Team Assistant

The Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA) was established on 9 August 1973 pursuant to Economic and Social Council’s resolution 1818 (LV). Its purpose was to stimulate economic activity in member countries, strengthen cooperation between them promote development.

ESCWA's objectives are to support economic and social development in member countries, to promote interaction and cooperation between member countries, to encourage the exchange of experience, best practice and lessons learned, to achieve regional integration and ensure interaction between Western Asia and other regions, and to raise global awareness of the circumstances and needs of member countries.

ESCWA provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies for member countries, a platform for congress and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory.

ESCWA activities are coordinated with the divisions and main offices of the Headquarters of the United Nations, specialized agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and its subsidiary bodies, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

As part of its mandate to promote human development and democratic transition in the region, ESCWA has been implementing NAFS since 2012. Since, the NAFS Programme has served as an inclusive platform for technical dialogue between Syrians from all walks of life, regardless of their political affiliation, and is the only such platform to systematically assess the policy needs for a post-conflict Syria, empowering Syrians themselves to make that assessment. It has provided them a safe space where they can engage in discussions on the post-conflict development needs and trajectories of the country, to prevent and overcome a conflict trap, and strengthen the resilience of local structures over the medium and long term.

The Programme produces research and analysis that reflects the views, needs and priorities of Syrians and NAFS endeavours to share and disseminate its work as widely as possible and to convey the voices of its network of Syrians as much as possible. The programme’s outputs are aimed at Syrians both inside Syria and outside Syria, UN agencies working on the Syrian conflict, the political actors as well as the international community planning for the future of the country.

In the current phase, NAFS focuses on addressing the complex realities of post-conflict Syria, emphasizing the importance of participatory governance, economic recovery, and social cohesion. The programme's approach integrates technical expertise with local knowledge, ensuring that policy recommendations are grounded in the lived experiences of Syrians.

The objective of this contract is to provide support for the NAFS programme, as well as other research and projects undertaken by the programme management officer concerning conflict situations in the region.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Programme Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Team Assistant will:

• Provide comprehensive logistical and substantive support for meetings, events, and activities, including drafting background materials, coordinating logistics, and compiling participant lists.
• Conduct research and map relevant information and reference materials for use in reports, briefings, work plans, and conferences.
• Draft and contribute to policy briefs, background papers, and research outputs on socio-economic and governance-related issues.
• Take accurate and detailed minutes during meetings.
• Monitor and summarize developments and news from Syria and conflict-affected areas, producing regular analytical updates.
• Assist in expanding and maintaining a network of sectoral experts.
• Support the coordination of dialogue sessions, including notetaking and logistical arrangements.
• Draft Terms of Reference (ToRs), concept notes, and assist with the coordination and follow-up of consultancy assignments.
• Provide administrative and logistical support to the Programme Manager and team, including handling routine correspondence and preparing documentation.
• Maintain up-to-date and organized filing systems (electronic and paper) for all project activities and outputs.
• Assist in the preparation of presentations and visual materials using appropriate software tools.
• Contribute to budget planning and tracking for key project activities and events.