Economic Research Specialist

Job Title: Economic Research Specialist

Organization: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)

Host entity: ESCWA

Assignment country: Lebanon

Expected start date: 07/08/2023

Sustainable Development Goal: 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Specialist

DoA reserved for persons with disabilities: No

Accessibility measures in place: -

Type: Onsite

Duration: 6 months (with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Beirut

Reasonable accommodation: No

Additional accessibility info: -

Details

Mission and objectives

The Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA) was established on 9 August 1973 pursuant to Economic and Social Council’s resolution 1818 (LV). Its purpose was to stimulate economic activity in member countries, strengthen cooperation between them promote development. ESCWA's objectives are to support economic and social development in member countries, to promote interaction and cooperation between member countries, to encourage the exchange of experience, best practice and lessons learned, to achieve regional integration and ensure interaction between Western Asia and other regions, and to raise global awareness of the circumstances and needs of member countries. ESCWA provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies for member countries, a platform for congress and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory. ESCWA activities are coordinated with the divisions and main offices of the Headquarters of the United Nations, specialized agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and its subsidiary bodies, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Context

The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is mandated to support the Palestinian people and their institutions to mitigate the social and economic impact of the Israeli occupation and achieve national development goals, namely the National Development Plan 2021-2023 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In this context, ESCWA seeks to enhance Palestinian institutional capacity to plan and implement development strategies, policies, and programs to attain sustainable development, mitigate the impact of the Israeli practices and policies thereon, as well as to reduce economic dependency on Israel. ESCWA and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD) signed a letter of agreement (LOA) on whereby the Fund contributes 100,000 Kuwaiti Dinars to the be utilized to implement pre-approved activities aiming (1) support Palestinian institutional efforts to integrate the SDGs in their development planning; (2) support the efforts of the national team and national working groups to follow up on and implement the SDGs, and (2) to upgrade and improve services provision in the occupied Palestinian territory and enhance accessibility.

Task description

Under the supervision of Governance and Public Administration Officer, the UN Volunteer is responsible to perform the below functions: 1. Review and use existing datasets to provide inputs and analysis needed for the activities of the ESCWA Resource Platform to Support the Palestinian People directly related to activities on enhancing service provision and the implementation of the SDGs in the occupied Palestinian territory, including activities supporting the Government of Palestine in integrating the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 in the Development Strategy 2024 – 2030 2. Conduct, in coordination with the cluster leader and project coordinator, background related to activities being implemented through the ESCWA Resource Platform to Support the Palestinian People and relevant to mitigating the impact of the Israeli occupation on social and economic development in the occupied Palestinian territory and the ability of Palestinian institutions to provide basic services. 3. Follow up issues with external consultants and partners related to contracts, third party agreements and deliverables and progress of work related to the ESCWA Resource Platform to Support the Palestinian People 4. Contribute to the identification of and preparation of TOR for experts to be recruited to undertake tasks related to the activities of the ESCWA Resource Platform to Support the Palestinian People 5. Prepare, maintain, and update records, correspondence and other documents related to the activities of the ESCWA Resource Platform to Support the Palestinian People. 6. Draft periodic progress reports on the implementation of the activities funded through the ESCWA Resource Platform to Support the Palestinian People. 7. Gather, compile, and regularly update data and information about development indicators and the impact of Israel's policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory. 8. Assemble and examine original statistical material to ensure accuracy, clarity and validity; makes appropriate adjustments. 9. Assist in the organization of meetings, EGMs, workshops, and other relevant events. 10. Draft programme/project summaries, coordinate review and clearance processes and coordinate with editor, translation services, etc., on finalization and publication of reports in multiple languages. 11. Prepare forms required for events and publications, including website templates, proposals, contracts... etc. 12. Assist in the preparation of documentation and reports for relevant conferences and meetings 13. Participates in the substantive and policy discussions of the team and cluster. 14. Attend and assist in coordinating relevant meetings, takes notes and prepares summary report, notes for the file, correspondence, etc. 15. Other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Eligibility criteria

Age

27 - 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in areas related to human development (economic development, employment, health, education or environmental sustainability, gender equality and women empowerment, etc.) preferably with a UN agency.

Area(s) of expertise

Administration, Development programmes

Driving license

-

Languages

Arabic, Level: Fluent, Required English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in economics or related social sciences. Masters in the field is desirable.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organizing • Professionalism • Self-management

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in ESCWA. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

Apply Now