Consultant for Quality Assurance Process

Job Posting Organization:
The Development Account (DA) is a capacity development programme of the United Nations (UN) Secretariat, established to enhance the capacities of developing countries in alignment with the UN Development Agenda. The DA is funded from the Secretariat’s regular budget and is implemented by ten entities of the UN Secretariat, including DESA, UNCTAD, UNEP, UN-Habitat, UNODC, ECA, ECE, ECLAC, ESCAP, and ESCWA. The mission of the DA is to serve as a critical funding source that supports developing countries in addressing their capacity development priorities, facilitating the development of national policies, and promoting sustainable development principles across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The DA plays a vital role in linking the normative and analytical work of these entities to operational activities, fostering synergies and cooperation, and leveraging the strengths of each entity in collaboration with Resident Coordinator Offices (RCOs).

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for advising on the quality assurance process of 28 project documents from the 18th tranche and 28 concept notes from the 19th tranche proposed for funding from the Development Account. This role is crucial for ensuring that the projects adhere to the established guidelines and are designed to achieve sustainable capacity-building results in the target countries. The consultant will work under the guidance of the Senior Programme Management Officer and will collaborate closely with the Programme Management Officer. The primary expectation is to enhance the quality assurance process to ensure that the projects are demand-driven, logically structured, and technically sound, ultimately leading to effective project delivery and sustained capacity development outcomes at the country level.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include: conducting quality assurance of 28 project documents for the 18th tranche, which involves reviewing, analyzing, and drafting comments on initial drafts to ensure compliance with DA guidelines; providing feedback on revisions through various communication channels; collaborating with the Programme Management Officer to develop a workplan and tracking mechanism with clear milestones; reviewing 28 concept notes for the 19th tranche, ensuring they meet the necessary standards; assisting in the development of a shortlist of project proposals; and performing other duties as assigned by the Senior Programme Manager. The consultant will be expected to report regularly on progress and ensure that all tasks are completed within the specified time frame.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, management, social sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, evaluation, or a related area is required, with a focus on international experience. Additionally, experience in economic and social development is essential, while familiarity with the United Nations System or comparable international organizations is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as economics, management, or social sciences. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree, they must have at least two additional years of qualifying experience to be considered equivalent to the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, evaluation, or related areas, particularly at the international level. Candidates should have a solid background in economic and social development, which is crucial for the role.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's profile for this consultancy role.

Additional Notes:
The position is for a consultancy role with an expected duration of seven months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.