Consultancy on Public Policy Making and Evaluation tools and training

Result of ServiceThis work will support ESCWA’s efforts during Syria’s transitional phase by contributing to institutional development and enhancing the country’s policymaking and evaluation capacities. It will do so through the exchange of experiences and lessons learned, drawing on international best practices adapted to Syria’s specific transitional and recovery context. This work is intended to strengthen ESCWA’s efforts not only in Syria but also across the broader region, thereby supporting evidence-based policy making and, promoting accountability, and evaluation culture. Work LocationRemote Expected duration4 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground and Objective Since the fall of the regime in December 2024, the Syrian Arab Republic has entered a new transitional phase of socio-economic transformation, marked by both emerging opportunities and challenges. Years of conflict have left the country’s socio-economic fabric extremely fragile, with deepening religious and ethnic divisions, severe inflation, high unemployment, and a depletion of public resources. Critical sectors have been particularly hard hit, due to structural weaknesses, inequalities, failed public policies and inadequate infrastructure. As part of its mandate to promote human development and support democratic transition in the region, ESCWA implemented the NAFS programme since 2012. The programme has served as an inclusive platform for technical dialogue among Syrians from all backgrounds. It remained one of the key platforms to systematically assess the policy needs for a post-conflict Syria. In response to the evolving context, ESCWA continues to implement a range of projects and initiatives building on its long-standing efforts under NAFS to support Syria’s transitional phase. These include supporting institutions, with training, research, analysis, as well as other tailored activities carefully aligned with the needs and priorities identified by Syrians. As Syria currently is in a transitional phase, there is a critical need to support the capacity of national stakeholders to design and evaluate public policies that are inclusive, responsive, and grounded in evidence. This will support the country's early recovery trajectory and ensuring the alignment of emerging policy frameworks with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The objective of this assignment is to support institutional development, with a particular focus on the design and delivery of public policy making and evaluation processes. The consultant/s will be responsible for conducting a mapping of policy evaluation approaches, including in conflict and post conflict affected areas. This work is intended to strengthen ESCWA’s efforts not only in Syria but also across the broader region, thereby supporting evidence-based policy making and, promoting accountability, and policy evaluation culture. Duties and Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Syria Portfolio Coordinator/ NAFS Programme Manager, the consultant/s will be responsible for the following task: • Output 1: Prepare a draft manual on effective public policy evaluation methodologies, including both process and impact evaluations. • Output 2: Finalize the manual on effective public policy evaluation methodologies after integrating revisions and feedback. Qualifications/special skillsA Master's degree in economics, political science, public policy, political economy, development studies, social studies, or a related area is required. A PhD in one of these areas is desirable. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 12 years of professional experience in policy formulation, evaluation or a related field is required. Proven knowledge and experience in researching key policies is required. Proven knowledge of the Syrian conflict, or other conflict affected areas is desirable. A record of published work in relevant areas 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 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.