Consultant for UNSDCF (2027–2031)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Saudi Arabia is responsible for coordinating the UN development system at the country level. The UNCT is engaged in preparing the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the period of 2027–2031, which aims to align with national priorities, including Saudi Vision 203

• The organization focuses on sustainable development and works collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of development goals. The UNCT operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to advancing the UN's mission of promoting peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and development globally.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in designing and operationalizing a structured plan for consultations and targeted analytical consultancies that will inform the UNSDCF for the years 2027–2031 in Saudi Arabia. This position requires a deep understanding of the previous UNSDCF cycle and the United Nations Country Analysis (UNCA), as well as a strong alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and the sustainable development priorities of the Kingdom. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a two-stage consultation process, which includes internal consultations within the UN system and expanded consultations with the Government and other relevant stakeholders. The expected outcome is a comprehensive plan that provides clear, actionable inputs for drafting the UNSDCF, ensuring that it is grounded in national priorities and effectively addresses the needs of the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include the following key tasks: 1) Inception, review, and priority mapping: The consultant will review the previous UNSDCF, the latest UNCA, and relevant evaluations to identify priority thematic areas and evidence gaps. They will prepare an inception workplan detailing the approach, governance, roles, deliverables, timeline, and quality assurance steps. 2) Consultation architecture and sequencing: The consultant will design a two-stage consultation plan, including objectives, stakeholder groups, formats, and documentation standards. They will facilitate structured consultations with UNCT members to validate priorities and refine evidence needs. 3) Consultancy pipeline and Terms of Reference: The consultant will develop a consolidated consultancy pipeline, drafting high-quality Terms of Reference for each proposed consultancy, ensuring alignment with Vision 2030 and KSA sustainable development priorities. 4) Evidence management, synthesis, and quality assurance: The consultant will establish templates for consultation notes and summaries, producing periodic synthesis notes that highlight emerging priorities and implications for UNSDCF strategic direction. 5) Coordination and reporting: The consultant will maintain a consultation calendar, deliverable tracker, and stakeholder lists, providing regular progress updates to the RCO and IC.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's or higher degree in communication, marketing, social sciences, economics, public health, international relations, law, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional work experience in international development is required. High proficiency in academic writing in English is essential, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or higher in a relevant field such as communication, marketing, social sciences, economics, public health, international relations, or law. All candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional work experience in international development. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on projects related to sustainable development and familiarity with the UN system and its processes.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, with a high proficiency in academic writing. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable but not mandatory. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and candidates should be able to demonstrate their language skills effectively.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is 3 months, and the position is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Candidates should be aware that the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.