Individual consultancy services (international) for the Development of the Draft National Demographic Resilience Strategy of Turkmenistan

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is a leading UN agency focused on reproductive health, population dynamics, and sustainable development. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization aims to promote gender equality and empower women and girls, recognizing their critical role in achieving sustainable development. UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization employs thousands of staff globally, including experts in various fields related to population and development, and collaborates with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to implement its programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position involves developing a comprehensive National Demographic Resilience Strategy for Turkmenistan, which is crucial for addressing the country's unique demographic challenges and opportunities. The consultant will be responsible for leading data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and drafting the strategy document. The role requires a deep understanding of demographic trends, including population growth, aging, and migration, and how these trends impact various sectors such as health, education, and labor. The consultant will work closely with the Government of Turkmenistan and UNFPA to ensure that the strategy aligns with national priorities and international best practices. The overarching goal is to support the government in maximizing its demographic dividend while addressing emerging challenges such as declining fertility rates and environmental vulnerabilities. The consultant will also be tasked with building local capacity to ensure sustainable implementation of the strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a series of phases to complete the consultancy, including:

• Inception Phase: Conducting a desk review of relevant materials, developing an inception report, and coordinating with UNFPA and government focal points.
• Situation Analysis: Analyzing demographic and socio-economic data, producing population projections, and assessing the implications of demographic trends on various sectors.
• Stakeholder Mapping: Identifying key stakeholders, mapping governance arrangements, and developing a stakeholder engagement plan.
• Draft Strategy Development: Synthesizing the draft strategy, outlining policy options, and creating an implementation plan with monitoring frameworks.
• Validation and Finalization: Conducting a workshop for capacity building, presenting the draft strategy for feedback, and finalizing the strategy document. Throughout the consultancy, the consultant will ensure the integration of cross-cutting issues such as gender, youth, aging, migration, and climate change into all analyses and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Demography, Statistics, Economics, Public Policy, Sociology, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in conducting population and policy-oriented research is required. The consultant should have a proven track record of developing national or regional population strategies and the ability to synthesize data into actionable documents. Understanding the intersection of population issues with health, education, labor, and social protection is essential. Experience in integrating gender equality and youth empowerment into demographic work is highly desirable, along with prior experience working with UN agencies or international development partners. Strong analytical, writing, and facilitation skills are necessary, as well as the ability to engage diverse stakeholders effectively.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in Demography, Statistics, Economics, Public Policy, Sociology, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding complex demographic data and its implications for policy development. Candidates should have a strong foundation in quantitative and qualitative research methods, as well as familiarity with demographic analysis techniques and tools.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least 7 years of professional experience in conducting population and policy-oriented research, particularly in areas related to human capital development, demographic dividends, and labor market policy. Experience in developing national or regional population strategies is essential, as is a demonstrated ability to synthesize data and stakeholder input into actionable strategy documents. Familiarity with the socio-economic context of Central Asia or similar regions is an asset, as is prior experience working with UN agencies or international development partners.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as the consultant will be expected to produce high-quality written documents and engage in discussions with stakeholders in English. Proficiency in Russian is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local partners and stakeholders in Turkmenistan, where Russian is widely spoken. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may also be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 32 working days, from May 11th, 2026, to October 15th, 202

• The consultant will work both remotely and through an in-country mission to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The consultancy fee will be calculated based on the P-4 level of the UN Salary Scale for Professional and higher categories, effective January 1, 2026, and will be paid in a lump sum upon successful completion of deliverables. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.