Consultancy on Culture and Creative Industries in the Arab Region
Organizational Context
The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), part of the UN Secretariat, is seeking a consultant to analyze the trade in culture within the Arab States. This role will assess the current trade landscape, identify barriers and opportunities, and propose measures to enhance regional cultural connections and economic growth.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this consultancy is to produce an analytical paper on the trade in culture among Arab States. This paper will quantify the trade volume, explore factors influencing cross-border sales of cultural products, determine earnings, and identify strategies to boost trade. It will also establish indicators for ESCWA to monitor cultural interconnections over time. The consultancy aims to assess the economic contribution of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs), identify market expansion opportunities, and recommend policy priorities to foster creative enterprises, productive employment, and cultural exchange within the Arab region, leveraging digital platforms and new technologies.
Responsibilities
The consultant will assess the economic contribution of CCIs across Arab States, including their impact on global markets, employment, business activity, and incomes, with a focus on women and youth. They will analyze regional cultural exchanges and market opportunities, comparing them with other regions and evaluating the influence of shared language, cultural affinities, and proximity. The role involves identifying institutional, regulatory, and operational barriers to cross-border cultural activities, such as intellectual property rights, licensing, and distribution. Additionally, the consultant will examine the transformative role of digital platforms and AI in cultural production and consumption, and conduct empirical analysis and case studies to evaluate the economic benefits of stronger regional cultural exchanges, developing policy recommendations.
Work Experience
A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in economic research is required. Experience with international trade data and gravity trade models is desirable. Experience leading multi-country research teams in the Arab region or Mediterranean is also desirable.
Skills
Economic analysis, international trade data analysis, gravity trade models, research leadership, understanding of cultural and creative industries, digital platforms and AI in culture, policy development.