Emerging Technologies and Trust in Digital Public Services Consultant

Result of Service The Consultant will be responsible to deliver the following:

• A background/research paper, in English, of 8-10 pages (4000 - 5000 words), on Emerging Technologies and Trust in Digital Public Services.
• Detailed PowerPoint presentation to be delivered during the workshop.

• List of recommendations related to the topic and the Workshop outcomes.

  Work Location Remote

  Expected duration 2 Months

  Duties and Responsibilities ESCWA has launched in January 2023 a project on "Expediting the use of technology and innovation for enhanced operations in Arab public institutions" (ENACT). The project focuses on the innovative deployment of emerging technologies to accelerate the implementation of digital strategies and advancement of public sector services and operations. The focus will tackle specific aspects of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development and support progress towards responsive, inclusive, trustworthy, and effective governments.

The first year of project implementation includes several activities, one of which is convening a two-day Workshop on Building Trust in Digital Public Services: Practical Approaches for Trustworthy/Secure Public Services, in Beirut, from 11 to 12 September 2023. The workshop aims to showcase practical measures for enhancing cybersecurity, discuss best practices in the use of emerging technologies for improving trust and confidence in digital public services, and argue on how to enhance privacy and personal data protection for the delivery of trusted digital services.

The topics addressed in this Workshop include: Trust and confidence in public digital services; Emerging technologies for enhancing security and trust; Privacy and personal data protection; Internet infrastructure security; encryption for enhancing cybersecurity and trust; Arab cybersecurity strategy; and Prospects of building digital trust in the Arab region.

For this workshop, a background/research paper is needed on Emerging Technologies and Trust in Digital Public Services. A consultant is needed for the preparation of a short paper and detailed presentation on the mentioned topic, and delivery during the Workshop.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Innovation Section and ENACT project Coordinator, the Consultant will conduct research and carry out the following:

• Develop a short research paper on the topic of this TOR as input to the Workshop and its outcome(s).
• Deliver a PowerPoint presentation on this paper during the Workshop, solicit feedback and comments during the Workshop, and capture the main comments and discussions.
• Prepare and update recommendations on the research topic, as relevant to the Workshop and its sought outcomes.

The Consultant should pay attention, with the help of ESCWA staff, to the inclusion of gender, disability, and integration of the gender considerations and youth dimension throughout the research work to ensure that the report and its recommendations give equal attention to the needs of both men and women, and girls and boys. Writing should use gender-sensitive and inclusive language.

Qualifications/special skills A Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, digital government, cybersecurity, or related area is required.

All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 8 years of professional work experience in areas related to digital technology is required. Experience in the area of digital development, cybersecurity, trust in cyberspace or emerging technology is required. Experience with the UN or International Organization is desired.

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.

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.

No Fee 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.