National Consultant for Tonga

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is ESCAP (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific), which focuses on promoting sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 1947, ESCAP aims to foster economic and social development through regional cooperation and integration. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, working with governments and stakeholders to address pressing issues such as climate change, sustainable transport, and social inclusion. ESCAP employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people in the region, with a mission to promote inclusive and sustainable development through policy advocacy, capacity building, and technical assistance.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Tonga will play a crucial role in coordinating and supporting various components of a project aimed at strengthening transport policies and improving mobility in peri-urban areas. Under the direct supervision of the responsible project officer and in collaboration with the Regional Consultant and National Focal Point, the consultant will be responsible for organizing project inception meetings, collecting and analyzing data, and facilitating stakeholder consultations. The consultant will also assist in developing a local resilient and inclusive peri-urban mobility plan that leverages digital technologies. This position is integral to ensuring that vulnerable and marginalized communities have improved access to essential services and employment opportunities, particularly for women in digital mobility services. The consultant will work remotely and is expected to contribute to the project's objectives over a specified duration, ensuring that the outcomes align with ESCAP's mission of promoting sustainable and inclusive development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Consultant for Tonga include:

• Coordinating the project inception meeting and fact-finding mission in Nukuʻalofa in collaboration with the Regional Consultant.
• Providing support to the Regional Consultant in establishing the Technical Advisory Group.
• Collecting data and assisting with analysis on local contexts to support the Regional Consultant’s Assessment Report on resilient rural-urban and active mobility plans utilizing digital technologies.
• Supporting the Regional Consultant’s Just Transition analysis, focusing on labor force implications of digital transformation and employment opportunities for women in digital mobility services.
• Facilitating a national stakeholder consultation and capacity-building workshop to identify local challenges and enhance stakeholder capacity for improving peri-urban mobility.
• Initiating the development of a local resilient and inclusive peri-urban mobility plan, co-developed with local authorities and in collaboration with the Regional Consultant, building upon existing ESCAP knowledge products and local policies.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the National Consultant position include:

• A university degree in transportation management, transportation engineering, urban planning, environmental science, public policy, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience working on development projects, particularly with a focus on sustainability, transportation, or related fields such as energy, climate finance, or environmental management.
• Demonstrated ability in data collection and the development of technical reports or studies related to transportation, energy, or environmental projects.
• Proven experience in preparing and developing national and regional-level meetings, workshops, and study tours.
• Experience working with national and local government stakeholders, particularly in developing regulatory frameworks or policy recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multi-country teams, showcasing strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as transportation management, transportation engineering, urban planning, environmental science, public policy, or a related discipline. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of transport systems and the integration of digital technologies in mobility planning.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the National Consultant position is at least 5 years in development projects, with a specific focus on sustainability and transportation. This experience should encompass working on projects that involve data collection, technical report development, and collaboration with government stakeholders. The candidate should have a proven track record of engaging in multi-country teams and facilitating workshops and consultations.

Languages:
Fluency in written and oral English is required for this position, as it is essential for effective communication and reporting. Additionally, a working knowledge of the local language of Tonga is preferred, as it would enhance engagement with local stakeholders and facilitate better understanding of the community's needs.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The expected duration of the contract is from July 20, 2026, to July 19, 202

• It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.