Consultant – Regional/Subregional Cross‑Border Cooperation and Policy Recommendations - National Agenda for the Future of Syria

Result of Service

The consultancy will deliver a background paper required to launch a Subregional Dialogue Platform. The results will help ESCWA and partners initiate a structured, trust-building process supporting coordinated policy dialogue, regional stability, and mutual economic benefits that strengthen connectivity, enhance resilience, promote economic recovery and reconstruction, and advance sustainable development across the sub-region.

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

3 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background Syria relationship with its neighboring Arab countries is central for regional stability, economic recovery, and long-term development. The country is undergoing a transitional phase marked by institutional reforms, evolving security conditions, increased international engagement, and strengthened coordination with neighboring Arab states. Over the past decade, the region has faced a range of cross-border challenges, including displacement and migration, border management pressures, economic disruptions, water and environmental challenges, infrastructure and energy constraints, and broader socio-economic vulnerabilities. The interconnected nature of these issues requires coordinated regional and subregional policy responses, as well as sustained international support, since many cross-border challenges cannot be effectively addressed by individual countries acting alone. ESCWA’s National Agenda for the Future of Syria (NAFS) programme has demonstrated through Benefit of Peace and Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) scenario modelling that recovery and reconstruction in Syria could generate positive economic spillovers for neighboring countries, including increased growth, investment, trade, and employment, thereby reinforcing the value of regional cooperation. To support this objective, ESCWA seeks to prepare an analytical mapping paper examining the current landscape, opportunities for enhanced engagement and collaboration, and key areas for regional and subregional cooperation. The paper will support structured dialogue, facilitate knowledge exchange, and address cross-border connectivity and transboundary challenges. The consultancy will identify areas of cooperation and develop actionable policy recommendations to guide future regional and subregional engagement. Objective The consultant will deliver a background paper required to launch a Subregional Dialogue Platform. The results will help ESCWA and partners initiate a structured, trust-building process supporting coordinated policy dialogue, regional stability, and mutual economic benefits that strengthen connectivity, enhance resilience, promote economic recovery and reconstruction, and advance sustainable development across the sub-region. Under the direct supervision of Syria Portfolio Programme Manager/Coordinator, the consultant will be responsible for the following duties: • Draft analytical assessment report of key cross-border and transboundary issues affecting Syria and Arab neighboring countries. • Present a summary of the report, as needed and upon request.

Qualifications/special skills

A masters degree in economics, international relations, public policy, development studies, regional planning, or a related field. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 15 years of experience in policy analysis, research, or advisory work related to regional cooperation, economic development, post-conflict recovery, or cross-border/transboundary issues is required. Proven knowledge of regional and sub-regional dynamics in the Arab region, including cross-border challenges, regional interdependencies, and cooperation frameworks is required. Strong analytical, drafting, and writing skills, with a demonstrated ability to present complex technical issues clearly and concisely is required. Experience working with UN agencies or international organizations 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 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.

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.