National Consultant for Conducting Needs Assessment, Providing Educational and Advisory Services

Job Advertisement

Position Title: National Consultant for Conducting Needs Assessment, Providing Educational and Advisory Services
Location: Kazakhstan
Country: Kazakhstan
Deadline Date: 14-Mar-25 @ 06:00 AM (New York time)

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network of the United Nations. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and disaster resilience, and aims to help countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP has a significant presence in Kazakhstan, where it collaborates with the government and local stakeholders to implement development programs that address local needs and challenges.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant involves conducting a comprehensive needs assessment and providing educational and advisory services to local executive and representative bodies, NGOs, and local initiative groups in the Abai and Ulytau regions of Kazakhstan. The consultant will be responsible for evaluating the current state of local self-governance and identifying areas for improvement. This role is crucial in enhancing the capacity of local authorities and communities to engage citizens in decision-making processes that affect regional development. The consultant will also organize and facilitate training sessions on various topics, including regional planning, budgeting, and effective communication with local communities. The overall goal is to empower local entities to improve the quality of life for residents and ensure sustainable development in these regions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Conducting a thorough needs assessment in the Abai and Ulytau regions to identify gaps in local governance and community engagement.
• Developing training materials and curricula tailored to the needs of local executive and representative bodies.
• Organizing and facilitating training sessions for local authorities on topics such as regional planning, budgeting, and local self-governance.
• Providing ongoing advisory support to local governments and NGOs to enhance their operational effectiveness.
• Monitoring and evaluating the impact of training sessions and advisory services on local governance practices.
• Engaging with community members to gather feedback and ensure that their voices are heard in the decision-making process.
• Collaborating with UNDP and other stakeholders to align project activities with national and regional development strategies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in public administration, local governance, or a related field. They should have proven experience in conducting needs assessments and providing training or advisory services to governmental or non-governmental organizations. Strong analytical skills and the ability to develop effective training programs are essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a capacity to engage diverse stakeholders effectively. Familiarity with the local context in Kazakhstan, particularly in the Abai and Ulytau regions, will be an advantage.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a Master's degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Social Sciences, or a related field is required. Additional certifications or training in project management, capacity building, or community development will be considered an asset.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in local governance, community development, or a similar field. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the context of development projects, is highly desirable. Proven track record in conducting assessments and delivering training programs is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in Kazakh and Russian is mandatory, as these are the primary languages spoken in the regions of Abai and Ulytau. Proficiency in English is also required, as it is the working language of UNDP and necessary for reporting and communication with international stakeholders. Knowledge of other local languages or dialects would be considered a plus.

Additional Notes:
This position is an individual contract with a duration of no more than 76 working days, tentatively scheduled from March to June 202

• The work will primarily be home-based, with required travel to the Abai and Ulytau regions for training sessions and assessments. The consultant will be expected to submit proposals directly through the UNDP supplier portal by the specified deadline. This role is crucial for enhancing local governance and community engagement, contributing to the overall objectives of the UNDP Regional Program aimed at sustainable development.