Peer Reviewer of the report on Safeguarding social spending in the Arab States
Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia · BEIRUT · Apply by October 16, 2026
About this role
Result of Service The ultimate result of the service is to improve key messages and findings of the report. Work Location Remotely Expected duration 10 Days Duties and Responsibilities Background Arab countries have introduced important revenue and expenditure reforms, however, recent conflicts have reduced regional GDP by an estimated 3.5 per cent, disrupted trade and investment, increased energy and food-price volatility, and weakened investor confidence across the region. The wider economic shock from the conflict could push 18 to 23.4 million additional children into poverty by the end of 2026. Several countries have adopted fiscal measures to absorb these shocks, protect vulnerable groups and support recovery. Social spending is critical in this regard. Average social expenditure in the Arab region for essential services such as education, health and social protection stands at 10.6 per cent of GDP, compared with a global average of 17.3 per cent of GDP in 2022. Governments need to improve the prioritization, adequacy, financing and delivery of social expenditure while assessing its equity, efficiency and effectiveness in reaching children, older persons, women and people in…