Consultant for Revision of Cooperation Framework Guidance

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Coordination Office (DCO) is a key entity within the United Nations system, established to enhance the effectiveness and coherence of UN development activities at the country level. The DCO plays a crucial role in supporting UN Country Teams (UNCTs) in their efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and align their strategies with national priorities. The organization is committed to fostering collaboration among various UN entities and ensuring that development efforts are strategic, accountable, and responsive to the needs of countries. The DCO operates globally, with a presence in numerous countries, and is dedicated to promoting sustainable development through innovative approaches and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for leading the revision of the 2019 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework Guidance, which serves as a vital tool for planning and implementing UN development activities in support of national SDG priorities. This role involves conducting a comprehensive review of existing guidance, engaging with stakeholders across the UN development system, and facilitating consultations to streamline processes. The consultant will also be tasked with proposing methodologies and tools to enhance the effectiveness of the Cooperation Framework, ensuring that it remains relevant and adaptable to diverse country contexts. The position requires a strategic mindset and the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations that align with the evolving needs of the UN development system.

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

• Conducting a comprehensive review of existing Cooperation Framework guidance and relevant policy documents.
• Facilitating engagement with stakeholders across the UN development system to gather insights and validate proposed revisions.
• Analyzing field-level experiences to identify best practices and operational challenges, synthesizing actionable recommendations tailored to diverse country contexts.
• Drafting revised Cooperation Framework Guidance and a companion package covering design, implementation, annexes, and tools.
• Ensuring alignment with related UN instruments, including the Management and Accountability Framework (MAF) and humanitarian planning processes.
• Proposing methodologies for strategic prioritization and the development of a theory of change.
• Developing a recalibrated approach to Cooperation Framework implementation that strengthens collective UNCT effectiveness.
• Providing practical guidance for adaptive programming within the strategic priorities of the Cooperation Framework.
• Facilitating one in-person workshop in New York with PDR members to discuss the revisions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in international relations, development studies, or a related field. A minimum of ten years of experience in international development cooperation is required, along with proven expertise in UN strategic planning processes, particularly in relation to new generation Cooperation Frameworks. Candidates should demonstrate experience in strategic innovation, foresight, and systems thinking, as well as in-depth knowledge of UN development system reform and the Resident Coordinator System. Previous experience drafting UN guidance or policy tools is also essential.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree in international relations, development studies, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of international development and the operational frameworks within which the UN operates.

Experience:
The consultant must have at least ten years of experience in international development cooperation. This experience should include a strong background in UN strategic planning processes and familiarity with the mechanisms of the UN development system. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging with diverse stakeholders and facilitating collaborative processes to achieve development goals.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages such as French, Spanish, or another UN language is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders within the UN system.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is expected to last for one year, with specific deliverables due at various intervals throughout the contract. The consultant will serve as the penholder for the revision process, managing work planning and deadlines, and will work closely with DCO and the PDR Group to ensure coherence and applicability of the guidance. The position is home-based, but the consultant will be required to facilitate one in-person workshop in New York, tentatively scheduled for November 2025, with travel and per diem included in the lump sum offer. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.