Research Support to the ILO Regional Office for Arab States in the areas of Partnerships, South South and Triangular Cooperation

1. Background and purpose

The 2021-2022 biennium has seen an increase in the volume of the ILO Development Cooperation portfolio in the Arab States, most of which has been in the response to the Humanitarian Development Peace nexus due to the multiple crisis facing the countries covered by the office.  In addition to the increased instability in conflict-affected countries and their neighbouring ones, and with the continuously declining oil prices in GCC countries, Arab states have witnessed the economic, social, and health impact of the pandemic, which exacerbated already existing labour market challenges and decent work deficits. Undoubtedly, these developments have created new challenges and opportunities for the ILO in the Arab states

At the same time, seeing the impact of climate change on the region, there is an enhanced need to re-focus partnership priorities and look for opportunities of engagement in areas such as the renewable energy sector, and the ILO Just Transition mandate. The MENA region is at the heart of the climate change discussions. Some of the countries in the region are the largest contributors to emissions and to the changing climate. The Arab region is also one of the most impacted by climate change, with water scarcity, desertification, loss of biodiversity, etc. being some of the effects already witnessed. On the other hand, the Arab countries have enormous human, natural and economic potential to leap-frog and fast track clean economic growth.

To tap the massive job creation potential of a diversified economy, a comprehensive set of Just Transition policies holds the possibility of enhancing economic growth and value addition in agriculture, industry and services. A Just Transition means greening the economy in a way that is as fair and inclusive as possible to everyone concerned, creating decent work opportunities and leaving no one behind.

It means maximizing the social and economic opportunities of climate action, while minimizing any challenges – including through effective social dialogue among all groups impacted, and respect for fundamental labour principles and rights .

The ILO Guidelines for a Just Transition are aimed at enabling governments, workers and employers around the globe to leverage the process of structural change towards a greener, carbon-neutral economy, create decent jobs at a large-scale and promote social protection.

The new strategic directions for partnership development and resource mobilization for the ILO regional office for Arab States (ROAS) will aim to include targeted efforts to expand engagement with GCC countries as development partners of the ILO and to explore triangular and south-south cooperation opportunities with them and others, with a focus on the MENA region.

Against this backdrop, the ILO is seeking to hire a consultant to support certain aspects of this proactive engagement to expand the region’s partnerships and voluntary funding specifically and mainly focused on the area of climate change and just transition, in line with the overall Decent Work Agenda and strategic directions for the region.

S/He will work under the direct guidance and supervision of the Partnerships and UN Coherence Officer at the Regional Programme Unit (RPU).

2. Outputs and tasks

1. Just Transition

• Develop an attractive overview of current ILO interventions in the green jobs/just transition area in the region as a tool for marketing and positioning the ILO in this area.
• Mapping of development partner-led Just Transition / green initiatives in region that the ILO can benefit from or apply to, including emerging partner from the region and other regions.
• Support in drafting seven proposals in the area of just transition and climate change, based on development partners priorities and opportunities at hand.
• Support in implementing a green jobs assessment for one of the countries using the ILO GJA tool.
• Support in implementing a MENA report on Just Transition.
• Support in implementing the South-South cooperation project on Just Transition including drafting an action plan and timeline, developing TORs, coordination consultancy work, and preparation of a knowledge exchange workshop.
• Support in roll out of follow up sessions of the Just Transition MENA training.
• Providing inputs, background notes, workplan, and relevant briefs in the lead up to COP28.
• Mapping of potential areas of ILO interventions in two countries based on existing initiatives and development partners strategies.
• Facilitating awareness sessions and training on innovation and climate change.
• The role of South-South and triangular cooperation

2. Research for development partner outreach

• Support in preparing three country pitching notes and PPTs on ILO activities, achievements, and opportunities, at macro, meso and micro level with a gender and green lens, and sectoral approach as necessary.
• Support in preparing a crisis response brochure ahead of the Brussels Syria conference in 2023.

3. Specific deliverables/outputs

1. Just Transition

1. JT brief
2. Seven proposals
3. Development partner JT mapping
4. Green Jobs assessment TORs
5. SSTC plan, TORs, and event
6. JT MENA training sessions
7. Mapping of interventions + opportunities
8. Three awareness sessions organized.

2. Research

1. Three pitching notes
2. Three PPPs
3. Crisis response brochure

4. Timeframe

To achieve the above outputs, the consultant will require a number of working days extended over the period 9 December 2022 to end July 2023.

5. Required qualifications:

A research assistant with an advanced university degree in International Development, Political

Affairs, Economics, or other related field and at least two years experience in working with international organizations, in the area of climate change and innovation, preferably on report and proposal writing. Fluency in English is a prerequisite; and knowledge of Arabic is a plus. Prior experience with the UN or the multilateral system, particularly in the Arab region is also an asset.