National Consultant - Social Policy and Adolescent Development Expert

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. The organization works to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 outlines its commitment to addressing complex global challenges and advancing sustainable development goals. The organization emphasizes the importance of human rights and ethical standards in its operations, seeking staff who are principled, transparent, and capable of delivering high-impact results in a rapidly changing development landscape.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will play a crucial role in developing a comprehensive National Policy for Adolescent Development in Iraq. This policy aims to strengthen adolescents' capacities and opportunities, protect their rights, and empower them to actively participate in social, economic, and cultural life. The consultant will be responsible for leading the policy development process, conducting social analysis, and ensuring that the policy addresses the multidimensional challenges faced by adolescents in Iraq. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders, including government entities, UN agencies, and civil society, to gather insights and validate the policy framework. The overarching goal is to create a supportive environment for adolescents that promotes their physical, mental, and social well-being, enhances access to quality education and health services, and fosters civic engagement and economic empowerment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Reviewing existing adolescent-related legislation, strategies, and policies to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
• Conducting a policy gap analysis to assess the current state of adolescent development initiatives in Iraq.
• Analyzing social determinants affecting adolescents, including health, education, and economic factors.
• Drafting the National Policy for Adolescent Development, ensuring it aligns with national priorities and international commitments.
• Developing implementation arrangements and governance mechanisms to facilitate effective policy execution.
• Preparing a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the policy's impact and effectiveness.
• Drafting an implementation roadmap that outlines key milestones and deliverables.
• Facilitating consultations with relevant ministries and partners to gather feedback and insights.
• Leading validation workshops to refine the policy drafts based on stakeholder input. 1
• Developing an inception report and methodology to guide the policy development process. 1
• Conducting desk reviews and organizing technical workshops as needed. 1
• Preparing presentations and revising drafts based on comments received from stakeholders. 1
• Presenting findings to the Ministry of Planning and UNFPA.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in social policy and adolescent development, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in policy development. They should have experience in preparing national strategies and a thorough understanding of the Iraqi context and government systems. The consultant should demonstrate strong knowledge of rights-based programming and experience facilitating multi-sector consultations. Additionally, candidates should exemplify integrity, commitment to UNFPA's mission, and embrace cultural diversity and change.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Social Policy, Sociology, Public Policy, Human Development, Development Studies, or a related discipline is required for this position. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in social sciences and policy analysis, equipping the consultant with the necessary skills to navigate complex social issues affecting adolescents in Iraq.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in policy development, particularly in the context of adolescent development. Candidates should have a proven track record of preparing national strategies and policies, as well as experience working with government entities and international organizations. Familiarity with the challenges faced by adolescents in Iraq and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Candidates should possess strong communication skills in both languages to effectively engage with stakeholders, present findings, and facilitate consultations. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 3 months, with deliverables structured around specific timelines. Payment for the consultancy is set at $5000, to be made in two installments: the first upon delivery of the draft report by October 1, 2026, and the second upon submission of the final draft by November 15, 202

• The consultant will work under the supervision of the UNFPA Programme Specialist and will coordinate closely with the Ministry of Planning. The position is home-based but requires frequent travel within Baghdad and other governorates for consultations and workshops. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.