International Consultant on Strategic Planning

Contract

This is a International Consultant contract. More about International Consultant contracts.

Background

The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2021-2025 represents the most important instrument for planning and implementation of the UN development activities at country level in support of the SDGs. The Cooperation Framework is nationally owned and anchored in the national development priorities, the Agenda 2030 and the principles of the UN Charter.

Belarus is committed to the Agenda 2030 on the global, regional and country level.

The top priority for the UN’s work in Belarus is to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals, advance the discussion about financing for SDGs and inspire partnerships needed for the effective realization of the Agenda 2030.

The National Sustainable Development Strategy 2035 confirms that it is necessary to pair the national goals with 17 SDGs whereas they shall be also adapted to the conditions of long-term development of Belarus. The National Statistical Committee of Belarus (Belstat) coordinates monitoring and evaluation of SDGs. The UN has supported establishment of the National Platform for Reporting on Sustainable Development Goals of the Republic of Belarus, which is the main tool for assessing the progress and dissemination of data on SDG indicators (sdgplatform.belstat.gov.by). National Sustainable Development Strategy 2035 will enter into force in late 2020. Development of the state programmes for 2021-2025 cycle will be held simultaneously with drafting of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.

The new sustainable development environment in the country will require UN efforts aimed at the practical implementation of the new UNSDCF involving the preparation of relevant UNCT planning and reporting documents, its further coordination with the national sustainable development efforts, ongoing development and updating of the country analysis and other tasks. Existing and emerging challenges, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, may also need reflection in policy and programmatic documents.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Advise and support the planning, development, implementation, M&E and reporting for key strategic documents, including the UN Development Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) in consultation and coordination with the relevant stakeholders;
• Provide support and recommendations to the RCO and the UN Country Team on the UN reform and UNDG policies, guidelines and tools;
• Facilitate and coordinate quality of UN contributions to internal and external short, medium- and long-term needs assessment, planning and reporting exercises and other similar analytical work;
• Support various coordination mechanisms including support to lead agencies of Thematic groups and Inter-Agency task forces;
• Support identification of high impact opportunities and potential areas for joint programming, and provide strategic and technical advice on the development and implementation of joint programmes;
• Support development of joint UN programme documents in the priority areas;
• Provide input into the UNCT 2021 Joint Working Plan (JWP) (November-December 2020);
• Provide input in ongoing UNCT reporting related to UNDAF and UNSDCF implementation;
• Provide advice in preparation of the UNCT retreat (January 2021);
• Whenever necessary, provide capacity building support to those involved in the process of UNSDCF implementation, planning and reporting and related processes (October 2020 – September 2021);
• Whenever necessary, provide analytical support, drafting and writing support to the RCO on other matters related to sustainable development (response to COVID-19 pandemic etc.).
• Other related responsibilities as discussed with the Supervisor; no usual reporting is required.

Competencies

• Strong analytical and reporting skills confirmed by at least three examples of reports
• Solid understanding of UN agencies’ mandates confirmed by working experience is an advantage
• Fluency in English confirmed by a diploma, certificate or other relevant documents;
• Working knowledge of Russian/Belarusian confirmed by a diploma, certificate or other relevant documents;
• Excellent communication skills

Required Skills and Experience

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Economics, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Sciences or a related field;
  • 5 years of experience in an international development context;
  • Experience in UN inter-agency coordination confirmed by working experience is an advantage;
  • Experience in strategic work-planning and reporting in the UN context is an advantage