JOB DESCRIPTION

Result of Service The Individual Contractor will contribute to research and analysis on trade-related issues relevant to Saudi Arabia and the GCC, support the integration of economic data into the simulation models, and assist in preparing technical documentation and policy-relevant outputs that will be used for training purposes as well as policy analysis. In particular, the IC will be tasked to do the following:

• Conduct trade policy research and carry out in-depth research and analysis on trade-related topics relevant to Saudi Arabia and the GCC region, including trade agreements, policy reforms, and external shocks, to inform the structure and parameters of the simulation tools to be developed under this project.
• Assist in drafting technical notes, background papers, and policy briefs summarizing findings from trade simulations, including implications for policy development, trade negotiations, and economic diversification strategies
• Undertake specific analyses on selected subjects related to trade integration.
• Assist in preparing training materials and delivery of training sessions.
• Performs other related tasks and duties assigned.

Work Location UN-House ESCWA

Expected duration 6 Months

Duties and Responsibilities Background: In response to a request from the Ministry of Economy and Planning (MEP) of Saudi Arabia, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) developed Version 1 of the Global Economywide Trade Simulation Interface (GETSI) tailored to the Saudi context. ESCWA also conducted training workshops to introduce the model, its interface and applications to the national team. Following the successful completion of the first phase, MEP requested the extension of the project to develop new tailored toolkits that will be used for trade and economic policy analysis. This new phase emphasizes aligning GETSI more closely with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic integration using the latest databases for the Saudi economy as well the rest of the world. This new phase of cooperation between ESCWA and MEP entails the development of a new and enhanced GETSI model for Saudi Arabia, a tailored Dynamic Trade Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) Model for the Saudi economy as well as a regional Dynamic Trade CGE Model for the GCC countries. The project entails also the development of three user-friendly interfaces as well as the delivery of training for the national team. These tools aim to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by providing robust, interactive platforms for analyzing trade dynamics at national, regional, and global levels. They will enhance the country’s capacity to assess trade policies, respond to external shocks, and support evidence-based decision-making in trade negotiations and policy reforms. Objectives: The services of an individual contractor are needed to contribute to research and analysis on trade-related issues relevant to Saudi Arabia and the GCC, support the integration of economic data into the simulation models, and assist in preparing technical documentation and policy-relevant outputs that will be used for training purposes as well as policy analysis. Duties and Responsibilities: In particular, the IC will be tasked to do the following:

• Conduct trade policy research and carry out in-depth research and analysis on trade-related topics relevant to Saudi Arabia and the GCC region, including trade agreements, policy reforms, and external shocks, to inform the structure and parameters of the simulation tools to be developed under this project.
• Assist in drafting technical notes, background papers, and policy briefs summarizing findings from trade simulations, including implications for policy development, trade negotiations, and economic diversification strategies Undertake specific analyses on selected subjects related to trade integration.
• Assist in preparing training materials and delivery of training sessions.
• Performs other related tasks and duties assigned.

Qualifications/special skills A Bachelor”s degree in applied economics or related field is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of two years of professional work experience in research and analysis is required. Familiarity with major trade databases such COMTRADE and TradeMap is required. Proficiency in Microsoft office applications is required. Familiar with UN ESCWA’s work on trade analysis is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations secretariat and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in Arabic and English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Notes: “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 Information Not available.

No Fee THE 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.