Result of Service1- Database of reforms: Updated mapping of social protection reforms across all Arab countries, validated and organized using IT tools, 30 Days. 2- Country fiches: Draft country-level summaries (one per ESCWA member State), 30 Days. 3- Regional synthesis Analytical overview highlighting key regional trends and reform directions, 20 Days. 4- Final draft of the Digest Consolidated and edited publication draft incorporating ESCWA feedback, 20 Days Work LocationRemote Expected duration7 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: Social protection systems across Arab countries are evolving rapidly as governments seek to enhance coverage, adequacy, and sustainability in response to demographic shifts, economic challenges, and changing labour markets. In recent years, countries in the region have introduced a wide range of reforms to strengthen contributory and non-contributory programmes, improve coordination among institutions, and modernize service delivery. These include expansions of social insurance schemes, the establishment of new cash transfer programmes, adjustments to pension parameters, and increased investments in digitalization and social registries. In this dynamic context, monitoring and documenting social protection reforms is essential to understanding policy directions and measuring progress toward more inclusive and equitable systems. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) publishes the Annual Digest of Social Protection Reforms in Arab Countries to provide an overview of such developments. The Digest systematically compiles and analyses social protection reforms enacted during the previous year, highlighting national experiences and emerging regional trends. Serving as both a knowledge product and a reference tool, the Digest supports peer learning among policymakers, facilitates the exchange of good practices, and contributes to evidence-based policymaking in the region. It also complements ESCWA’s broader efforts to promote universal and sustainable social protection systems aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national development priorities. To prepare the 2026 edition, ESCWA seeks to engage a consultant with solid expertise in social protection policy and research. The consultant will support the team in collecting, mapping, analysing, and drafting information on recent reforms implemented across the Arab region, using digital and IT-based tools to retrieve, organize, and visualize relevant policy updates. Tasks - duties and responsibilities: • Collect and map reforms: o Identify and compile social protection reforms and policy measures introduced across Arab countries o Use IT tools and digital platforms (e.g., automated news alerts, databases, mapping dashboards) to retrieve, organize, and maintain reform-related information. o Review official documents, media releases, and partner reports to ensure accuracy and completeness. • Analyze and synthesize data: o Classify reforms following ESCWA’s framework (coverage, adequacy, financing, governance, and digitalization). o Identify common trends, emerging policy priorities, and innovative approaches. o Draft concise analytical summaries of country-level and regional developments. • Draft and edit the publication: o Contribute to the drafting, editing, and layout preparation of the 2026 Annual Digest of Social Protection Reforms in Arab Countries. o Ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment with ESCWA’s editorial standards. o Incorporate comments and feedback from ESCWA. • Coordinate and support validation: o Participate in virtual coordination meetings and review discussions. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree in economics, social policy, public administration, or a related field is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. At least five years of professional experience in social protection policy, research, or programme implementation is required. Experience in data collection, policy mapping, and preparation of analytical reports is desirable. IT skills, including proficiency in tools for online monitoring, data visualization, and digital mapping is desirable. Familiarity with the social protection landscape in Arab countries is an asset is desirable. Excellent analytical and drafting skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and deliver on schedule is desirable. LanguagesLanguages 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 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.