Consultant for Quality Assurance of Project Documents

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 DA serves as a vital link between the normative and analytical work of these entities and their operational activities, fostering synergies and cooperation among them. It is a critical funding source aimed at supporting developing countries in addressing their capacity development priorities, facilitating the formulation of national policies, and is centered on the principles of sustainable development, integrating its three dimensions: economic, social, and environmental. The DA Team is focused on recruiting a consultant to enhance the quality assurance of projects proposed for funding from the Account, with the overarching goal of delivering projects efficiently and effectively to achieve sustained capacity development results at the country level.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the quality assurance of 28 project documents from the 18th tranche and 28 concept notes from the 19th tranche proposed for funding from the Development Account. This position requires collaboration with the Senior Programme Management Officer and the Programme Management Officer to ensure that all project documents and concept notes meet the necessary quality standards and adhere to the DA guidelines. The consultant will be responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and providing feedback on project documents and concept notes, ensuring they are demand-driven, logically structured, and technically sound to achieve sustainable capacity-building results in target countries. The consultant will also assist in developing work plans and tracking mechanisms to monitor progress and ensure timely completion of tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include: conducting quality assurance of 28 project documents for the 18th tranche, which involves reviewing and drafting comments on initial drafts to ensure adherence to DA guidelines; providing feedback on revisions through emails and Teams calls; collaborating with the Programme Management Officer to develop a work plan with clear milestones; reviewing 28 concept notes for the 19th tranche, ensuring they meet DA requirements; assisting in the development of a shortlist of project proposals for the 2027 Proposed Programme Budget; 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, including experience at the international level. Experience in economic and social development is essential, while familiarity with the United Nations System or comparable international or regional 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. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional qualifying experience, demonstrating the candidate's capability to fulfill the role effectively.

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 strong background in economic and social development, which is critical for understanding the context and requirements of the projects being evaluated. Experience within the United Nations System or similar organizations is considered an asset, as it provides familiarity with the operational and procedural frameworks of international development work.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language is advantageous, as it may enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders involved in the projects.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote with an expected duration of seven months, with the possibility of extension based on project needs and performance. 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. Applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal banking information.