Lead Thematic Consultant of the Africa Governance Report 2027

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the UNFPA East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) in partnership with the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). UNFPA is a United Nations agency that focuses on reproductive health and rights, and the empowerment of women and youth. The organization aims to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to improve the lives of individuals and communities through various programs and initiatives. The APRM is a self-monitoring mechanism of the African Union, established in 2003, which aims to promote good governance and socio-economic development in African countries. Together, UNFPA and APRM are working to advance youth leadership and governance across the continent, particularly through the development of the Africa Governance Report 2027.

Job Overview:
The position of Lead Thematic Consultant for the Africa Governance Report 2027 focuses on youth in governance, specifically examining the theme 'From Promise to Prosperity.' This role is crucial in consolidating research findings and data related to youth governance in Africa. The consultant will be responsible for analyzing the demographic dividend and how investment in youth can drive development. The consultant will also explore youth leadership in various sectors, including entrepreneurship and public service, and the role of technology in governance. The consultant's work will contribute to a comprehensive report that aims to position Africa's youth as valuable assets in governance and development, rather than liabilities. The consultant will work closely with the APRM and UNFPA teams to ensure the report's integrity and coherence, incorporating feedback from various stakeholders and ensuring that the report aligns with the African Youth Charter's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Analyzing research findings and drafting key recommendations for the Africa Governance Report 202
• Consolidating and editing content to improve the overall quality and coherence of the report.
• Ensuring consistency in language, style, and formatting according to APRM Editorial Committee Standards.
• Checking for necessary permissions for quotations or illustrations used in the report.
• Creating lists of acronyms and tables of contents as needed.
• Supporting other writing tasks related to the communications of the secretariat.
• Attending regular meetings with APRM and UNFPA to provide updates on progress and receive feedback.
• Preparing progress reports and final deliverables according to the established timeline, including drafts and the final report.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s Degree) in development studies or a relevant discipline, with a PhD being an asset. Candidates should have a minimum of 7-10 years of relevant experience in youth, human capital development, and data analysis sectors in Africa. Experience in an African Union or national institution is essential, along with project management experience in related institutions. Candidates must demonstrate a strong ability to write to a high standard, evidenced by previous work. A strong technical background in fields such as Development Studies, Demography, Law, Economics, Political Science, and Public Administration is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s Degree in development studies or a related field. A PhD is considered an asset, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the relevant disciplines.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least 7-10 years of relevant experience in youth and human capital development, particularly within the African context. Experience working with the African Union or similar national and international institutions is crucial, as it demonstrates familiarity with governance and development issues in Africa. Candidates should also have a proven track record in project management and data analysis, showcasing their ability to handle complex projects effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as the primary language of communication and reporting will be English. Knowledge of additional languages such as French and/or Portuguese is considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders across the continent.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to commence on July 6, 2026, with a total of 66 working days required between July and November 202

• The consultant may work physically at the APRM continental offices in Centurion, South Africa, or remotely if necessary. The consultant will be supervised by the UNFPA ESARO Youth Team lead and the Director of the Governance and Specialised Reporting Directorate at APRM. Regular updates and progress reports will be required, and the consultant is expected to travel to one of the six case study countries for validation meetings as necessary. Compensation details and other benefits will be discussed during the hiring process.