Strategic Foresight and Evaluation Expert on Climate Resilience

Result of ServiceA strategic foresight exercise that evaluates project impacts and proposes forward-looking recommendations for strengthening climate resilience through regional cooperation for inclusive sustainable development in the Arab region that would be elaborated in a policy brief and insights that inform future interventions. Work LocationRemotely Expected duration3 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground ESCWA has been implementing the project entitled “Climate Resilience through Regional Cooperation for Inclusive Sustainable Development\" funded by the Government of Sweden since April 2022. The project supports countries to advance evidence-based policymaking, institutionalize inclusive engagement, and adopt integrated solutions that support intergovernmental platforms and knowledge networks. These efforts are pursued through six areas of intervention elaborated in a Theory of Change. The implementation period of the current project phase ends in April 2026. A strategic foresight exercise is sought that begins with an analytical evaluation of the project’s impacts and outcomes to date, and explores future scenarios that a second phase of the project could pursue to further advance climate resilience through regional cooperation for inclusive sustainable development. The exercise would be based on strategic foresight tools and the identification of insights based regional trends that draw upon expert views and consider existing intergovernmental strategies and mandates. The finding and results would be articulated in a policy brief on climate resilience in the Arab region that includes forward-looking recommendations that can inform a next project phase. Objective The consultant would conduct as strategic foresight exercise that evaluates project impacts and proposes forward-looking recommendations for strengthening climate resilience through regional cooperation for inclusive sustainable development in the Arab region that would be elaborated in a policy brief and insights that inform future interventions. Duties and Responsibilities (1) Review existing regional and global strategies, action plans that impact programming for enhancing climate resilience for inclusive sustainable development through regional cooperation (2) Review project annual reports, website, stories, meeting reports, publications and policy notes (3) Consult with ESCWA pillar leads for clarification on project impacts and remaining gaps (4) Organize Strategic Foresight Consultation including: • Preparation of strategic foresight tools to be applied, including methodological note • Preparation of draft and final meeting information note and agenda • Contribute to the identification of a consortium of regional experts (6-8 experts) from the following fields: Climate finance; Food systems; Water security; Sustainable energy transition; Sand and dust storms/land degradation; Climate science-policy interface/climate security and extreme climate events • ESCWA will coordinate invitations, travel and logistical preparations for the meeting based on agreed meeting date in Feb 2026 in consultation with the consultant. (5) Conduct Strategic Foresight Consultation (in person) (6) Preliminary policy brief by end February (7) Solicit feedback on the draft from ESCWA on the draft (online or in person in Beirut) (8) Prepare final policy brief based on feedback (9) Contribute to brainstorming consultations with ESCWA on the structuring of a project document that responds to the identified needs and recommendations of the policy brief Qualifications/special skillsMaster's degree in the field of political science, public policy, development economics, international relations or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. At least 10 years of demonstrated professional experience working the area of monitoring and evaluation of sustainable development issues affecting the Arab region is required. At least 5 years of experience advising international organizations and/or governments on programme evaluation and planning is required. Experience using strategic foresight tools is required. 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. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable. 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.