International Consultant for the development of the United Nations Sustainable Development Coordination Framework (UNSDCF) for North Macedonia 2026-2030

Result of Service

• Develop a detailed, technically sound methodology for completing the assignment and a work plan based on the existing UNSDCF Roadmap approved by the UNCT; • Regular communication and coordination with the UN RCO; • Facilitate discussions among UNCT about the progress on the development of the Cooperation Framework; • With the support of the RCO, consult with relevant stakeholders from the Government of North Macedonia, UN non-resident agencies, donors, civil society, academia and other institutions and groups as required; • Prepare methodology for the UNCT configuration exercise and implement it. • Prepare the draft Cooperation Framework document; • With the technical support of the RCO, take lead and facilitate the presentation and discussion of the submitted draft in front of the UNCT members; Collect and document obtained comments and suggestions for improvement; • Revise the draft Cooperation Framework document to respond to obtained comments/feedback from the UNCT, Peer Support Group (PSG) and the Government. Revisions should be done several times at different stages of the elaboration process; • Submit to the RCO the final UNSDCF document that is accepted and approved by the RC and UNCT. Methodology: The formulation of the Cooperation Framework will start after the finalization of the evaluation of the previous Cooperation Framework (expected to be ready by end of October) and the formulation of the UN Country Analysis (CA) (to be ready by mid-December). Both processes will serve as a basis for the design of the UNSDCF. The design of the Cooperation Framework comprises the prioritization of the challenges and acceleration pathways identified in the CA and identification of opportunities for UN support. This requires the United Nations country team, Government and other stakeholders to make deliberate choices, and zoom in on areas that offer the greatest potential for transformative and inclusive development and that speak to the comparative advantage of the United Nations development system. This prioritization exercise applies a theory of change approach, and reflects the value proposition of the development system in relation to all other development actors to guide the integration of the guiding principles during this step. United Nations contributions to agreed priorities are subsequently translated into the results framework. Unless suggested otherwise, the consultant will follow guidance from the Cooperation Framework Companion Package 2020 provides general guidance to develop the CA, along with the Guiding Principles Companion Piece and specific tools outlined which provide more details for preparing the report. For more information, please visit the Term of Reference: https://northmacedonia.un.org/sites/default/files/2024-08/TOR%20Consultant%20UNSDCF%20North%20Macedonia%202026-2030.pdf

Work Location

Home based with two trips to Skopje

Expected duration

1 November 2024 – 25 July 2025

Duties and Responsibilities

The UN General Assembly resolution 72/279 elevated the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (now renamed the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework – UNSDCF) as “the most important instrument for planning and implementation of the UN development activities at country level in support of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda).” The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia are launching the process of preparation and formulation of the 2026-2030 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, as the next partnership strategy towards the achievement of the Republic of North Macedonia’s sustainable development. The Resident Coordinator Office in North Macedonia brings together the different United Nations (UN) agencies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operational activities at the country level. The Resident Coordinator system encompasses all organizations of the UN system dealing with operational activities for development, regardless of their formal presence in North Macedonia, which form the UN Country Team (UNCT). The UNCT in North Macedonia consists of the following agencies: FAO, ILO, IOM, UNECE, UNESCO, UNDP, UNDRR, UNOPS, UNEP, UNFPA, OHCHR, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNIDO, UNODC, UN-Habitat, UN Women, and WHO. The UNCT meets on a monthly basis under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator to coordinate UN support and to discuss and decide jointly on programmatic and operational issues in line with the UN Reform. The Consultant will work under the guidance of the Resident Coordinator and the RCO Head of Office/Team Leader, in close collaboration with the UNCT, and the Task Force to be created for the UNSDCF elaboration. Regular briefings will be provided to the RC and UNCT on the progress of work and receive suggestions from the RC/UNCT. Day-to-day management of the consultancy will be overseen by the RCO Head of Office/Team Leader. The RCO will provide guidance, data and analytical support as well as quality assurance, in consultation and coordination with the UNCT, Government, donors, civil society, academia and other relevant stakeholders. The Consultant will work under the guidance of the Resident Coordinator and the RCO Head of Office/Team Leader, in close collaboration with the UNCT, and the Task Force to be created for the UNSDCF elaboration. Regular briefings will be provided to the RC and UNCT on the progress of work and receive suggestions from the RC/UNCT. Day-to-day management of the consultancy will be overseen by the RCO Head of Office/Team Leader. The RCO will provide guidance, data and analytical support as well as quality assurance, in consultation and coordination with the UNCT, Government, donors, civil society, academia and other relevant stakeholders.

Qualifications/special skills

Post-graduate degree in economics, social sciences, development economics, development studies, development management or related field is required. A minimum of 7 years of the professional experience in visioning and strategic planning, including sustainable development strategies and programmes through multi-stakeholder processes is required. Extensive experience in Results-Based Management approach, especially in developing dynamic theory of change and country level development results frameworks, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, and participatory approaches is required. Strong experience in process facilitation and inclusive stakeholder engagement processes is required. Knowledge of the UN system and UN common country programming processes, in particular, the new CCA approach and new UNSDCF Guidance and its operationalization is desirable. Strong comprehension of the sustainable development concept and knowledge of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs is required.

Languages

Fluency in English is required.

Additional Information

After submitting the application in INSPIRA, interested candidates shall send documentation to [email protected] (please use for subject: JO 242380) demonstrating why they are the best suited to carry out the above task. This should include: Latest CV and a sample of previous works, approach to work/suggested methodology and work-plan and a Financial Proposal (inclusive of expenses related to travels and DSA) as required. The consultants will be responsible for arranging their own travel. Any additional costs beyond the scope of the ToR will not be covered. Consultants must provide their own laptops and other necessary technical equipment to fulfill the assignment. All documents produced during the consultancy period will be treated as strictly confidential, and the distribution and/or publication rights will solely belong to the UN. For more information, please visit the Term of Reference: https://northmacedonia.un.org/sites/default/files/2024-08/TOR%20Consultant%20UNSDCF%20North%20Macedonia%202026-2030.pdf

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.