Individual consultancy services (international) for Policy Gap Analysis and Roadmap Development on Strengthening Demographic Resilience through Human Capital Development

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is a leading UN agency focused on improving reproductive health and rights, and ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that all individuals have access to essential health services, education, and opportunities for economic empowerment. The organization is committed to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in addressing demographic challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to strengthen demographic resilience in Turkmenistan through human capital development, focusing on equitable access to quality education, social protection, and economic inclusion. The consultant will conduct a comprehensive policy gap analysis and develop a roadmap to address the demographic shifts and challenges faced by the country, particularly concerning the youth population and gender disparities in education. The work will involve stakeholder consultations and the application of international best practices tailored to Turkmenistan's specific context. The consultant will be expected to produce a series of deliverables, including an inception report, a comprehensive policy roadmap, and an institutional improvement report, all aimed at enhancing the education and skills systems in response to evolving demographic and economic needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The International Consultant will be responsible for conducting a thorough analysis of existing policies and institutional frameworks related to human capital development in Turkmenistan. This includes synthesizing national strategic documents, analyzing demographic and labor market data, and identifying gaps in current policies. The consultant will develop a conceptual framework for demographic resilience, conduct a gap analysis, and propose institutional improvement recommendations. The work will be divided into three phases: 1) Inception and Rapid Policy & Institutional Mapping, where the consultant will create an inception report and conduct a mapping of existing efforts; 2) Policy Gap Analysis and Roadmap Development, where the consultant will design a framework and propose actionable policy interventions; and 3) Validation and Finalization, where the consultant will present findings to stakeholders and finalize the reports based on feedback.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Economics, Public Policy, Demography, International Development, Social Sciences, or Education Systems Planning. A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in policy-oriented research and analysis related to human capital development, demographic dividends, and education systems reform is required. Proven experience in developing national-level strategies and policy roadmaps is essential, along with demonstrated knowledge of the interlinkages between demographic trends, education quality, and social protection systems. Experience in Central Asia or similar cultural contexts, as well as working with government organizations or international agencies, is highly desirable. Strong stakeholder coordination and communication skills are necessary, along with fluency in English; knowledge of Russian is an advantage.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Economics, Public Policy, Demography, International Development, Social Sciences, or Education Systems Planning is required for this consultancy position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to conduct the required analysis and develop effective policy recommendations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in conducting policy-oriented research and analysis, particularly in the areas of human capital development, demographic dividends, education systems reform, and labor market policy. The consultant should have a proven track record of contributing to national-level strategy development and policy roadmaps, demonstrating a deep understanding of the complexities involved in these areas.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be required to produce reports and communicate with stakeholders in English. Knowledge of Russian is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with local partners and stakeholders in Turkmenistan.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 22 working days, from November 14th, 2025, to December 22nd, 202

• The work will be conducted remotely or home-based, with all deliverables submitted electronically. The consultancy fee will be based on the P-5 level of the UN Salary Scale for Professional and higher categories, effective January 1, 2025, and will be paid in a lump sum upon successful completion of deliverables. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from women and individuals from underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.