Research Assistant on Trade

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.

On the requests of MSs, ESCWA started the development of tailored national versions of ATSI called Global Economywide Trade Simulator Interface (GETSI).
In 2024, ESCWA developed three beta versions of GETSI to UAE, Oman, and Morocco. Currently ESCWA is developing two new versions for Saudi Arabia and Egypt. In addition to developing the interfaces, ESCWA is delivering multiple national training workshops and assisting the concerned ministries in monitoring and evaluating changes in trade policies (national and global) as well as economic shocks.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief of section, Economics Affairs or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Research Assistant on Trade will:
• Test the robustness of the two Global Economywide Trade Simulator Interfaces developed for Saudi Arabia, Egypt.
• Prepare training materials and user guides for the new national versions of GETSI under development to facilitate their uses by national teams.
• Coordinate with IT’s team to address all issues experienced when running simulations using the interfaces.
• Undertake specific analyses on selected subjects related to trade integration.
• Draft technical documents on the impact of CBAM on North African countries in cooperation with UNECA.
• Co- organize the workshop on the impact of CBAM on North African countries.
• Assist the project coordinator in assessing the impacts of new trade scenarios on the request of MSs.
• Perform other related tasks and duties assigned