food and water security, dignity, economic opportunity and social justice.</li> <li>Assess economic diversification and energy transition developments in the UAE, including progress, limitations and contradictions in moving away from fossil-fuel dependence and expanding renewable energy and other low-carbon sectors.</li> <li>Identify outcomes and changes to which Greenpeace MENA directly contributed or plausibly contributed, and clearly distinguish these from broader changes for which no contribution can be demonstrated.</li> <li>Generate lessons and recommendations to strengthen Greenpeace MENA s future strategy, country engagement, movement-building, policy influence, communications and impact measurement.</li> </ul> 4. Scope of Work<br>4.1 Geographic and temporal scope<br><p> <strong>Geographic scope:</strong> The assessment will cover the Middle East and North Africa region, with detailed analysis of the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Lebanon. Regional developments, institutions and networks should be included where they materially affect the five-country analysis.</p> <p> <strong>Assessment period:</strong> From January 2019 to the date of commencement of the consultancy. The consultant may reference earlier developments where needed to establish a baseline or explain the significance of later changes.</p> 4.2 Thematic scope<br><strong>Theme</strong> <strong>Indicative areas of inquiry</strong> <strong>Climate policy and governance</strong> National climate strategies; nationally determined contributions; long-term strategies; sectoral plans; climate laws and institutions; implementation mechanisms; climate diplomacy; accountability and transparency. <strong>Renewable energy and energy transition</strong> Renewable energy targets, regulation, investment, procurement, deployment, decentralised energy, energy access, grid reform, storage, efficiency, electrification and fossil-fuel phase-down or phase-out debates. <strong>Climate justice</strong> Equity, differentiated responsibilities, fair access to finance, adaptation, loss and damage, just transition, participation, rights, gender and intergenerational justice, community impacts and protection of vulnerable groups. <strong>Economic diversification in the UAE</strong> Changes in economic structure, public investment, policy direction, clean energy expansion, green industries, employment and innovation, alongside continuing fossil-fuel production,&nbsp;

<p>Result of Service 1- Annotated outline based on discussion with ESCWA regarding structure and scope of the paper 2- First draft of analytical paper based on feedback received on annotated outline, including preliminary list of references 3- Final analytical paper based on feedback received on first draft, including footnotes and complete references Work Location Remote Expected duration 6 weeks Duties and Responsibilities Background Energy is fundamental to economic development, human well-being, and the provision of essential services across the Arab region. It powers industry, transport, water supply, internet, healthcare, education, and the broader systems that support livelihoods and economic transformation. Meanwhile, energy vulnerability is a highly relevant concept in the Arab region and its implications warrant far greater consideration at social, economic, environmental, and governance levels. The region is characterized by a high degree of intraregional heterogeneity in socioeconomic development, resulting in significant differences in access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy. Understanding energy systems can help to offer a pathway to reducing disparities, narrowing gaps in energy access, affordability, reliability, resilience, productive capacity, and development opportunities across the region. Duties and Responsibilities Under the overall guidance of the Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability Cluster Lead and the direct supervision of the Chief of Energy, the consultant will undertake the following tasks: Provide a framing for energy systems within the context of the sustainable energy transition. Review the present landscape characterizing energy systems in Arab States, including major infrastructure under construction or planned. Assess multipliers that can be generated from these projects for investment, economic diversification and human capital development. Examine areas where digital and physical infrastructure development has enhanced the resilience and reduce the vulnerability of energy systems in Arab States drawing on ESCWA knowledge products on these topics. Offer insights and recommendations where enabling investment and cooperation can generate measurable results for domestic and regional energy systems.</p><p><strong>Desired Candidate Profile</strong></p>A master s degree in engineering, economics, business, or energy-related field is required. A PhD is desirable. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 10 years of professional work experience in the field of energy, with demonstrated experience working on regional development issues related to the Arab region is required. Demonstrated experience writing reports and papers for international organizations on energy is required. Demonstrated experience conducting quantitative analysis and interpretation is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable. Knowledge of French is desirable.

<p>The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is implementing a project on Improved mapping and monitoring of solar energy access for enhanced climate policy action and socio-economic resilience in ESCWA member States. The project aims to enhance the capacities of government officials and policymakers working in statistics, energy, and GIS-active research centres on using digital and geospatial tools to map and monitor solar energy data, review data snapshots and baselines, and generate KPIs to strengthen data-driven analysis and improve evidence-based policymaking for climate action and socio-economic resilience.</p><p>The GIS and renewable energy data analyst would review the existing data sets on detected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Djibouti, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen; apply statistical analysis methods to improve the accuracy of the data sets; and add socio-economic GIS layers to the existing data sets to strengthen data-driven analysis and improve evidence-based policymaking for climate action and socio-economic resilience.</p><p>Under the overall supervision of the Leader of the Climate Change and Natural Resources Sustainability Cluster, the analyst will report directly to the Project Coordinator and be responsible for the following overall duties linked to the outcomes and outputs of the project document, namely:</p><ul><li>Review and assess the existing geospatial datasets of detected solar PV systems in Djibouti, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen to identify inconsistencies, data gaps, duplicates, quality issues, and potential sources of uncertainty.</li><li>Conduct a comprehensive review of the existing solar PV geospatial datasets, including an assessment of data quality, completeness, spatial accuracy, attribute consistency, metadata availability, and reliability.</li><li>Prepare a comprehensive final technical report and presentation summarizing the methodology applied, improvements made to the datasets, analytical findings, limitations, and recommendations for future updates.</li></ul><p><strong>Desired Candidate Profile</strong></p><p>A master's degree in statistics, mathematics, GIS or related field is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of five years of experience working on data analytics related to energy or renewable energy is required. Demonstrated professional experience working on energy datasets is required. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.</p>