Consultant Job Title: E-commerce Portal Development and Automation Consultant

Result of ServiceA robust and scalable semi-automated deployment system that significantly streamlines the creation of new Magento 2 e-commerce websites, fully equipped with essential modules, multilingual theme options, and secure payment integrations. This tool will enable ESCWA and its partners to rapidly replicate high-quality online stores for MSMEs. In parallel, 100 additional MSMEs will be successfully onboarded onto the ESCWA e-commerce platform with operational, customized websites or seller accounts, each backed by hands-on training and post-launch technical support. This outcome strengthens digital inclusion, improves market access, and builds long-term capacity among MSMEs in the Arab region. Work LocationRemote Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: The project \"Enhancing MSMEs E-Commerce Capacity and Internationalization in the Arab Region\" aims to strengthen micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Arab countries experiencing conflict, financial instability, or undergoing transitional phases. It focuses on strengthening the foundational capacities, such as skills, systems, and networks, which enable MSMEs to grow, adapt, and access regional and global markets. By building digital capabilities and improving access to e-commerce infrastructure, the project supports MSMEs in launching and sustaining online sales, entering new markets, and increasing their competitiveness. The project fosters a more supportive business environment through improved digital policies, strengthened e-commerce infrastructure, trade facilitation, and targeted capacity-building. Aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), it supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and regional priorities for inclusive growth and innovation. Ultimately, the project aims to empower MSMEs with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to thrive in the digital economy and contribute to job creation and economic resilience in the region. Duties and Responsibilities: Milestone 1. Develop Semi-Automated Deployment Tool: • Develop a shell script-based semi-automated deployment tool for Magento 2 instances. • Ensure the tool enables rapid setup of cloned Magento 2 websites, including all Commerce Ocean-developed modules and required services. • Deliver a Premium Theme Editor with 18 industry-specific templates supporting Arabic and English. • Provide 20 payment modules and a user guide for setup and configuration. Milestone 2. Creation of 100 New E-Commerce Websites or Seller Accounts for MSMEs: • Support the onboarding of 100 additional MSMEs onto ESCWA’s e-commerce platform, as per stakeholder consultations. • Set up fully functional Magento 2 websites or dedicated seller accounts for each MSME based on their business model and readiness. • Ensure each website is mobile-responsive, user-friendly, and includes appropriate payment and shipping configurations. • Deliver targeted training sessions to MSMEs on managing their front-end (design, content updates, product listings) and back-end (order management, inventory, payments, reporting) functionalities. • Coordinate closely with ESCWA to ensure timely delivery and quality control. • Provide technical support and minor post-launch adjustments for each newly created site/account. Supervisor The consultant will report to: • The Chief of the Decision Support and Data Science Division for Milestone 1 • The Director of the ESCWA Technology Centre for Milestone 2 Qualifications/special skillsA bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, Information Technology, Business Administration, E-commerce or related area is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 5 years of professional work experience in e-commerce platform development, deployment automation, or web infrastructure support is required. Proven experience in developing shell script-based automation tools, preferably for deploying and managing Magento 2 environments is required. Demonstrated ability to build and configure e-commerce websites using Magento 2, including the integration of multilingual themes and multiple payment gateways is required. Strong background in server performance optimization, cybersecurity best practices, and infrastructure documentation is desirable. Hands-on experience delivering technical training and user support, particularly in front-end and back-end Magento functionalities for non-technical users is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in Arabic and English 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 InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.