Research and Analytical Support Consultant

Client of United Nation careers

1. Background The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), through its Cluster 6 on Governance and Conflict Prevention, works to advance just, peaceful and inclusive societies, particularly for people living under occupation or in conflict and post-conflict settings. The Cluster aims to improve governance and strengthen effective, efficient, and accountable public institutions, while enhancing the quality and accessibility of public service delivery. In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 16, which calls for the creation of effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels, ESCWA recognizes that effective governance is a foundation for all other SDGs. Achieving national development goals depends on capable and trusted public institutions that can formulate policies, implement programs, and deliver services equitably. Civil servants, especially those in senior and leadership roles, play a decisive role in institutional performance and state resilience. Strengthening their motivation, competence, and integrity is therefore central to building a responsive and future-ready state. In this context, Lebanon s public administration, largely unchanged since the 1960s, faces deep structural and institutional challenges, including outdated mandates, fragmented functions, and limited capacity to deliver quality public services. In response, the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) is leading a bold reform initiative titled Reinventing Lebanon s Public Sector 2030. The initiative aims to modernize governance, streamline institutional mandates, strengthen accountability, and rebuild citizens trust in public institutions. The reform is being designed in three phases: Phase 1: Stakeholder engagement and vision-setting (ongoing) Phase 2: Design of a comprehensive reform blueprint (by end of 2025) Phase 3: Implementation (expected over the next 3 4 years) Within Phase 2, the UN Country Team (UNCT), led by the Resident Coordinator and supported by UNDP and ESCWA, is jointly providing technical assistance to OMSAR in key areas, including institutional assessment, global benchmarking, and the development of a Target Operating Model (TOM) for Lebanon s public sector. 2. Tasks - duties and responsibilities Under the supervision of ESCWA (C6, Governance)and in close coordination with OMSAR and UNDP, the Senior Consultant will be responsible for the following: A. Benchmarking Phase 1. Develop the benchmarking framework and selection criteria for identifying comparable reform cases. 2. Identify and document 5 7 international and regional case studies of public sector reform (including at least one Arab and one OECD example). 3. Analyze key reform elements, including: o Governance and coordination mechanisms o Institutional design and accountability models o Civil service and human capital reform strategies o Digitization and innovation in service delivery o Reform sequencing and enabling conditions 4. Lead the preparation of the Benchmarking and Innovation Report, highlighting lessons learned, success factors, and their applicability to Lebanon. 5. Present results to OMSAR and UN partners during the validation workshop and integrate feedback. B. Target Operating Model (TOM) Development 1. Develop the conceptual TOM framework for Lebanon s public sector, building on benchmarking results and the baseline assessment. 2. Define the key components of the TOM, including: o Mandate and function alignment o Institutional structure and coordination o Service delivery and citizen interface o Performance management and accountability systems o Digital integration and data governance o Human capital and workforce transformation 3. Draft 3 4 alternative TOM options reflecting varying degrees of centralization and flexibility. 4. Facilitate consultations with OMSAR and the Reform Steering Committee to refine and validate the preferred model. 5. Produce the Final TOM Design Report, including implementation principles, enabling policies, and legislative implications. 6. Present the TOM design and recommendations at a multi-stakeholder validation meeting.