Result of ServiceUnder the direct supervision of the Senior Consultants and in coordination with ESCWA, the Research and Analytical Support Consultant is expected to contribute to the following outputs: 1. Inception Inputs: provide research and data inputs to support the preparation of the Inception Report, including literature review, mapping of sources, and preliminary analytical tables. 2. Benchmarking Report Contributions: compile, analyze, and synthesize quantitative and qualitative information to support the development of the Benchmarking Report and its comparative case studies. 3. Draft TOM Options Inputs: assist in preparing data, visuals, and narrative elements to inform the drafting of the preliminary Target Operating Model (TOM) options. 4. Final TOM Design Report Support: ensure data accuracy, visual coherence, and proper referencing in the final TOM Design Report and its annexes. 5. Presentation and Validation Support: prepare background materials, PowerPoint slides, and meeting notes for the validation workshop, documenting key feedback and recommendations. Work LocationRemote Expected duration1 Month Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), through its Cluster 6 on Governance and Conflict Prevention, works to advance just, peaceful and inclusive societies, particularly for people living under occupation or in conflict and post-conflict settings. The Cluster aims to improve governance and strengthen effective, efficient, and accountable public institutions, while enhancing the quality and accessibility of public service delivery. In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 16, which calls for the creation of effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels, ESCWA recognizes that effective governance is a foundation for all other SDGs. Achieving national development goals depends on capable and trusted public institutions that can formulate policies, implement programs, and deliver services equitably. Civil servants, especially those in senior and leadership roles, play a decisive role in institutional performance and state resilience. Strengthening their motivation, competence, and integrity is therefore central to building a responsive and future-ready state. In this context, Lebanon’s public administration, largely unchanged since the 1960s, faces deep structural and institutional challenges, including outdated mandates, fragmented functions, and limited capacity to deliver quality public services. In response, the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) is leading a bold reform initiative titled “Reinventing Lebanon’s Public Sector 2030.” The initiative aims to modernize governance, streamline institutional mandates, strengthen accountability, and rebuild citizens’ trust in public institutions. The reform is being designed in three phases: Phase 1: Stakeholder engagement and vision-setting (ongoing) Phase 2: Design of a comprehensive reform blueprint (by end of 2025) Phase 3: Implementation (expected over the next 3–4 years) Within Phase 2, the UN Country Team (UNCT), led by the Resident Coordinator and supported by UNDP and ESCWA, is jointly providing technical assistance to OMSAR in key areas, including institutional assessment, global benchmarking, and the development of a Target Operating Model (TOM) for Lebanon’s public sector. Tasks - duties and responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Senior Consultants and in coordination with ESCWA through which coordination is carried out with UNDP and OMSAR, the Research and Analytical Support Consultant will contribute to both phases of the assignment as follows: A. Benchmarking Phase 1. Assist in developing the benchmarking framework and criteria for identifying comparable reform cases by gathering and organizing data from relevant global and regional sources. 2. Support the identification and documentation of 5–7 international and regional case studies of public sector reform (including at least one Arab and one OECD example). 3. Collect, code, and analyze information on governance systems, institutional design, civil service reform, digital transformation, and reform sequencing based on desk research and available literature. 4. Synthesize findings into comparative tables, visuals, and analytical summaries to support the preparation of the Benchmarking and Innovation Report. 5. Assist in preparing presentations, briefing notes, and background materials for the validation workshop with OMSAR and UN partners, and record key discussion points and feedback. B. Target Operating Model (TOM) Development 1. Support the preparation of background inputs for the conceptual TOM framework, building on benchmarking results and institutional assessment findings. 2. Assist in organizing and structuring data on mandates, coordination mechanisms, service delivery processes, and digital systems across public institutions. 3. Contribute to drafting visual and narrative elements for the 3–4 preliminary TOM options, including analytical charts, infographics, and supporting tables. 4. Document feedback and discussion outcomes from consultations with OMSAR and UNDP, the Reform Steering Committee, and other stakeholders. 5. Assist in finalizing and formatting the TOM Design Report, ensuring methodological consistency, data accuracy, and proper referencing across all components. 6. Support the organization of the multi-stakeholder validation meeting, including preparation of PowerPoint slides, summary notes, and follow-up documentation. Qualifications/special skillsBachelor’s in Public Policy, Economics, Political Science, or related field is required. A Master’s in Public Policy, Economics, Political Science, or related field is desirable. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 5 years of experience in policy research, data analysis, or governance studies is required. Strong analytical, writing, and visualization skills (Excel, Power BI, or Tableau) is desirable. Demonstrated experience supporting institutional reform, governance, or public policy research projects, preferably in the Arab region is required. Strong analytical and drafting skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear summaries, tables, and visuals is required. Familiarity with public administration systems, preferably in Lebanon or comparable regional contexts 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.