Result of Service

1. Workshops on the scenario planning and development prioritization exercise. Prepare and conduct two workshops on the scenario planning (foresight) exercise: 1/ 1-day workshop in Astana for key counterparts (representatives of civil society, academia, and private sector) on scenario planning. 2/ 4-day workshop in region for UNCT members on the scenario planning (2 days) and development prioritization exercise (2 days). 2. Final report.Final report summarizing the results of the scenario planning and development prioritization exercise workshops.

Work Location

Remote with travel to Astana and 1 region

Expected duration

2 month

Duties and Responsibilities

The International Consultant will implement its obligations under the direct supervision and guidance of the Head of the Resident Coordinator’s Office in Kazakhstan. The International Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: 1. Design and carry out one-day workshop for civil society, academia, think tanks, and private sector to identify key challenges, risks and priority areas to inform the dialogue of the UNCT and the Government on priorities of the next 5-year programming cycle for 2026-2030. The International Consultant will carry out the workshop in person in Astana. The workshop will be conducted in two parts (for civil society and academia in the first half of the day, and for private sector in the afternoon). 2. Design and carry out four-day workshop for the UN Country Team (during the same visit to Kazakhstan). Two days will be dedicated to the development of scenarios (foresight), and two days will be dedicated to the identifying initial key priority areas that may be supported by the UN in 2026-2030. The International Consultant will be responsible for the substantive preparation of the workshops, including preparation agenda, facilitation guide, participants, materials etc. The aim of the scenario planning (foresight) workshop is to build common understanding of participants on the key drivers and uncertainties that determine UN operation in the country, as well as creating plausible scenarios, as well as outlier scenario that will be used for the Common Country Analysis and UNSDCF. The International Consultant will carry out the workshop in person in Aktau. 3. Develop the final report (25 pages maximum), that summarizes the approach to the scenario planning, provides detailed information about the workshops, step-by-step work of the UNCT on scenario planning, and presents the developed scenarios.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Social Sciences or a related field. • A minimum of 10 years of the relevant professional experience; previous experience with CCA/UNDAF formulations, evaluations and/or reviews is required; • Practical experience in Eastern Europe and CIS and knowledge of the development issues in Middle Income Countries is an asset.

Languages

Fluency in English is required Knowledge of Russian/Kazakh is is required

Additional Information

Functional competencies: Professionalism • Profound knowledge of the UN system and UN common country programming processes in particular the new CCA approach and new UNSDCF Guidance and its operationalization • Extensive experience in results Based Management principles, logic modelling/logical framework analysis, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, and participatory approaches; • Strong experience in process facilitation and inclusive stakeholder engagement processes. Communications • Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to write reports, conduct studies and to articulate ideas in a clear and concise style in English. Other attributes • An understanding of and ability to abide by the values of the United Nations; • Awareness and sensitivity in working with people of various cultural and social backgrounds. Interested candidates shall submit documentations demonstrating why they are the best-suited to carry out the above task. This should include: • Latest CV and a sample of previous works. • A brief outline of the strengths and expertise highlighting directly relevant experiences to the assignment, including experience and knowledge in the UN programming principles (LNOB, human rights, GEWE, environmental sustainability and resilience, and accountability) • Approach to work/suggested methodology and work-plan • Financial Proposal (inclusive of expenses related to travels and DSA) as required The Head of the Resident Coordinator’s Office in Kazakhstan will collect all relevant documents to share with the consultant. The key documents will include: • UNSDCF Kazakhstan 2021-2025 • Annual Results Reports • Master list of UN activities in Kazakhstan (excel) • Common Country Analysis (latest update December 2023) • Development Strategy for the Republic of Kazakhstan 2050 • Other documents as relevant

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.