Historique

Iraq is facing various institutional, economic, social, and environmental challenges that what the National Development Plan (2018-2022) of Iraq acknowledged about. Which requires effective integration (horizontal and vertical), and coordination which cannot be addressed through a business as usual approach.  The various social, economic, political, and environmental challenges that Iraq faced and their intense effects on human development make the 2030 agenda for sustainable development highly relevant for the country.  Iraqi government has adopted and embarked on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs after their awareness of the economic, social, institutional, and environmental challenges.

Iraq adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. The Government has made major efforts towards integrating the SDGs in the National Development Plan (2018-2022). Furthermore, the government has put in place structures to facilitate the implementation of SDGs. A National Committee on Sustainable Development (NCSD) chaired by the Minister of Planning, monitors progress on the SDGs and prepares national reports on this progress, and submits such reports to the high-level follow-up group for their consideration and guidance. There is a number of specialized technical inter-ministerial committees that are supporting the NCSD including in SDGs’ thematical areas.

UNDP-Iraq has been supporting the Government of Iraq on the implementation and monitoring of the SDGs targets and indicators at both national and sub-national levels. This initiative comes at a particular junction where the National Development Plan (NDP 2018-2022) of Iraq acknowledges that Iraq is faced with various institutional, economic, social, and environmental challenges, which cannot be addressed 

through a business-as-usual approach and demands effective integration (horizontal as well as vertical) and coordination. Thus, the Government of Iraq, with support from multiple development partners, has engaged in developing new strategies and plans to meet the challenges of transitioning from a crisis context to a sustainable development context. The NDP (2018-2022) and the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) have been significantly aligned with the SDGs targets and indicators with the support of UNDP-Iraq and other UN Agencies – as a national framework for the SDGs. The Government has also engaged in developing the Iraqi Vision 2030 that identifies and addresses medium and long-term strategic development priorities and goals. The Government has also submitted two of the country's Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) to the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in 2019 and 2021. Other than that, there are piloted sub-national SDGs reports prepared and developed to highlight different challenges and opportunities based on the local context and resources.

In such context, and as a part of the UNDP’s SDGs project, this assignment aims to prepare and develop the SDG16 report that highlights to promote peaceful and inclusive societies in order to achieve sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels according to the 2030 Agenda.

S/he must demonstrate or has lengthy experience and knowledge as a SDG specialist within the context of reporting (preferably in the Arab States). Thus, the preparation of SDG16 report will contribute towards having a better understanding of the progress being already made and the needs for the next years. The international consultant will be a pen holder and leading the work cooperatively with the Ministry of Planning and UNDP’s SDGs Team to develop the report.

Devoirs et responsabilités

The essential objective of the consultancy service is to provide robust writing up the SDG16 report based on the country’s progress toward the 2030 Agenda, and within SDG16 targets and indicators. Also, possibly drawing on good countries (preferably in the Arab States) practices in preparing the SDG16 report. Where the SDG16 is an engine for progress.

The national consultant will take the lead and in addition to acting as a pen holder, in conjunction with the SDGs Project Manager at UNDP-IRAQ, Senior Management and relevant experts from the Iraqi Ministry of Planning, and other line ministries, in undertaking this assignment. In doing so, the formulated the SDG16 report will provide an insight picture about the progress/contribution being already made and the needs for the next years toward 2030.

ASSIGNMENT CONTEXT & SCOPE OF WORK:

The national consultant during implementing the assignment is required to employ a collaborative approach in ensuring that inputs are obtained from the Senior Management at the Ministry of Planning, and integrated throughout the drafting and planning process, in consultation with the SDGs Team at UNDP-Iraq. Also, she\he should know that the SDG 16 is an engine for progress and an enabling tool for all other Goals.

The Consultant will develop, in consultation with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Planning and UNDP-Iraq, the SDGs 16 report based upon the context of the national SDGs.

The focus areas of the consultancy will include but are not limited to the following:

Lessons on SDG 16 interlinkages with other SDGs, including research on the role of SDG 16 in accelerating progress on other parts of the 2030 Agenda. Also, applying SDG 16 principles to promote stakeholder engagement at national levels in different development processes.

Key duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

The consultant will specifically do the following:

• Support the launch of the report on SDG 16 interlinkages with poverty and inequality.
•  Provide expertise and technical leadership to meet key deliverables and support workplan formulation and report implementation.
• Hold meetings and discussions with agencies whose work is related to the SDG16
• Facilitate workshop(s) for inputs and feedback into the development of the National SDGs report.
• Engage with relevant reports and other partners on learning on SDG16.
• Write the report should identify the specific SDG16, and on which it can have the most impact.
• Undertake duty responsibilities as required to support programme implementation and other related activities.

Compétences

IV. Competencies:

Functional Competencies:

• Knowledge of and extensive experience with working in the focus area of SDGs and reporting. 
• Proven competency in the production of analytical reports in quantitative and qualitative research methods is required.
• Excellent knowledge of the UN system and its work in the area of sustainable development, SDGs reporting development, and the intergovernmental processes related to the 2030 Agenda.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Results-driven, ability to work under pressure and to meet required deadlines.
• Good understanding and practice of capacity development.
• Cultural sensitivity.
• Diplomatic skills.

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Ability to work with a multi-cultural and diverse team

Qualifications et expériences requises

I. Academic Qualifications:

Advanced university degree in international studies and developments, social science, development studies, political sciences, and other related fields.

II. Years of experience:

• At least 5 years of experience working on the SDGs reporting - including developing, planning, and undertaking high-level writing up in this area.
• Has specific knowledge and experience working in the SDGs. 
• Has experience of working with UN or governments on developing strategies and case studies related to SDGs.
• Previous working experience in developing SDGs reports at national and sub-national levels, national and strategic planning 
• Experience in managing multi-stakeholder engagement, coordination with ministries, UN and International agencies, economic sector, private and public sectors, and stakeholders   

• III.  Language:

  Excellent written and spoken in English, and Arabic is a plus.