Development of blockchain policy in Libya

Result of Service

• The report prepared should be in Arabic and in electronic format. • The report submitted should not be less than 30 pages. • A 2 to 4 pages executive summary of the report. The completed parts should be edited and saved in MS-Word (*.docx file) or an alternate compatible format. PDF format will not be accepted. It should include a table of contents to be automatically updated followed by a list of all tables and figures. The various parts should be submitted in electronic form and sent to the email address of the designated focal point. Attention is kindly drawn to the need to ensure that the final draft of the outputs be thoroughly reviewed prior to submission and to indicate the sources of tables and diagrams. References to reports and other substantive material should be clearly indicated within the text and noted at the end. It is also essential to send, with the completed output, photocopies or scans of at least the first page of books, reports and bulletins, used as reference material as well as copies of the pages quoted. The content of the generated document shall be the sole property of ESCWA. The consultant shall keep in mind that UN-ESCWA routinely checks all deliverables for plagiarism, using readily available electronic tools. All previously published content, even if written by the selected consultant, must be clearly referenced where required within the text and end-noted at the end of the study. The report submitted by the consultant must not contain quoted and/or previously published text equalling more than 20 per cent of the total number of pages. The consultant shall not publish or announce or reveal the content of the report, partly or entirely, on social media or any other public channel, without ESCWA and GIA permission. The content of the generated document shall be the sole property of ESCWA.

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

16 weeks

Duties and Responsibilities

GENERAL SCOPE Blockchain represents today one of the foundational digital technologies for advancing sustainable development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Blockchain can “revolutionize processes in various areas, from finance to trade and from government public services to humanitarian work,” with strong potential to accelerate SDG progress if aligned with national priorities . Blockchain introduces new systems of trust and exchange, enhancing transparency, accountability and efficiency in areas such as supply chains, financial inclusion, identity systems and aid delivery. It enables sustainable infrastructure investment by improving visibility of climate-related actions, aligning stakeholders and facilitating financing for low carbon development. Globally, blockchain is expected to drive profound digital transformation across economic systems, governance structures and international collaboration. Blockchain will reshape how “businesses, governments and societies interact,” particularly in trade facilitation, supply-chain transparency, digital identity and cross border financial systems. It could transform social interaction, public institutions and economic models, affecting countries’ ability to pursue sustainable development pathways and participate in global value chains. Regionally, its impact is closely tied to digital transformation agendas and governance reforms. It empowers the development of smart sustainable cities and digital economies, covering sectors such as energy, health, and transportation. Two widely cited cases illustrate the practical value of blockchain. First, Estonia represents a leading global example of blockchain-enabled digital government: the country uses blockchain to protect national data systems and ensure integrity across services such as healthcare, property registries and legal records, enabling secure, efficient and trusted e-Government services . Second, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) provides a prominent case supported by the World Economic Forum (WEF) . Through initiatives like the Dubai Blockchain Strategy and multiple public and private sector applications, blockchain has been deployed in areas such as trade facilitation, payments, health services and secure data exchange, supported by strong governance frameworks and multi stakeholder collaboration For Libya, developing a coherent blockchain policy is essential to capture these opportunities while managing risks. Integrating blockchain into developed systems could strengthen public administration, reduce corruption risks, and improve service delivery. This would contribute to inclusive and sustainable development rather than fragmented or high risk deployment. The General Information Authority (GIA) in Libya requested the technical assistance of ESCWA to develop the national blockchain policy. The objective of this consultancy is to provide an advisory service to assist ESCWA team in suggesting the national blockchain policy to the Authority. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The consultant shall propose to the designated ESCWA focal point a detailed version of the blockchain policy. To produce the draft policy, the consultant is requested to conduct, among others, the main following tasks: 1. Review the national digital documents and the existing policies and strategies in Libya related to digital transformation, innovation, digital technologies, and other related national development plans; 2. Review best regional and international best practices related to blockchain policies and frameworks (at least 2 selected regional and 2 international cases); 3. Identify main national stakeholders, hold, in coordination with GIA, interviews and meetings with the main national stakeholders and preparing minutes of each meeting/interview summarizing the discussed points, their remarks, observations and proposals; 4. Contribute to sectoral workshops to discuss needs and priorities, if needed; 5. Prepare the needed policy based on international and regional best practices, gap analysis, national needs (SWOT analysis); 6. Present the draft report in a national workshop or meeting (physically or remotely) and capture the main comments and findings of the discussions; 7. Update the draft proposal according to all received feedback and comments during the reviewing process by ESCWA and GIA. ESCWA promotes gender equality and integration of youth through its publications and therefore the consultant should pay attention, with the help of ESCWA staff, to gender considerations and youth dimension throughout the research work to ensure that the report gives equal attention to the needs of both men and women, as well as girls and boys. Writing should use gender-sensitive language.

Qualifications/special skills

A Master's degree in ICT, technology, engineering, computer science or a related field is required. A Ph.D. degree is desirable. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. At least 5 years of professional experience and research in the domain of digital technologies is required. Previous experience in the delivery of research papers is desirable. Previous experience in the development of digital plans is desirable. Previous experience with blockchain policies and frameworks is desirable.

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 written and spoken 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.

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.