Result of ServiceThe ultimate result of the service is the full integration of comprehensive, up-to-date digital trade policy data for all UNESCWA member states into the Digital Trade Integration (DTI) database. This will ensure that the Arab region is accurately and thoroughly represented in global digital trade analyses, while also enhancing the Arab Development Portal (ADP) as a central platform for accessible, comparative, and policy-relevant data on digital trade across the region. Work LocationRemotely/hybrid Expected duration3.6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: The Arab Development Portal (ADP) is a regional knowledge and data platform that offers open access to high-quality, harmonized statistics and development indicators across the Arab region. The ADP supports evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development by serving as a central hub for data, research, and analysis on key development themes. The portal was developed as a joint project between the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN ESCWA) and the Arab Coordination Group (ACG). To further strengthen its coverage of digital economy and trade-related content, UN ESCWA, the implementing partner and custodian for the ADP, will be integrating data from the Digital Trade Integration (DTI) project into the ADP. The DTI project, coordinated by the European University Institute and supported by a global network of academic and policy institutions, is a pioneering initiative that compiles and analyses regulatory data on digital trade across more than 150 countries. It includes over 6,500 policy measures and 65 indicators, offering a comprehensive view of the digital trade landscape. This integration builds on the DTI projectโs successful collaborations with other regional UN bodies, including the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). These partnerships have significantly enriched the DTIโs global coverage and demonstrated the value of regional cooperation in advancing digital trade transparency. Thanks to similar collaborative efforts, the DTI project has already included data for many UNESCWA member states. However, seven countries remain to be covered: Iraq, Lebanon, the State of Palestine, Qatar, the Syrian Arab Republic, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. To address this gap, UNESCWA is currently seeking to recruit a researcher to conduct in-depth research and data collection on digital trade policies in these countries, ensuring their inclusion in the DTI database. By integrating DTI data into the ADP, this initiative will: ยท Enhance regional digital policy transparency and accessibility; ยท Support policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders with robust, comparative data on digital trade regulations; ยท Promote regulatory convergence and cooperation among Arab countries; ยท Strengthen the Arab regionโs participation in the global digital economy. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing digital integration and sustainable development through open data, regional partnerships, and evidence-based policymaking. Duties and responsibilities: The researcher will be responsible for producing the following key deliverable/s: Comprehensive country datasets for three UNESCWA Member States: For each of the countries, the researcher will deliver a complete dataset of digital trade-related policies and regulations, coded according to the DTI methodology. The Member States in scope for this agreement are: Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Masterโs or equivalent) in economics, international trade, law, public policy, digital economy, or related fields is required. A PhD would be an advantage, particularly if the focus is on digital trade regulations, international economic law, or regulatory impact analysis. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Minimum of 2 years of experience in economic analysis, trade and/or digital trade policy research is required. Proven experience in reviewing and analyzing national policies and legal frameworks in Arab countries or other developing regions is required. Proven experience in compiling structured datasets from regulatory texts or legal instruments is required. Proven experience in working with or contributing to international databases (e.g., WTO, OECD, UNCTAD, or similar) is required. Familiarity with the Digital Trade Integration (DTI) project or comparable initiatives is desirable. Familiarity with UNESCWA member countriesโ policy environments or regional digital strategies is desirable. Familiarity with Open data platforms, data harmonization, and indicator 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. Note: โFluencyโ equals a rating of โfluentโ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and โKnowledge ofโ equals a rating of โconfidentโ 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 APPLICANTSโ BANK ACCOUNTS.