Result of ServiceThe service of the Individual contractor is needed to carry out research analysis in the development of technical reports for the Project. Work LocationUN-House ESCWA Expected duration3 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesInternational trade has evolved, with tariffs decreasing and non-tariff measures, such as logistics and customs procedures, becoming significant barriers. Emerging technologies, particularly blockchain, offer solutions by enhancing efficiency, transparency, and security of trade processes. Blockchain enables secure, automated sharing of information and documents across the supply chain, reducing delays caused by the need to verify and certify trade data. Governments play a crucial role in building the necessary ecosystem to engage all stakeholders, address risks, and ensure blockchain supports sustainable and inclusive development. Within the framework of the Project under DA account on Blockchains for Facilitating Trade and Enhancing competitiveness, that aims to enhance the capacity of trade and customs officials to effectively leverage blockchain technology for trade facilitation. This will lead to more efficient, transparent, and secure trade processes, fostering greater regional collaboration and the adoption of innovative solutions in international trade. In particular, the IC will be tasked to do the following: • Research, compiles, analyses, summarizes, and presents basic information/data related to activities on regional integration in the Arab region. • Systematically follows through and retrieves, highlights and compiles information on Trade integration in the Arab region from a wide variety of information sources; prepares inputs on the subject as required. • Prepares statistical tables and graphs and assists in the preparation of presentations and background substantive material on trade integration related deliverables. • Translates from English and French to Arabic and vice versa upon request. • Assist in administrative tasks related to workshop preparations and logistics. Qualifications/special skillsA Bachelor's degree in a field related to applied economics is required. A Master’s degree in international trade and applied economics is desirable. A minimum of 1 year of experience in the field of research and analysis is required. Knowledge of trade is required. Knowledge in Blockchain technology is required. Proficiency in Microsoft office application 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. Fluency in French is desirable. 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.