Individual Contractor to Support the Fifth Forum for Equality

Administrative, logistical, and coordination support for AFE5 is provided in a timely and efficient manner, contributing to the successful organization and implementation of the Forum and ensuring the effective engagement of participants and partners.

ESCWA Premises

2.5 month

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 hire an individual contractor to support the preparation and implementation of the Fifth Arab Forum for Equality, providing administrative, logistical, and coordination support to ensure the effective organization and delivery of Forum activities and related outputs. 3. Duties and Responsibilities: • Draft routine correspondence and communications related to the Forum, and follow up with participants, speakers, and partners as required. • Maintain and regularly update contact lists and participant databases. • Support participant registration processes. • Assist in coordinating travel arrangements and logistics and visa support, for speakers and participants, as required. • Liaise with conference services, interpreters, and other operational partners, as needed. • Provide administrative and logistical support during the preparation of the Forum. • Perform other related duties as required.

Eight 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. High school diploma or equivalent is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

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.

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.

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.