International Consultant for UNSDCF 2027-2030

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Tajikistan is responsible for coordinating and implementing UN development activities in the country. The UNCT aims to align its efforts with national priorities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The organization focuses on promoting inclusive governance, human rights, and resilience to geopolitical and economic shocks. The UNCT has been actively involved in the development of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the period 2027-2030, which serves as a crucial planning and implementation tool for UN development initiatives in Tajikistan. The UNCT operates within a framework that emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organizations, and international partners, to achieve sustainable development goals and enhance the quality of life for the people of Tajikistan.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant will play a pivotal role in the preparation, coordination, writing, editing, and quality assurance of the UNSDCF 2027-2030 for Tajikistan. This position requires a deep understanding of the UN system and its operational frameworks, as well as the ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders. The Consultant will be responsible for ensuring that the UNSDCF aligns with national priorities, human rights principles, and regional commitments. The role involves conducting consultations with various stakeholders, including government representatives, civil society organizations, and international partners, to gather input and facilitate the development of the UNSDCF. The Consultant will also need to articulate measurable outcomes and outputs, develop a coherent Theory of Change, and ensure that the UNSDCF addresses critical issues such as gender equality, climate change, and social inclusion. This position is expected to contribute significantly to the strategic planning and implementation of UN development activities in Tajikistan, ultimately aiming to foster sustainable economic growth and improve public service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Prepare and coordinate the development of the UNSDCF 2027-2030, ensuring alignment with national priorities and the 2030 Agenda.
• Engage with a broad range of stakeholders, including communities, civil society organizations, the private sector, and international partners, to gather input and facilitate discussions.
• Conduct strategic meetings with the UN Country Team and government counterparts to identify development challenges and opportunities.
• Utilize participatory and consultative approaches to ensure diverse stakeholder engagement throughout the UNSDCF development process.
• Maintain a clear focus on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs, identifying acceleration entry points and programming principles.
• Develop measurable outcomes and outputs, aligning them with Tajikistan's national SDG indicator framework.
• Write output statements that articulate measurable collective UN contributions to outcomes, incorporating systemic and structural issues.
• Develop a coherent Theory of Change that outlines desired development changes, pathways of change, and key assumptions.
• Ensure compliance with regional and global UN frameworks and standards, integrating cross-cutting issues such as gender equality and climate change. 1
• Provide high-quality written documentation and reports throughout the UNSDCF development process.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in international development initiatives and organizations.
• Profound knowledge of the UN system, including UNDAF and UNSDCF processes.
• Extensive experience in systems thinking, qualitative and quantitative analytical methods, and results-based management.
• Knowledge and hands-on experience in sustainable development, governance, human rights, and conflict prevention.
• Strong drafting skills, with the ability to provide examples of written documents.
• A strong understanding of the Tajikistan and Central Asia context is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a relevant advanced degree in international development, social sciences, public policy, or a related field. A strong academic background in sustainable development and governance is preferred, as it aligns with the objectives of the UNSDCF.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least 10 years of professional experience in international development, with a focus on UN programming and sustainable development initiatives. Experience in strategic planning, policy advice, and implementation of large development programs is essential. Familiarity with the socio-economic context of Tajikistan and Central Asia will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Proficiency in Russian or Tajik would be considered an asset, as it would facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the Consultant's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is 7 months, from December 2025 to June 2026, under a two-phase contract. The Consultant is required to undertake the UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Training (BSAFE) prior to commencing work. The financial offer should include only the professional fee, as travel arrangements will be managed by the Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO). It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.