Research and Coordination Specialist (Urban Development)

Details

Mission and objectives

The Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA) was established on 9 August 1973 pursuant to Economic and Social Council’s resolution 1818 (LV). Its purpose was to stimulate economic activity in member countries, strengthen cooperation between them promote development. ESCWA's objectives are to support economic and social development in member countries, to promote interaction and cooperation between member countries, to encourage the exchange of experience, best practice and lessons learned, to achieve regional integration and ensure interaction between Western Asia and other regions, and to raise global awareness of the circumstances and needs of member countries. ESCWA provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies for member countries, a platform for congress and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory. ESCWA activities are coordinated with the divisions and main offices of the Headquarters of the United Nations, specialized agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and its subsidiary bodies, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Context

The position is located in ESCWA’s Cluster 2 on Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development. Specifically, the UNV will provide technical and non-technical support to the Urban development portfolio lead.

Task description

Under the supervisor of the Social Affairs Officer, the UN Volunteer is responsible to perform the following functions: - Support the implementation of the urban development portfolio projects including the projects on “Fostering COVID-19 recovery and SDG implementation through local action in Asia-Pacific, Arab and African countries” and the “Quality of Life Initiative” - Systematically follows through and retrieves, and compiles information on economic and financial resilience of cities, with an explicit focus on leveraging digital and technology-based solutions in the Arab region from a wide variety of information sources, prepares inputs on the subjects as required - Ac as the web focal point of the urban team - Keep abreast of urban development advances and Voluntary Local Reviews in the region and identify related knowledge gaps and prepare summaries accordingly - Support the process of establishing the first Mayors’ Academy in the Arab region aimed at strengthening the capacities of local authorities - Support the development process of the Quality-of-Life Index - Assist in drafting the knowledge products of the urban team and undertake related research needed - Assist in the preparation of agenda, info notes, presentations, background substantive material related to urban development meetings. - Coordinate with partners and relevant stakeholders on issues related to the urban team’s projects - Translate from English to Arabic and vice versa upon request. - Undertake other tasks as needed.