Consultant to Prepare a Background Paper on Multidimensional Poverty and Social Protection in the Arab Region
Organizational Context
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) seeks an expert to prepare a background paper on multidimensional poverty and social protection in the Arab region. This role supports ESCWA's mandate to strengthen member states' capacity in poverty assessment and social protection policy design, contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this consultancy is to produce a comprehensive background paper that examines the integration of multidimensional poverty (MPI) information into social protection policies and service delivery within the Arab region. The paper will analyze evidence, methodological considerations, and policy options, distinguishing how MPI can complement existing proxy means tests (PMTs) and social registries. It aims to enhance Arab governments' ability to design, target, coordinate, and deliver effective social protection programs, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction and improved well-being for vulnerable populations. The findings will inform ESCWA's capacity-building initiatives and policy recommendations for member states.
Responsibilities
The consultant will prepare a consolidated background paper on integrating multidimensional poverty information into social protection policies and services in the Arab region. This involves reviewing literature on conventional and MPI-informed social protection programming, analyzing country experiences with various targeting methods, and mapping social registry coverage and data availability in Arab countries. The consultant will develop a typology of policy applications for MPI integration, assess their suitability in different contexts, and formulate a framework for combining PMT-based systems with MPI-informed approaches. Additionally, the role includes describing a model for using MPI-informed registration data to support case management and referral systems, consolidating a draft paper with policy recommendations, and potentially presenting findings at ESCWA meetings.
Work Experience
A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in poverty measurement and/or social protection analysis, including multidimensional poverty measurement (Alkire-Foster method), is required. Demonstrated knowledge of social protection targeting methods (proxy means tests, social registries) and experience analyzing household survey, census, or administrative microdata using statistical software are also necessary. Experience in the Arab region and a publication record on poverty or social assistance are desirable.
Skills
Poverty measurement, social protection analysis, multidimensional poverty measurement (Alkire-Foster method), social protection targeting methods (proxy means tests, social registries), microdata analysis (household surveys, census, administrative data), statistical software proficiency, report writing, policy analysis.