Consultant for Country Analysis Report

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) is a collaborative body that works to align the efforts of various UN agencies in a specific country. The UNCT's mission is to support sustainable development and humanitarian efforts in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). The UNCT operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on promoting peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, human rights, and development. The organization is committed to fostering partnerships with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to achieve its objectives. The UNCT in The Gambia is currently engaged in updating the Country Analysis to guide its strategic planning for the upcoming UNSDCF 2024-2028, ensuring that the analysis is inclusive and evidence-based.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a pivotal role in leading and coordinating the preparation of the Country Analysis (CA) report for The Gambia. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of the UN's strategic objectives and the ability to synthesize data and insights from various stakeholders. The consultant will ensure that the CA report is inclusive, analytically robust, and aligned with the latest UNSDG guidance. The role involves facilitating stakeholder engagement, conducting meta-analyses of existing data, and applying systems thinking methodologies to identify development trends and opportunities. The consultant will also be responsible for producing a concise and impactful CA update that informs the UN's strategic planning and advocacy efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include:

• Leading the preparation of the CA report, ensuring it is inclusive and aligned with UNSDG guidance.
• Facilitating a meta-analysis of existing data and evaluations from UN entities, government, and partners.
• Applying systems thinking and foresight methodologies to identify emerging development trends and risks.
• Coordinating consultations with UNCT members, government counterparts, civil society, and other stakeholders.
• Ensuring the integration of normative agendas such as human rights, gender equality, and climate action into the CA process.
• Establishing and coordinating an analytical group composed of UNCT experts.
• Planning and conducting inclusive stakeholder consultations, particularly with marginalized groups.
• Drafting the CA summary report, outlining sustainable development challenges and opportunities, and providing evidence/data visuals to support the narrative.
• Reporting to the Resident Coordinator or delegate and providing regular updates to the Programme Coordination Group (PCG).

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's degree in development studies, economics, statistics, computer science, or a related field. Proven experience with UN programming processes and SDG integration/acceleration is essential. Candidates must have at least 5 years of experience in development analysis, strategic planning, or evaluation, with a focus on systems analysis and foresight approaches. Strong facilitation, writing, and analytical skills are also required to effectively engage with stakeholders and produce high-quality reports.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field such as development studies, economics, statistics, or computer science. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of development analysis and the methodologies required for effective strategic planning and evaluation.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in development analysis, strategic planning, or evaluation. This experience should include a strong focus on systems analysis and foresight approaches, demonstrating the ability to apply these methodologies in practical settings. Familiarity with UN programming processes and SDG integration is also required, ensuring that the consultant can effectively contribute to the UNCT's objectives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the UN and for the preparation of the CA report. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required for this role.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is 12 weeks. The position does not specify a fee for the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage of recruitment. This role is likely to be full-time, and the consultant will be expected to work closely with various stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the CA report.