National Consultant - Enhanced Monitoring Mechanism (EMM)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), which is a part of the United Nations system. DESA is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and addressing global challenges through policy analysis and capacity development. The organization plays a crucial role in supporting the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and its subsidiary bodies, such as the Committee for Development Policy (CDP). Established to facilitate international cooperation and development, DESA operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce of professionals committed to advancing the UN's mission of peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and development. The organization is involved in various initiatives aimed at enhancing the capabilities of nations, particularly those that are transitioning from the status of Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant for the Enhanced Monitoring Mechanism (EMM) is designed to strengthen the national capacity of Vanuatu in integrating the EMM into its national monitoring and evaluation systems. This role is critical in ensuring that Vanuatu can effectively track its development progress following its graduation from the LDC category. The consultant will work closely with the Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD) of DESA, which serves as the substantive secretariat for the CDP. The consultant's primary objective will be to identify relevant indicators for monitoring development and to support their integration into national data frameworks. This will involve collaborating with national authorities to enhance ownership of the monitoring process and align EMM indicators with national development priorities. The consultancy is part of a broader UN Regular Programme of Technical Cooperation project aimed at providing technical assistance to Vanuatu.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a range of tasks aimed at enhancing Vanuatu's monitoring and evaluation capabilities. Key duties include:

• Producing and submitting an inception report of less than 600 words that outlines the methodology and processes for the consultancy work, along with a detailed work plan.
• Developing a comprehensive report not exceeding 8,000 words that includes: a. Identification of the most relevant indicators related to Vanuatu's vulnerabilities, including their reporting frequency and availability at disaggregated levels. b. A review of existing national indicators or systems in place by relevant line ministries to monitor development progress, crises, and emergencies. c. Recommendations for integrating EMM experience into existing national monitoring systems and utilizing these systems for reporting to the CDP and for SDG tracking. d. Exploration and validation of AI-assisted tools for tracking data credibly. e. Assisting EAPD in organizing a national validation workshop in Port Vila in Q4 2026, which includes coordinating with the Government and key stakeholders, managing logistical arrangements, and leading the presentation of the report.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in fields such as economics, social or environmental studies, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law (trade), natural sciences, development studies, or a related discipline. Additionally, applicants should have at least 8 years of experience in development policy analysis, with some experience working with LDC countries. Demonstrated technical and scientific expertise in public policy is essential, along with excellent policy analytical, technical, managerial, and drafting skills. The ability to prepare and present reports in English is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as economics, social or environmental studies, international law (trade), natural sciences, development studies, or related disciplines. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of development policy and the specific challenges faced by countries transitioning from LDC status.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of experience in development policy analysis. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with LDC countries, which will provide them with the necessary insights into the unique challenges and opportunities these nations face. Experience in public policy, particularly in relation to monitoring and evaluation frameworks, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of another official UN language is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the international development community.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 3 months and is home-based, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The position does not specify a fee for the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage of recruitment, including application, interview, processing, or training. This policy underscores the UN's commitment to equitable access to employment opportunities.