Circular Economy Policy and SME Enabling Environment Consultancy

Result of ServiceThis assignment aims to develop a regional policy framework for circular economy that fosters an enabling environment for SMEs to adopt circular practices. Work LocationRemotely Expected duration4 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground The Arab region faces significant environmental and socio-economic challenges that hinder its transition to a circular economy. Continued reliance on linear economic models contributes to resource depletion, environmental degradation, and social inequities, while high unemployment, particularly among women and youth, exacerbates vulnerabilities across the region. To address these challenges, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is implementing the project “Better Policies for Accelerated Transition to Circular Economy and Enhanced Climate Action in Arab States.” The project aims to accelerate the shift toward circularity by strengthening enabling policy frameworks and building institutional and human capacities in three target countries: Lebanon, Morocco, and Oman. Recognizing the pivotal role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which constitute 80–90% of businesses in most Arab countries, the project focuses on empowering SMEs as key drivers of circular transformation. It supports policymakers, business support organizations (BSOs), and SMEs through a combination of policy development, technical assistance, and targeted capacity-building interventions. A core component of the project is the development of a regional policy framework to provide clear guidance for Arab countries on creating enabling environments for SMEs to adopt circular economy principles. This consultancy aims to address the regional policy and implementation gap by developing and validating a framework that promotes SME engagement and supports countries in establishing their national circular economy strategies. To this aim, ESCWA is seeking an Expert in Circular Economy Policy and SME Enabling Environment. Objective This assignment aims to develop a regional policy framework for circular economy that fosters an enabling environment for SMEs to adopt circular practices. The expert will lead the design of a comprehensive framework to guide Arab policymakers promoting SME engagement in circular economy initiatives. The policy framework will be informed by a review of existing national strategies, policies, and regulatory instruments related to the circular economy in the Arab region. It will also require consultations with key stakeholders in selected countries, including the three target countries. Tasks - Duties and Responsibilities The expert will be responsible for the following tasks: - Conduct a desk review of existing circular economy policies, strategies, and initiatives in the Arab region, related to SMEs. - Engage with key stakeholders from selected countries in the region including Lebanon, Morocco, and Oman to gather insights, priorities, and country-specific needs to ensure their input is integrated into the design and development process (via consultation meetings, and/or a survey). - Develop a regional policy framework covering at least the two chapters described above in the methodology. - Continuous coordination with ESCWA and other consultants working within the project to align the framework with project objectives and timelines. - Provide the first full draft of the Framework for ESCWA’s review and feedback. - Provide a final draft of the Framework to be presented at the validation meeting. - Support the online regional consultation meeting that ESCWA will be organizing to validate the framework, including preparing and delivering a presentation, facilitating discussions, and collecting feedback for final adjustments. - Provide the final version of the framework following inputs and feedback from the stakeholders during the validation meeting. Qualifications/special skillsA master’s degree in circular economy, sustainability, economics, political economy, or a related field such as environmental policy or business development with a focus on sustainability is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Note: All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. At least 10 years of experience in circular economy, sustainable development, or economics is required. Proven experience designing policy frameworks or strategic guidelines is required. Experience conducting regional analysis and stakeholder consultations is required. Familiarity working on SME development or enabling environments is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand). Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.