Consultant on Social Protection Reforms in the Arab Region

Client of United Nation careers

Background: Social protection systems across Arab countries are evolving rapidly as governments seek to enhance coverage, adequacy, and sustainability in response to demographic shifts, economic challenges, and changing labour markets. In recent years, countries in the region have introduced a wide range of reforms to strengthen contributory and non-contributory programmes, improve coordination among institutions, and modernize service delivery. These include expansions of social insurance schemes, the establishment of new cash transfer programmes, adjustments to pension parameters, and increased investments in digitalization and social registries. In this dynamic context, monitoring and documenting social protection reforms is essential to understanding policy directions and measuring progress toward more inclusive and equitable systems. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) publishes the Annual Digest of Social Protection Reforms in Arab Countries to provide an overview of such developments. The Digest systematically compiles and analyses social protection reforms enacted during the previous year, highlighting national experiences and emerging regional trends. Serving as both a knowledge product and a reference tool, the Digest supports peer learning among policymakers, facilitates the exchange of good practices, and contributes to evidence-based policymaking in the region. It also complements ESCWA s broader efforts to promote universal and sustainable social protection systems aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national development priorities. To prepare the 2026 edition, ESCWA seeks to engage a consultant with solid expertise in social protection policy and research. The consultant will support the team in collecting, mapping, analysing, and drafting information on recent reforms implemented across the Arab region, using digital and IT-based tools to retrieve, organize, and visualize relevant policy updates.

Tasks - duties and responsibilities:

• Collect and map reforms:
• Identify and compile social protection reforms and policy measures introduced across Arab countries
• Use IT tools and digital platforms (e.g., automated news alerts, databases, mapping dashboards) to retrieve, organize, and maintain reform-related information.
• Review official documents, media releases, and partner reports to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Analyze and synthesize data:
• Classify reforms following ESCWA s framework (coverage, adequacy, financing, governance, and digitalization).
• Identify common trends, emerging policy priorities, and innovative approaches.
• Draft concise analytical summaries of country-level and regional developments.
• Draft and edit the publication:
• Contribute to the drafting, editing, and layout preparation of the 2026 Annual Digest of Social Protection Reforms in Arab Countries.
• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment with ESCWA s editorial standards.
• Incorporate comments and feedback from ESCWA.
• Coordinate and support validation:
• Participate in virtual coordination meetings and review discussions.