Consultancy on Parliamentary Development and Legal Reform

Result of Service

Under the supervision of Syria Portfolio Coordinator/NAFS Programme manager, the consultant will be responsible for the following task: Output 1: Prepare concise policy briefs and analytical notes on key parliamentary topics, primarily focusing on the Parliament’s role in advancing technology and digital transformation. Output 2: Present summary findings of these briefs to Members of Parliament (MPs).

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

3 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background The Syrian conflict has profoundly impacted the country's socioeconomic fabric, resulting in institutional collapse and widespread displacement. As Syria enters a transitional phase following the fall of the regime, a critical window of opportunity has emerged to rebuild institutional and governance structures, promote social cohesion, and support economic recovery. As part of its mandate to promote human development and support democratic transition in the region, ESCWA implemented the NAFS programme since 2012. The programme has served as an inclusive platform for technical dialogue among Syrians from all backgrounds. It remained one of the key platforms to systematically assess the policy needs for a post-conflict Syria. In response to the evolving context, ESCWA continues to implement a range of projects and initiatives building on its long-standing efforts under NAFS to support Syria’s transitional phase. These include supporting institutions, with training, research, analysis, as well as other tailored activities carefully aligned with the needs and priorities identified by Syrians. Objective The objective of this assignment is to support institutional development, with a particular focus on enhancing parliamentary functions and legislative reform. The consultant will engage in sharing best practices in these topics, facilitating knowledge exchange, and developing comprehensive briefs on these topics and other areas as identified, ensuring alignment with the evolving needs and priorities of Syrian institutions. Work Assignment Under the supervision of the Syria Portfolio Coordinator / NAFS Programme Manager, the consultant will: • Conduct research on parliamentary functions, with a focus on technology and digital transformation, drawing on international best practices. • Prepare concise policy briefs and analytical notes tailored to the Syrian context, including practical recommendations. • Develop and deliver presentations summarizing key findings to Members of Parliament and relevant stakeholders. • Support knowledge exchange and incorporate feedback to refine deliverables.

Qualifications/special skills

A bachelor's degree in Technology, communication, or a related field is required. A master's degree in 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 experience in digital transformation policy, and working with government institutions is required. In-depth understanding of the Syrian context and the structure and functioning of Syria’s institutions is desirable. Established records of publications or contributions to relevant academic or policy-oriented literature is desirable.

Languages

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 Arabic is required. Fluency in English is desirable. Note: " Fluency" equals a rating of fluent in all four areas ( speak, read, write, and understand).

Additional Information

Not available.

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.