Regional Foresight Analyst

1. An updated and evidence-based regional foresight analysis that clearly shows what has changed since January 2026 and avoids repackaging the previous report. 2. A complete and traceable comparative picture of available CCAs and annual updates, including regional patterns, cross-border spillovers, blind spots and implications for country and regional support. 3. A repeatable horizon-scanning, systems and scenario methodology supported by a signal log, signposts, templates and quality standards. 4. A practical analytical contribution to the work of the UNDS at the regional level. 5. ROAS/RCO staff equipped to explain, apply and periodically update the core methodology using the materials developed through the consultancy. 6. Responsible and transparent use of AI, with human verification, documented methods, protected data and explicit treatment of limitations and bias.

Remote

2 months

Background: Foresight has emerged as a core capability for navigating the Arab States’ interconnected and crisscross-border challenges. Under UN 2.0, it brings horizon scanning, systems thinking, long-term analysis and scenario planning into the daily work of the United Nations. This is particularly relevant in the Arab States, where , economic, climate, technological, social, demographic and institutional pressures interact across borders and continually reshape risks and opportunities. The consultancy aims at providing an horizon scanning building on the January 2026 Arab States Regional Foresight Analysis . The work will test which findings remain valid, identify what has changed or newly emerged, and align with the latest updated Country Analyses (CAs) and in the region, , refresh the systems and scenario analysis, and translate the findings into practical choices for Resident Coordinators, UN Country Teams and DCO/ROAS. It will also strengthen the capacity of ROAS/RCOs staff to apply and update the methodology on a recurring basis, if possible. The assignment is situated within the Regional Reset, envisaged under the UN80 reform. Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Inception and analytical protocol: Review the previous January 2026 analysis and methodological materials; confirm research questions, geographic and temporal scope, source hierarchy, consultation plan, quality-assurance arrangements, risks and detailed workplan. Demonstrate through the 5P analysis the necessity and proportionality of using AI. 2. CCA comparative review: Compile the latest available CCAs or annual updates for each country covered by DCO/ROAS and prepare an evidence matrix covering priorities, structural constraints, risks, opportunities, inequalities, LNOB groups, financing, cross-border dependencies, regional public goods, evidence gaps and implications for CCA and Cooperation Framework cycles. Record where regional evidence confirms, challenges or fills gaps in country analysis, and identify implications for countries at each of these planning stages. 3. Horizon scanning: Establish a documented scan frame and taxonomy; collect and assess signals from diverse UN, CA, expert and selected external sources; cluster them into drivers and systems; and produce a prioritized signal log and indicator/signpost dashboard. 4. Systems and scenario analysis: Update systems maps and causal pathways; test how risks and opportunities propagate through resource, trade, digital, fiscal, mobility, governance systems; revise scenario logics; and stress-test selected UN priorities and country assumptions. 5. UN development system regional architecture linkages: Also, Frame the analysis as an input to inform the work of the RCs and the UNDS entities at the regional level. Identify where regional or cross-pillar responses add value, how country demand connects to regional capability. 6. Consultation and validation: Conduct targeted consultations with DCO/ROAS, selected RCOs, UN entities and agreed partners; facilitate a technical validation session and a senior discussion focused on strategic choices; and maintain a response-to-comments matrix. 7. Capacity strengthening: Deliver at least one practical session for ROAS/RCOs staff, comprising a methodology workshop and an applied clinic using a live regional issue. Provide a methodology guide, facilitator notes, templates, quality checklist and proposed recurring update process. 8. Finalization and handover: Produce accessible and publication-ready outputs, editable source files, cleaned non-confidential evidence matrices, a source register and a concise handover note with ownership and next steps. Ensure the deletion of all non-public UN data obtained in the course of the engagement.

A Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, data science, engineering, statistics 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 5 years of professional work experience in foresight, strategic analysis, scenario planning, or AI-driven data analytics, is required. Experience in developing or applying AI models, predictive analytics, or data-driven decision support is highly desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; For this position, fluency in English is required and knowledge of Arabic 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.

Not available.

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.