Consultant to develop Digital Economy Ecosystem Roadmap- Lebanon

Result of ServiceThe consultant will prepare a report Lebanon’s trade ecosystem highlighting: A. Current State Baseline: - Assess Lebanon’s current Digital Economy ecosystem including digital infrastructure, skills, literacy, regulatory environment, etc. - Review Lebanon’s Digital Economy aspiration and key strategies (e.g. –Digital Transformation Strategy). B. Understand global best practices: - Conduct benchmarking to identify the best practices across digital economy pillars from leading countries. - Identify the GAPs between the leading best practices in Digital Economy and Lebanon’s current digital economy baseline and develop implications for Lebanon’s digital economy framework. C. Develop Lebanon’s digital economy framework: - Develop ‘Lebanon’s Digital Economy Framework’, including its key pillars and enablers, such as 1. Priority sectors to focus on to enhance digital adoption and augment Lebanon’s digital economy 2. Digitally enabled business models, such as digital content and digital services 3. Key digital economy enablers, such as governance and institutions, legal and regulations, research and innovation, digital talent and skills, entrepreneurship, and funding and investment D. Develop Lebanon’s digital economy roadmap: - Based on Lebanon’s digital economy framework, identify key Digital Economy Initiatives to enhance Lebanon’s digital economy. - Prioritize these key initiatives based on their impact on Lebanon’s digital economy, and the ease of implementation. - Develop a roadmap to implement these initiatives. - Develop a stakeholder’s map for the implementation of the roadmap Work LocationRemotely Expected duration4 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: Lebanon, with its diverse economy and entrepreneurial spirit, has long been a center for regional and international trade and commerce, attracting businesses and investors from around the world. However, after reaching record growth levels between 2007 and 2010 (8% CAGR), Lebanon’s economic growth has slowed since 2011 due to political instability, COVID-19 pandemic and regional conflict. According to World Bank Lebanon Economic Monitor (LEM) released in December 2024, Lebanon's real GDP growth has been cut by an estimated 6.6% as result of the regional conflict, bringing the cumulative decline in real GDP since 2019 to more than 38% by the end of 2024. The deepening contraction reflects the devastating impact of mass displacement, destruction, and reduced private consumption. Lebanon recognizes the digital economy as a key driver in its economic modernization efforts. In 2017, the Council of Ministers approved the launch of a study aimed at setting a Vision for Lebanon’s economy under the title ‘Lebanon’s Economic Vision, and ways to achieve it’. The vision would aim to grow GDP and create jobs through selecting productive sectors that could become competitive and inform the government’s role in that regard. In 2022, Lebanon published a national strategy for digital transformation, to modernize the nation’s governance and economy by leveraging digital technologies to address challenges, foster innovation, and improve public services. By 2030, the vision is to transform Lebanon into one of the most digitally advanced countries in the Arab world, with a focus on transparent, citizen-centric governance and fostering a vibrant digital economy. The strategy also supports Lebanon’s recovery and development plan by linking digital transformation to broader economic and societal goals. Digital economy encompasses all economic activities reliant on digital technologies, infrastructure, services, and data, contributing significantly to GDP. According to Oxford Economics, Digital economy consists of three key components: • At the core is IT / ICT sector, which includes information services, telecommunications, hardware manufacturing, software and IT services • The core enables the 2nd layer of digital economy, which includes digital services and platform economy • At the peripheral is the digitized economy, comprising of gig economy, e-business, industry 4.0, algorithmic economy, and digital trade among others. Lebanon’s Digital Economy contribution to GDP is 2.1%. The digital economy will play a pivotal role in achieving Lebanon’s economic growth ambitions, particularly in the face of rapid technological advancements. By contributing significantly to GDP growth, enhancing digital infrastructure, and optimizing government services, the digital sector positions Lebanon as a leader in innovation within the region. Hence, Lebanon needs a holistic national level framework for digital economy, which engages all relevant ministries, government entities & stakeholders to unlock “Digital Economy” contribution to GDP. Duties and Responsibilities: As a part of the development account on leveraging Blockchain technology to enhance trade facilitation and competitiveness, ESCWA is seeking develop a digital economy framework report and implementation roadmap, which will delve into the challenges and opportunities across Lebanon's digital economy pillars, and how to address those challenges. The objective of this assignment is to analyze Lebanon’s current digital economy ecosystem, refer to best regional and international practices, and develop a digital economy framework for Lebanon, including recommendations and an implementation roadmap for future implementation. The framework covers among others the following initial components: • Digital economy definition and key pillars • Overview of digital economy trends (regional and international) and best practices • Current baseline of digital economy ecosystem in Lebanon • Recommendation and implementation roadmap to enhance Lebanon’s digital economy • The role of Blockchain and AI in the digital economy in Lebanon Qualifications/special skillsA Graduate Degree in Economics, Technology, Law, Business or related area is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 10 years of professional work experience in development policies and economics is required. Previous experience in drafting strategies or policies for digital development 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. Fluency in Arabic is desirable. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas. 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.