Remote: Water Diplomacy Negotiation Expert

May 25, 2023 | United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA)
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Stability and prosperity are key words of the United Nations Charter. They form the basis of sound and cordial relationships between countries, uniting them in their common goal towards a brighter future. This universal project is based on respect for the principle of equal rights for all, resulting in equality of opportunity to pursue a better standard of living through consistent economic growth, social prosperity and environmental sustainability.

The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) supports its 20 member States in their efforts to ensure prosperity and equality. By analysing regional and national economic, social and environmental trends in the light of global United Nations agendas, ESCWA provides Arab countries with policy recommendations that build on a thorough analysis of facts and commonalities. It also underscores the benefits of integration and creates regional public goods, including knowledge, data, tools and capacity. The shared language, culture and aspirations of the people of the Arab region form a solid foundation to tackle transboundary challenges through collective action at the national, regional and global levels. ESCWA is committed to supporting member States in optimizing their common strengths as they tackle shared weaknesses and challenges to create better opportunities for current generations and broader horizons for the future.

The Role

The objective of this consultancy is to prepare a training package to be delivered in an interactive and engaging format to young and mid-level professionals involved in the management of transboundary waters in the Syrian Arab Republic. Through this training, participants will acquire enough knowledge, tools and practice to understand and engage in conflict management and negotiation processes in the field of transboundary waters.

Under the overall supervision of the Climate Change and Natural Resources Sustainability Cluster Leader, the consultant would report directly to the Integrated Water Resources Management for Improved Water Security Coordinator and would be responsible for the following:

  • Draft training material adapted to the specificities of the workshop and its audience in the English and Arabic languages, which include:
    • Training material on negotiation theories, reviews of latest publications based on aforementioned outline.
    • Reading list for trainees in the English and Arabic languages, including relevant websites;
    • Skill building exercises adapted to support the negotiations objectives of the workshop;
    • Exercises to support the interactive engagement of diverse workshop participants (energisers, team building, networking, etc.).
    • Workshop evaluation form, drawing on ESCWA evaluation template.
  • Finalize training material based on feedback received from ESCWA.
  • Deliver training materials during a two-day workshop to be organized by ESCWA in coordination with the Ministry of Water Resources and Syrian counterparts in Beirut or Damascus during second half of August 2023.
  • Prepare meeting report providing synthesis of workshop outcomes, recommended next steps and list of participants.
  • Disseminate, collect, and submit workshop evaluation forms. Qualifications/special skills

A master’s degree in international law, international studies or related area is required.

All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

A minimum of seven years of experience working in the area of negotiations, water diplomacy or transboundary water resources management is required.

Previous training experience in the area of water diplomacy or negotiation skills is desirable.

Languages

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 English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of 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.

Result of Service

Draft Training modules, materials, including presentations, reading lists and exercises – by 17 July 2023

  • Final training modules and materials, including presentations, reading lists and exercises – by 15 August 2023
  • Meeting report with synthesis, recommended next steps and list of participants – by 31 August 2023
  • Workshop evaluation forms – by 31 August 2023 Work Location

Remotely Expected duration

3 months Duties and Responsibilities