Foresight Expert

Result of Service The ultimate result of the service will be to integrate the foresight methodology in the participatory planning process of the next UNSDCF leading to a comprehensive planning process where uncertainty and shifting scenarios are considered in two specific areas:

a. The formulation of the theory of change for each results area of the UNSDCF. b. The cooperation and partnership model for implementing the next UNSDCF.

Work Location Home-based with travel to Namibia

Expected duration 7 days

Duties and Responsibilities Background

In November 2022, UN Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) granted a one-year extension for the United Nations Partnership Framework (UNPAF) 2019-2023 to the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in Namibia upon request of the GRN to align the planning process of the next Cooperation Framework to the formulation process of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP 6). Therefore, the current UNPAF duration was extended for the period 2019-2024.

The 2019-2024 UNPAF, between the United Nations System and the Government of the Republic of Namibia (GRN) signed in 2018, outlined the United Nations support to the realization of the country’s Vision 2030 through the implementation of the Fifth National Development Plan (NDP 5) 2017/18 – 2021/22, the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP) and the Blueprint for Wealth Redistribution and Poverty Eradication. In 2021, the GRN launched the Harambee Prosperity Plan 2 (HPP2) 2021-2025 and will formulate the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP 6, 2025/2026-2029/2030) during the period 2023-2024. The NDP 5 was extended for one year until March 2023 and from that date, the HPP2 will be the guiding plan until the NDP 6 is formulated by the end of 2024.

General Assembly resolution 72/279 elevates the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (currently known as 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 Cooperation Framework now guides the entire in-country programme cycle, driving planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of collective UN support for achieving the 2030 Agenda.

Following the new UNSDCF Guidelines, the RC has set out a consultative and participatory process for the designing of the next UNSDCF with the UN Country Team (UNCT), GRN, UN Secretariat entities, Non-Resident Agencies with support from the Regional Office for Africa of the UN Development Coordination Office (DCO).

The roll-out of the UNSDCF consists of the following steps:

- Updating and finalization of the current draft of Common Country Analysis (March-September 2023) - Strategic Prioritization Retreat (end of November) - Design of the Cooperation Framework (January-March 2024) - Convening the UNCT configuration dialogue (March-May 2024) - Sign off the Cooperation Framework (May 2024) - Formulation of the Funding Framework (May-June 2024) - Formulation of Agency-specific documents or country programme documents (April-September 2024) - Formulation of Joint Workplans (July-October 2024)

This consultancy will develop and implement the foresight component of the Strategic Prioritization Retreat on 28 and 29 November 2023. The consultant will work with the UN Resident Coordinator Office under the supervision of the RCO Strategic Planning and Team Leader.

Duties and Responsibilities The consultant will be expected to undertake the following tasks:

Session on “Unfolding the CF results areas: Identifying the primary changes/steps required in each results area” (28 November, 2023)

a. To propose a foresight methodology (2,5-3 hrs) for this session where participants will engage in a participatory exercise on the primary changes required by 2029 in each area of intervention identified in the previous session, including the main obstacles and steps needed to bring about that change (helping contribute towards the outline of a theory of change), including the role of the UN and the identification of critical inter-linkages across these areas of intervention. b. To provide and prepare the necessary inputs, materials, and tools for the successful implementation of the session. c. To facilitate the session.

Session on Looking at the HOW: Searching for a cooperation and partnership model in UMICs (29 November, 2023) a. To adapt the three-horizon foresight methodology for this session (4,5 hrs) where participants will identify key changes and milestones required for the UN to develop an efficient partnership and cooperation model in an UMIC context like Namibia with high inequality. The UN strategy for UMICs/MICs recommends focusing on upstream policy advice, capacity development, and evidence and data generation, however this recommended model coexists with demands for downstream service delivery, uncertain resource mobilization, and shifting financial landscape. In Namibia, reflection should integrate questions about the UN role in a potentially oil/gas producer country, developing a hub for green hydrogen and facing high inequality, youth unemployment and poverty. b. To provide and prepare the necessary inputs, materials, and tools for the successful implementation of the session. c. To facilitate the session.

Report of both sessions with main findings and recommendations a. To deliver final report with a summary of the methodology used, main findings and recommendations emerging from both sessions.

Qualifications/special skills A relevant master's degree in fields such as business administration, economics, public policy, social sciences or a related field is required. Professional Experience: A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement is required. Three years of experience in applying foresight and futures approach to strategic planning processes is desirable. Experience in UN or International Organization planning processes is desirable. Experience facilitating participatory planning processes is desirable. Report Writing: Strong report writing and communication skills, including the ability to present findings and recommendations clearly and concisely is desirable.

Languages Proficiency in English is required

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.