Consultancy on Market Access, Transport and Logistics Development in the Arab Region
Organizational Context
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) seeks a consultant to analyze market access, transport, and logistics development in the Arab region. This role contributes to understanding and improving regional economic integration and supply chain resilience within ESCWA's mandate.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this consultancy is to produce a comprehensive analytical paper on Market Access, Transport, and Logistics Development in the Arab Region. The paper will assess the region's current transport and logistics systems, their impact on market access and economic performance, and identify critical infrastructure and institutional gaps. The consultant will develop policy recommendations to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and resilience of these systems, thereby supporting economic transformation and strengthening supply chains. This work is crucial for unlocking the region's strategic potential and fostering greater economic cooperation.
Responsibilities
The consultant will prepare an analytical paper on Market Access, Transport, and Logistics Development in the Arab Region. Key tasks include assessing the performance of transport and logistics hubs and multimodal corridors, and their role in expanding market access. The consultant will analyze how efficient systems reduce trade costs, facilitate investment, and create employment opportunities. They will also evaluate institutional, regulatory, and operational frameworks, including transit agreements and border cooperation. Identifying critical infrastructure and capability gaps, such as missing links and high logistics costs, is essential. Finally, the consultant will develop policy recommendations to strengthen transport and logistics systems, expand market access, diversify routes, and enhance supply chain resilience.
Work Experience
A minimum of 15 years of professional work experience in research on regional development issues is required. Experience in macroeconomic issues or infrastructure development in the Arab region, with publications in peer-reviewed journals, is necessary. Experience with high-level initiatives from international organizations and quantitative analysis is desirable.
Skills
Research and analytical skills, quantitative analysis, understanding of regional development issues, knowledge of macroeconomic issues and infrastructure development, familiarity with transport and logistics systems, policy development, report writing, fluency in English.