Policy Research, Editorial and Knowledge Products Consultant
Organizational Context
The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is modernizing and innovating through its Decision-Support and Data Science Division (DSDSD). This division provides advanced analytics and decision-support services to ESCWA, UN entities, and Member States, aligning with the UN 2.0 agenda. DSDSD utilizes data-driven insights, emerging technologies, and strategic foresight to inform policymaking and operations across the region.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to support the Computational Economics Team in transforming analytical work, country engagements, and evidence into high-quality, accessible knowledge products for policymakers and practitioners. The role involves systematically collecting Member State experiences and feedback through research and interviews to inform new editorial and knowledge-product formats. The consultant will independently research, interview, synthesize, structure, draft, and edit material, contributing to the development of engaging and useful content. A key aspect is proactively identifying opportunities for new stories, digital formats, and knowledge products, developing them from concept to draft, and recommending strategies for dissemination and engagement with professional communities.
Responsibilities
Conduct comprehensive desk research and collect evidence on economic, social, and public policy issues relevant to the Computational Economics Team and ISPAR. Design and execute interviews, surveys, and qualitative evidence-gathering activities with Member States and stakeholders to document country experiences, gather user feedback, and identify emerging needs. Organize, synthesize, and document collected evidence for reuse in various formats, including country pages, reports, briefs, and digital products. Draft clear, concise, and evidence-based policy and analytical content, translating complex material for diverse audiences. Prepare country stories, case studies, briefs, and web content based on team analysis and research. Edit and refine draft materials for clarity, structure, consistency, accuracy, and accessibility. Support analytical publications through literature reviews, background research, fact-checking, and evidence synthesis. Prepare and revise draft sections for reports and working papers under guidance. Contribute to developing editorial series, digital content, and knowledge products to enhance visibility and usefulness. Proactively propose new editorial formats and products, developing them from concept to draft.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in policy research, journalism, analytical writing, editorial work, or knowledge product development is required. Demonstrated experience in independent research, developing high-quality policy/analytical/editorial products, conducting interviews/surveys with senior stakeholders, and translating technical material for different audiences is essential. Experience supporting analytical publications and a strong portfolio of English writing samples are required. Experience with development issues or international organizations is desirable.
Skills
Policy research, evidence collection, interviewing, survey design, qualitative data gathering, synthesis, analytical writing, content creation, editing, knowledge product development, editorial strategy, communication, translation of technical material, research support, fact-checking, stakeholder engagement.