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Researcher in Ethiopia – Country Assessment on Digital Economy Opportunities for Refugees and Displaced Persons
International Trade Centre (ITC)
CON Full-time
Closing soon: 12 Mar 2026
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Posted 3 hours ago
Job Description
Result of Service
Timeline: All above duties need to be completed within 6 weeks from the start date, at the latest. Output 1: • Desk research plan and analytical framework developed and validated with ITC and project stakeholders. • Preliminary mapping of RDP clusters and key stakeholders to be engaged completed and validated with ITC and project stakeholders. Output 2: • FGD guide and KII questionnaires translated and adopted to local context and validated with ITC and project stakeholders. • At least 1 Focus Group Discussion conducted with RDPs across selected clusters. • At least 10 Key Informant Interviews conducted. • Short survey tool developed/adapted and administered to relevant RDP and private sector actors, including to estimate economic data such as income, and reliance on humanitarian support. Output 3: • Data from FGDs, KIIs, and survey consolidated and analysed. • Country summary table compiled integrating qualitative and quantitative findings including priority RDP clusters and key opportunity areas in the digital economy identified. • Database of engaged stakeholders submitted including all required details for potential incentive provision. • Key insights presented to ITC and project partners incl. Q&A in virtual call.
Work Location
Home-based (mandatory) in Ethiopia
Expected duration
4 to 6 weeks
Duties and Responsibilities
ITC is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN). It is the only multilateral agency fully dedicated to supporting the internationalisation of SMEs. ITC's mission is to foster inclusive and sustainable growth and development through trade and international business development. ITC Headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland. ITC projects and programmes contribute to the global efforts to achieve UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development and the Aid for Trade agenda. Refugees and Trade ITC’s Refugees and Trade programme empowers refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees and host communities by unlocking opportunities for economic inclusion and self-reliance. Through sector-specific interventions, Refugees and Trade bridges the gap between challenges and opportunities, enabling those affected by migration and displacement to contribute to local and global economies. Refugees and Trade creates pathways for sustainable livelihoods, economic growth, and dignity by fostering partnerships, promoting trade, and amplifying marginalised voices. Together, we are building a future where refugees and migrants are agents of change and thriving entrepreneurs and/or employed. The Refugees & Trade programme is housed in the Women, Youth, and Vulnerable Communities (WYVC) section within the Division of Sustainable and Inclusive Trade (DSIT). As part of project development, ITC is undertaking rapid country analyses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, South Sudan, and Tanzania focused on the digital economy. The objective is to support country prioritization decisions and ensure interventions are grounded in target communities’ needs. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Head, Refugees and Trade, and in close collaboration with the Senior and Associate Programme Officers. The consultant will perform the following duties: • Conduct a country-level assessment focusing on digital economy opportunities for Refugees and Displaced Persons (RDPs). • Map RDP clusters including demographics, education levels, duration of displacement, language skills, and aspirations. • Assess socio-economic and infrastructure conditions in selected RDP settings. • Review the legal and regulatory framework affecting RDPs’ right to work, education, and entrepreneurship. • Analyse the national technology sector including sub-sectors, skills demand, digital penetration, and support initiatives. • Assess linkages between RDP communities and the tech sector. • Conduct Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and a short survey. • Provide evidence-based recommendations on priority clusters and strategic intervention focus areas. Copyright Clause: The consultant has to ensure that she has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind.
Qualifications/special skills
• Degree in economics, business, development studies, empirical research or related field. • Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree. Required: • 2 years of experience • Demonstrated experience in conducting research. • Proven ability to conduct qualitative interviews and write reports. Desired: • Knowledge of digital sector development initiatives is considered an asset; • Knowledge of issues relating to displacement is considered an asset; Skills: • Strong analytical and strategic planning skills with critical thinking abilities; • Ability to work independently with minimum supervision; • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; • Proficiency in computer applications including Microsoft Word, Excel.
Languages
• Fluency in the respective country language (Ethiopia) is required • Fluency in English is writing and speaking.
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.
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