National Consultant

Result of Service The objective of this assignment is to hire a qualified national consultant to support the RCO Malawi in organizing three separate consultative meetings with district councils and other stakeholders on the new UNSDCF in the cities of Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu.

Work Location Lilongwe, Malawi

Expected duration 10 working days

Duties and Responsibilities The new guidance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) issued by the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, following the UN systems-wide reforms, emphasises the primacy of the UNSDCF in articulating government expectations of the UN development system and in driving UN Development System contributions at the country level. The UN General Assembly (UNGA) elevated the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework as “the most important instrument for planning and implementation of the UN development activities at the country level in support of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”.

Following the Roadmap for the development of the 2024-2028 UNSDCF endorsed by the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Malawi and approved by the UN Development Coordination Office, the UN and the Government jointly undertook a Common Country Analysis (CCA) in 2022. The CCA informed the prioritization exercise that resulted in the identification of four mutually reinforcing strategic priority areas for the next programming cycle: (i) Support sustainable, diversified, and inclusive growth, (ii) Strengthen institutional governance, (ii) Ensure sustainable investments and outcomes in human capital development, and (iv) Adapt to climatic change, reverse environmental degradation, and support energy transformation.

As per the UNSDCF Guidelines a full draft Theory of Change (ToC) that includes outcome statements was developed through a participatory process involving government and the UN held at the strategic priority level. The draft ToC requires the validation of all partners before other parts of the cooperation can be formulated, such as the concrete contribution of the United Nations, the monitoring framework and the UNCT configuration best fit to deliver results. The consultations aim to obtain feedback on the draft ToC and identify areas and needs for strengthening the UNSDCF. The exercise offers an opportunity to bring perspectives of the different stakeholders such Ministries, Departments, Agencies, districts councils, development partners, academia, private sector actors, Civil Society Organizations, and professional associations.

Reporting The consultant will report to the Data, Results Monitoring and Reporting Officer under the overall supervision of the Head of Office, Strategic Planner. Regular progress updates will be required throughout the assignment

Scope of work The assignment is expected to be completed within 10 working days between 29 May and 30 June. The consultant will undertake the following tasks: - Engage the district councils in each region to identify appropriate stakeholders for the meeting. - Collaborate with the RCO Malawi to invite relevant stakeholders and ensure their attendance at the consultative meeting. - Compile a confirmed registration list of participants, speakers, and special guests. - Collaborate with the RCO to provide logistical support in collecting participants information such as national IDs, contacts details, banking information to facilitate their travel, accommodation, and payment of Daily Subsistence Allowances. - Support in printing all the handouts for the consultative meetings. - Ensure all meeting rooms are arranged according to specifications and ready for the meetings as required (as per conference agenda). This also includes seating name plates at the main table and ensuring that seating arrangements have been made as per specifications. - Provide administrative and secretarial support during each of the consultative meetings. - Prepare and present a final report, including recommendations and next steps.

Qualifications/special skills At least a bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Business Administration, or any relevant field is required. At least 5 years of experience in organizing consultative meetings is required. Demonstrated experience in working with a diverse range of stakeholders is desirable. Familiarity with the local context is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working language of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another United Nations working language is an advantage.

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.