International Consultant for UNSDCF 2027–2031

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations in the Maldives is a key player in promoting sustainable development and supporting the country in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN has been actively involved in the Maldives for several decades, working collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society, and international partners. The organization focuses on addressing national priorities through a participatory and evidence-based approach, ensuring that the voices of all segments of society are heard and considered in the development process. The UN's mission is to foster peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and development while promoting human rights and gender equality. The UN in the Maldives operates with a diverse team of professionals dedicated to implementing programs that align with the national development agenda and the global SDGs. The organization is committed to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in its operations, ensuring that no one is left behind in the development process.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for the UNSDCF 2027–2031 involves leading the formulation of a comprehensive and validated United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the Maldives. This framework will serve as a strategic blueprint guiding the UN's collective support towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing national development priorities. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a thorough desk review of national strategies, facilitating internal UN visioning sessions, and leading strategic planning processes. The role requires a deep understanding of the UN's operational guidelines and the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable frameworks. The consultant will engage with a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring that the framework reflects national priorities and incorporates diverse perspectives. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable development in the Maldives, ensuring that the UNSDCF is aligned with both national and global objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including: (a) Conducting an initial desk review of national strategies, the Country Analysis (CA), evaluation reports, and relevant frameworks to develop an inception report with a clear approach, action plan, and timeline. (b) Facilitating internal UN visioning and strategic analysis, which includes conducting a comparative advantage and capacity analysis across UN agencies, performing SWOT/Root Cause analysis, and collaboratively developing the overarching Theory of Change. (c) Leading the UN Strategic Planning and Prioritization Process, capturing dialogues to inform prioritized strategic areas, development outcomes and outputs, and thematic focus aligned with national priorities and global frameworks. (d) Drafting the UNSDCF narrative, following the structure outlined in the Consolidated Annexes to the Guidance, which includes justification and context, strategic priorities, Theory of Change, results and monitoring & evaluation frameworks, and governance structure. (e) Developing the Results Matrix, which includes outcome and output-level indicators, baselines and targets, and means of verification. (f) Organizing and facilitating the UNSDCF validation workshop, engaging government counterparts, development partners, civil society, and other stakeholders to review and endorse the draft framework. (g) Supporting the configuration of the UN Country Team to ensure the appropriate mix of personnel and resources, and establishing a tailored governance and coordination structure that enables effective UNSDCF delivery. The consultant will report directly to the UN Resident Coordinator and work closely with the UNSDCF Technical Team and the UN Country Team to finalize the UNSDCF 2027–2031 document in compliance with UN guidance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in development studies, economics, social sciences, public policy, international relations, or a related field. A minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic planning, development cooperation, programming, policy analysis, or results-based management is required, preferably within the UN system or international development organizations. Demonstrated experience in formulating UN Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCFs), Country Analyses (CAs), or similar multi-agency strategic frameworks in various country contexts is essential. Candidates should have proven expertise in applying programming principles, including a human rights-based approach (HRBA), gender equality and women’s empowerment, Leave No One Behind (LNOB), environmental sustainability, and resilience. Extensive knowledge of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs, along with experience in SDG localization, monitoring, and reporting processes, is also required. Familiarity with the latest UNSDCF Guidance and its operationalization, including the integrated approach to programming and results-based frameworks, is crucial. A sound understanding of the UN reform agenda, UN development system repositioning, and the role of the UN Resident Coordinator system is necessary. Experience in designing and facilitating participatory, inclusive multi-stakeholder consultations and strategic prioritization workshops is highly valued. The ability to synthesize complex information and deliver high-quality analytical reports under tight deadlines is essential.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as development studies, economics, social sciences, public policy, international relations, or a related discipline. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of development frameworks and the strategic planning processes involved in formulating the UNSDCF.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas such as strategic planning, development cooperation, programming, policy analysis, or results-based management. Experience within the UN system or international development organizations is preferred, particularly in the formulation of UN Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCFs) and Country Analyses (CAs). Familiarity with the specific challenges and opportunities present in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), particularly in the Maldives, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of other UN languages will be considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and facilitate inclusive consultations.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is from 15 February to 30 May, with specific deliverables due on various dates throughout this period. The consultant will work remotely for some tasks, while others will require in-country presence. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and equitable selection process. The position is full-time, and the consultant will be accountable to the UN Resident Coordinator, working closely with the UNSDCF Technical Team and the UN Country Team to ensure the successful formulation of the UNSDCF 2027–2031.