Consultant to Support the Fifth Forum for Equality
Result of Service
Timely and effective logistical and coordination support provided for the Fifth Arab Forum for Equality (AFE5), contributing to the successful planning, organization and implementation of the Forum, as well as the effective engagement of participants and partners.
Work Location
ESCWA Premises
Expected duration
2 months
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Background
Reducing inequality remains a major development challenge in the Arab region, with disparities in access to employment, education, social protection, and economic opportunities continuing to affect current and future generations. In response to these challenges, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) established the Arab Forum for Equality (AFE) as a regional platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and policy engagement on inequality. Since its launch, the Forum has brought together government representatives, United Nations entities, academia, civil society organizations, development partners, and youth from across the Arab region to discuss emerging dimensions of inequality and identify practical policy solutions. Previous editions of the Forum have examined inequality in youth employment, food security, multiple crises, and social protection, contributing to regional discussions on inclusive and sustainable development. Building on the success of previous editions, ESCWA will convene the Fifth Arab Forum for Equality (AFE5) in Muscat, Oman, on 26-27 January 2027 under the theme “Intergenerational Equality: A Path Forward.” The Forum will bring together policymakers, experts, development partners, civil society organizations, and youth representatives to examine how inequalities are transmitted across generations and to identify policies and strategies that promote equal opportunities, social justice, and inclusive development. The Forum will also serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and peer learning, highlighting successful policy experiences and innovative practices from the Arab region and beyond.
2. Objective
ESCWA seeks to engage a consultant to support the preparation and implementation of the Fifth Arab Forum for Equality by providing logistical and coordination support to ensure the effective planning, organization and delivery of the Forum's activities and related outputs.
3. Duties and Responsibilities
The consultant is requested to:
- Provide guidance and support in preparing correspondence and communications related to the Forum, including follow-up with participants, speakers, and partners, as required.
- Support the development, organization, and updating of contact lists and participant databases to facilitate effective coordination and communication.
- Provide support and recommendations for the effective coordination of participant registration processes.
- Advise on and support the coordination of travel arrangements, logistics, and visa-related requirements for speakers and participants, as required.
- Liaise and coordinate with conference services, interpreters, and other relevant service providers and operational partners to support Forum requirements.
- Provide substantive coordination, administrative, and logistical support throughout the preparation and organization of the Forum.
- Provide advice and support on other Forum-related matters within the scope of the consultancy, as required.
Qualifications/special skills
A bachelor's degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, International Relations, Public Administration, Project Management, Social Policy, Social Development, Economic Policy, Financial Policy or another relevant field. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 4 years of progressively responsive experience in administrative support, project coordination, event management, or a related area is required. Experience supporting conferences, forums, workshops, or large-scale events is desirable. Previous experience with the United Nations system or other international organizations 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 in Arabic and English is required. Fluency in French 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 Information
Recruitment for this position is on a local basis. The incumbent is required to have the legal right to live and work in the specified working location.
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.
