Natl Consultant to Conduct Comparative Policy and Systems Review (GRP)

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), which is a global development network of the United Nations. Established in 1965, UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through the sustainable development of nations. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and sustainable development. UNDP aims to empower lives and build resilient nations by providing expert advice, training, and grants to developing countries. The organization employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant to Conduct Comparative Policy and Systems Review (GRP) is crucial for assessing and enhancing gender-responsive procurement practices across the Mekong region, specifically in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. The consultant will work under the guidance of the Project Coordinator of the Inclusive Growth Unit and will collaborate with the UN Women Regional team and respective country offices. The primary responsibility includes conducting a comprehensive desk review and engaging in key informant interviews with stakeholders to develop a comparative analytical framework. This framework will assess the interlinked pillars of gender-responsive procurement, including public procurement systems, MSME policies, and private sector procurement systems. The consultant will also review legal and policy frameworks, institutional mechanisms, and data monitoring systems that support gender-responsive procurement and inclusive business participation. The assignment is expected to be completed within 25 working days, emphasizing the importance of timely and thorough analysis to inform policy recommendations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Conduct a comprehensive desk review of existing policies and frameworks related to gender-responsive procurement across the Mekong region.
• Develop a common comparative analytical framework to assess the three pillars of gender-responsive procurement: public procurement systems, MSME policies, and private sector procurement systems.
• Engage in key informant interviews with relevant stakeholders suggested by the respective country offices to gather insights and data.
• Review public procurement legal and policy frameworks, focusing on policy instruments that promote gender-responsive procurement and support women entrepreneurs.
• Analyze institutional mechanisms such as WOB certification systems, supplier databases, and e-procurement platforms.
• Examine data and monitoring systems, including sex-disaggregated procurement data and gender-disaggregated business registers.
• Assess MSME policies that support women entrepreneurs and gender-responsive enterprises, particularly in climate-related sectors.
• Provide strategies and recommendations to increase the number and proportion of women-owned businesses in supply chains, including capacity building and mentoring initiatives.
• Submit a detailed report summarizing findings, analyses, and recommendations based on the comparative review.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this position should possess the following qualifications:

• Advanced degree in social sciences, gender studies, public policy, or a related field.
• Proven experience in conducting policy analysis, particularly in the context of gender-responsive procurement and inclusive business practices.
• Strong understanding of public procurement systems and MSME policies in the Mekong region.
• Excellent analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations.
• Demonstrated experience in engaging with stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and private sector representatives.
• Familiarity with gender equality issues and women's economic empowerment initiatives.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, in English.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) in relevant fields such as social sciences, gender studies, public policy, or a related discipline. A strong academic background in gender-responsive procurement or related areas will be highly advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in policy analysis, gender-responsive procurement, or related fields. Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or NGOs in the Mekong region is preferred. The candidate should have a proven track record of conducting research and analysis that informs policy development and implementation.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the Mekong region (such as Khmer, Vietnamese, or Thai) would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the quality of the research.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as an individual contractor role, with a contract duration of 25 working days. The consultant will be expected to work remotely, with the possibility of engaging with stakeholders through virtual meetings. The deadline for submitting proposals is set for June 24, 2026, at 12:59 PM New York time. Interested candidates must register on the UNDP supplier portal to submit their proposals and should follow the guidelines provided for the application process. Compensation details and specific benefits will be discussed during the negotiation phase.