Result of Service

Annotated outline: A detailed table of content for the report insuring all items mentioned in scope of work are taken into consideration Interim Report: Preliminary findings, including literature review, contextual analysis, and comprehensive analysis with detailed findings, and strategic directions. Final Report: Incorporating feedback and comments from HLJTC Secretariat.

Work Location

Remotely

Expected duration

3 months

Background: The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) works with regional partners to support the intergovernmental processes of the Joint Water-Agriculture Ministerial Council, through implementing the resolutions of the council. This work is conducted in implementation of the project on “Climate Resilience through Regional Cooperation for Inclusive Sustainable Development” funded from the Swedish Government and under the umbrella of the Arab Centre for Climate Change Policies, which is nested in the Climate Change and Natural Resources Sustainability Cluster at ESCWA. In this context, it is proposed to seek the services of a national consultant to provide the expertise needed to prepare a “country case study on the economics of desalination for agriculture in Morocco”, as the High Level Joint Technical Committee (HLJTC), in its fifth meeting held on 1st November 2023, requested FAO and ESCWA to develop a study on “Economics of Desalination for Agriculture”.

Duties and Responsibilities: The objective of this consultancy is to develop a case study on the economics of desalination for agriculture in Morocco which will be complementing a report on “Economics of Desalination for Agriculture”. The case study will demonstrate existing policy directions and national strategies and need to include the necessary background information, a comprehensive analysis of economics of desalination for agriculture in the country, and their related policy implications. Analysis. The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

– Provide a brief overview of the current state of water resources and agricultural practices in Morocco. – Assess financing modalities for desalination for agriculture in Morocco including engagement of private sector and technology transfer

– Conduct a cost-benefit analysis of desalination for agricultural purposes, including capital, operational and maintenance costs.

– Assess the economic viability and sustainability of desalination projects within the context of Morocco’s agricultural sector.

– Analyze governance, institutional structures and regulatory framework in Morocco (existing institutions, planning, operational practices, organizational responses, legal framework, regulations, subsidies, etc.).

– Evaluate the socio-economic and environmental impacts and externalities associated with desalination technology used for agriculture in Morocco

– Identify existing policies and regulations related to water management for agriculture and desalination in Morocco.

– Economically compare desalination with alternative water supply options for agriculture, such as rainwater harvesting, treated wastewater reuse and groundwater extraction.

– Extract challenges, opportunities and lessons learned from the Morocco experience in applying desalination for agriculture.

A Master’s degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a related field is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. At least 10 years of relevant professional experience and proven experience in conducting economic analyses, particularly in the context of water management and agriculture is required. Visible experience (research and field work) on desalination technologies and their applications in the Arab region is required.

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 English and Arabic is required. 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.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

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.