Result of ServiceThe consultant will prepare a full report in English or Arabic in accordance with the UN publishing rules. The consultant will attend up to two consultative workshops with stakeholders to discuss and validate the outcome of the study. Work LocationRemote Expected duration3 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: Blockchain is quickly transforming the way data is stored and managed. Technology is considered to be an important aspect in several sectors, including cross-border trade and the global supply chain. Several challenges exist along the supply chain, impacting logistics functions, impacting logistics functions and causing increased cost of trade. Difficulties often emerge from the lack of transparency, speed, and traceability. The blockchain technology is believed to solve some of these key challenges by providing a set of records that can be tracked and evaluated at all levels of the supply chain by all parties. Its main objective is to create an automated process, reducing the use of paperwork and supporting traceability. The following are key features of blockchain that can be used in logistics: Transparency: - Integrate all data by all parties into one source. - History of clients or suppliers recorded, making it easier to assess their creditworthiness. - Provides accurate information on the status of events for better traceability. Security: - Secure platform to exchange information. - Inability to tamper with information since every information is securely recorded in the chain. Easing the process: - Using smart contracts to increase the level of automation and combine processes such as payment, settlement of tariffs, or cargo checks. - Removing intermediaries at several stages of the chain, by creating a trustworthy environment. Efficient process: - Reduce costs by avoiding errors and redundancies. - Faster automated process, with less room for human error. Some countries have already initiated projects to use the technology in several areas such as the transfer of digital documents, digital bill of lading, and automated customs systems, among other things. Lebanon is performing modestly in trade facilitation evidenced by its scores and ranking in various global indicators including LPI, digital and sustainable trade facilitation index, among other despite effort to streamline process and enhance efficiency. Duties and Responsibilities: To enhance performance, Lebanon’s trade processes need to be mapped, assessed and reformed, capitalizing on the availability of modern technology that can solve traditional difficulties like blockchain and artificial intelligence. This assignment aims to assess the trade ecosystem in Lebanon and identify potential blockchain use cases and prepare a road map for the implementation of a reform project using the technology. The consultant will prepare a report Lebanon’s trade ecosystem highlighting: - Mapping of trade procedures identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies and suggest the reform needed where the use of blockchain is a potential solution to the matter. - Preparing a roadmap for the use of blockchain in trade ecosystem in the country. - An overview of the challenges and limitations of using the technology in the country - Legal and regulatory requirements for the smooth adaptation of the technology in the country Qualifications/special skillsA master’s degree in economics, business administration or technology 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 10 years of professional work experience in International trade facilitation is required. LanguagesEnglish 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 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 InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.