Consultancy on Regional Connectivity and Prosperity Framework

Organizational Context

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) seeks a consultant to develop the Arab Regional Connectivity and Prosperity Framework (ARCPF). This framework will provide an integrated analytical approach to assess regional connectivity, its enablers, and constraints, aiming to unlock the Arab region's prosperity potential. The role is remote and expected to last for six months.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to produce a comprehensive technical paper on regional connectivity and prosperity. This involves developing a conceptual framework with theoretical foundations, validating the index methodology, and conducting empirical analysis for the Arab region. The role will examine how strategic assets, investment ecosystems, and institutional readiness influence regional connectivity and contribute to resilience, integration, and shared prosperity. The consultant will analyze results, derive policy implications, and provide recommendations to enhance connectivity and prosperity in the Arab region, addressing a gap in existing international indices.

Responsibilities

The consultant will develop and refine the conceptual framework for the Regional Connectivity and Prosperity Index, ensuring clear definitions, component linkages, and data availability. They will design an internationally credible methodological framework, including indicator selection, normalization, weighting, aggregation, and validation, ensuring transparency and reproducibility. The consultant will develop and empirically validate an analytical model to examine relationships between connectivity, assets, investments, institutional readiness, and prosperity, identifying gaps and trends. They will analyze regional results against global benchmarks, derive policy implications, and assess data availability and limitations. The consultant will provide technical guidance, participate in consultations, respond to feedback, and document methodological decisions.

Work Experience

A minimum of 15 years of professional work experience in research on regional development issues is required. Experience in undertaking high-level initiatives from international organizations and demonstrating quantitative analysis and interpretation skills are desirable.

Skills

Conceptual framework development, methodological validation, empirical analysis, quantitative analysis, data interpretation, research on regional development, technical guidance, report writing.

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