UNDP Jobs - 27051- Consultants (2 posts) Defining a Theory of Change

Consultants (2 posts) Defining a Theory of Change for the Post-2015 Development Agenda

Location :

Home-based

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

27-Dec-2011

Application Deadline :

20-Dec-11 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

approximately 3 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

approximately 3 months

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Context and rationale:

The 2010 MDG Summit acknowledged the need for global thinking about a post-2015 development framework. While the UN’s focus in the next 3 years must remain fully on MDG implementation, the UN needs to start engaging on the parameters of a post-2015 development agenda in parallel. There is a real demand from partners for the UN to take the lead and the UN has the opportunity to continue its intellectual leadership on the MDGs.

The UN Secretary-General Report Accelerating progress towards the Millennium Development Goals report notes that ‘over the coming years, structured discussions, in different United Nations forums will enable Member States and other relevant stakeholders to make their own assessments on how the Millennium Development Goals should be reviewed and rethought’. The report also states that the post-2015 development framework should emerge from an inclusive, open and transparent process with multi-stakeholder participation at global, regional and national mechanisms.

The importance of a broad process leading to an agreement on a post-2015 development framework has been emphasized as critical by various actors, including civil society. The discussions leading to a potential post-2015 framework will encompass technical as well as political components, with member states and the intergovernmental discussions having a central role. They will be highly complex and probably won’t proceed in a linear or even rational fashion, with policy processes shaped by a multitude of interacting forces and actors. It should not be taken as given that a successor framework will be brokered.

Objective:

The BDP Directorate is seeking to hire two consultants to work together to write a paper aimed at increasing UNDP’s understanding of the different scenarios and options regarding the post-2015 development agenda. It seeks to elaborate a theory of change which could lead to a successful post-2015 development framework.

A desired outcome of the post-2015 discussion would be a global agreement that promotes sustainable human development and addresses the critical development challenges of our time, including inclusion and sustainability, and draws on UN values, norms and commitments.

There will be a very wide variety of initiatives undertaken in order to influence the discussions and negotiations around the post-2015 agenda and UN/DP has to be strategic in its engagement and allocation of resources.

A defined theory of change will help the UN/DP to have a realistic understanding of what forces will be affecting the post-2015 discussions, work out the ways in which it can contribute most effectively to achieve a successful post-2015 agenda and options for adapting to potential political scenarios.

Duties and Responsibilities

Deliverables:

1. The consultants are expected to deliver a discussion paper providing consideration of a possible theory of change towards post-2015 and the implications for UNDP and the UN’s work and role (approximately 20/25 pages). It will include an opening one-page abstract covering all the key points in the document, which could be used as a stand-alone, shorter policy brief as necessary.

Specifically, the report it expected to identify:

Opportunities for framing debates and getting issues on the post-2015 political agenda and capturing the attention of key stakeholders;
Processes through which policy decisions will be made and spaces for policy dialogue;
The role of different sets of strategic partners, and the importance of engagement and mobilization;
How the global partnership for development could be broadened and strengthened through the post-2015 discussions, including the opportunity for enabling different actors to have a voice and ensure meaningful participation of non-state actors in the post-2015 dialogue;
UN/DP’s potential role in leading, owning and implementing the post-2015 development agenda and possible emerging circumstances UN/DP will have to react to.

2. The consultants are also expected to present the main findings of the consultancy to UNDP’s senior managers on an on-line web seminar.

Terms of the Contract:

Two consultants will be selected to work together on this contract, which will be home-based. Applicants are requested to apply individually, quoting a rate to deliver on the terms of reference, not a daily consultancy rate. The contract will start immediately and no later than 1 January 2012 with expected completion date by no later than end-March 2012. A more detailed timeline will be discussed with the selected consultant, setting out when a first draft would be required for internal review. The timeline will ensure a minimum of two rounds of consultation on the draft before the final paper is delivered end-March 2012.

Competencies

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Demonstrated substantive leadership and innovation with an ability to conceptualize and convey strategic vision from the spectrum of development and governmental experience;
Knowledge and expertise in intergovernmental and political processes, particularly in relation to issues around sustainability;
Demonstrated, well-developed people management and organizational skills;
Demonstrated ability to understand clients' needs and concerns; respond promptly and effectively to client needs; and customize services and products as appropriate.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced University degree in international relations, diplomacy, development, environment or related field

Experience:

Widely published authors in the areas of sustainability, risk, resilience, diplomacy, foreign policy or related areas
Experience working as an expert consultant with different actors, including governments, civil society and private sector with a high level of exposure to political leaders and thinkers.
Work experience with the UN system.

Language:

Excellent communication and drafting skills in English.
Proven experience with online communication.