Consultancy to Provide Support to Produce National Accounts

Client of United Nation careers

Background and Objective The second phase of the technical assistance programme for Syria s national accounts builds directly on the substantial progress achieved during Phase I (August December 2025). In that initial phase, ESCWA in close collaboration with the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA), succeeded in compiling annual GDP estimates for a continuous, fully documented four-year period PHONE_NUMBER). These estimates covered all economic activities and included a number of newly defined sub-activities that had not been previously reflected in Syria s national accounts framework. This represents a major stride toward rebuilding a coherent, modern, and methodologically sound system of national accounts. In addition, methodological updates implemented during Phase I in line with SNA 2008 principles. However, the condensed duration of Phase I did not allow for deeper structural reforms that are critical for a fully modernized accounts system: upgrading data-collection tools, finalizing the expenditure approach, revising survey instruments to capture informal economic activities, and establishing a constant-price (real) GDP series. To address these gaps, the 2026 mission which covers January through December has been designed as a comprehensive, expanded technical-assistance phase. Its aim is not merely to refine the outputs of Phase I, but to expand the coverage, enhance methodological robustness, and institutionalize a more complete and analytically useful national accounts system for Syria. The consultant will work collaboratively with PSA staff throughout the process to ensure institutional learning, capacity strengthening, and national ownership of results. Objectives of the Assignment The overarching goal of this mission is to advance the Syrian national accounts system toward full methodological modernization, supported by an improved statistical base, extended time series, integrated GDP approaches, and enhanced institutional capacity. The objectives of this mission are grouped into five interrelated and mutually reinforcing pillars: To Review, Refine, and Extend the Annual GDP Time Series To Develop Integrated GDP Estimates by the Expenditure Approach Develop Constant Price GDP Estimates and Establish a New Base Year Deliver a Comprehensive Capacity-Building Program Duties and Responsibilities The consultant will carry out the following tasks over the duration of the consultancy, grouped by four implementation components. At each stage, the consultant will work jointly with PSA staff in coordination with ESCWA focal point to ensure skills transfer and co-production of results. Component I Time Series Annual GDP Deliverables: Diagnostic Report on Existing Surveys and Statistical Instruments Draft Informal Sector Survey Modules Updated GDP Estimates with Extended Time Series Updated Manual on GDP Compilation Component II GDP by the Expenditure Approach Annual Expenditure Estimates Manual on Generating GDP Expenditure Approach Component III Constant-Price GDP Deliverables: Annual GDP Estimates in Constant Price Manual on compiling GDP in Constant Price Component IV Capacity Building and Training Deliverables: Finalized toolkit on all deliverables within the project Delivering the in-person/virtual on job training using the updated manuals and final toolkit