Research Assistant

Result of Service The IC is requested to: - Research policies related to socioeconomic inequalities. - Research policies across the whole Arab region, and in both Arabic and English - Prepare a draft matrix with policies that have been implemented across the region and have had an impact on inequality, detailing the ministry responsible for the policy, a summary of the policy and it’s objectives, how the policy has been implemented and monitored (if at all), the budget (if any) attached to implementation of the policy, the results of the policy on inequality. - Prepare a final matrix with comments received on the draft matrix - Prepare for a soft launch of the Inequality Portal - Work with a consortium of stakeholders, including the London School of Economics and Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just, and Inclusive Societies.

Work Location UN-House ESCWA

Expected duration 6 Months

Duties and Responsibilities In response to rising inequality, ESCWA has partnered with Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just, and Inclusive Societies to roll out a number of initiatives, including a multi-year, multi-stakeholder, Arab Forum for Inequality and the 2022 report ‘Inequality in the Arab region A ticking time bomb’. In 2023, ESCWA and Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just, and Inclusive Societies plan to launch an inequality portal that documents policies that have worked around the world and in the Arab region to combat inequality.

ESCWA seeks to hire an individual contractor (IC) to conduct research into policies that have successfully reduced inequality in the Arab region in times of crisis. The results of the research will feed into the inequality portal, which the IC will help to prepare for a soft launch, and which will provide policymakers around the region with a plethora of examples into policies that will reduce inequality. By building upon successful examples during policy design, policymakers will be better equipped to identify interventions that have worked, under similar country circumstances to their own, to reduce a myriad of inequalities. However, policies that have successfully reduced inequality may not solely be targeting inequality or social protection. Policies related to health, education, gender, poverty, social protection, employment and more may all directly or indirectly contribute towards inequality. The IC will be expected to research a wide range of policies and their impact on inequality.

The IC will be expected to work with a consortium of stakeholders, including the London School of Economics and Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just, and Inclusive Societies.

Qualifications/special skills An advanced university degree (masters of equivalent) in economics and/or social studies and/or development studies or related area is required.

All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. At least 3 years of experience in policy analysis and sustainable development is required.

Languages 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 Arabic and 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.

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.