Lead Consultant - UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2028-2032 for the Pacific

Zero draft Results Matrix Lead the results architecture, strategic coherence and final consolidation; ensure all required components are complete. Includes outcomes, outputs, indicators, baselines, targets and means of verification; aligned with Pacific and UN priorities; maximum five revisions through finalization.

Home Based/Remotely

1Nov26-31Dec26

The United Nations in the Pacific is formulating the UNSDCF 2028-2032 as the principal strategic framework for collective UN support to 14 Pacific Island Countries and Territories covered by the Fiji, Micronesia and Samoa Multi-Country Offices. The framework will align the UN system around national and regional priorities and SDG acceleration, informed by the Pacific Common Analysis, independent evaluation evidence, strategic dialogue and inclusive stakeholder consultation. The framework is to be grounded in Leave No One Behind (LNOB), the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA), Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (GEWE), disability inclusion, sustainability and resilience. It will be operationalized through Country Implementation Plans and supported by UN INFO and joint work planning mechanisms. A. Strategic leadership and relationship management • Serve as the primary focal point for the Fiji, Micronesia and Samoa RCOs on all strategic, substantive and relationship management matters concerning the assignment. • Provide overall methodological leadership and maintain coherence across the vision, Theory of Change, strategic priorities, results architecture, narrative, governance and implementation arrangements. • Advise the Resident Coordinators, Heads of RCOs and UN Country Teams on strategic choices, trade-offs, quality standards and alignment with UNSDCF guidance and corporate requirements. • Lead engagement with UNCT and UN inter-agency groups, in coordination with the relevant RCO. B. Results Matrix and strategic narrative • Lead review of the UNCT Vision Paper, Strategic Prioritization Workshop outcomes, Pacific Common Analysis and other agreed evidence and inputs. • Lead development and quality assurance of the UNSDCF Results Matrix, including outcomes, outputs, SDG-aligned indicators, baselines, targets and means of verification. • Work closely with the Junior Consultant and DMEG to ensure the results architecture is technically robust, measurable, coherent and responsive to MCO and country-level priorities. • Draft and consolidate the full UNSDCF narrative and all mandatory sections, including the results framework, monitoring and evaluation plan, governance and legal annexes. C. Validation, quality assurance and finalization • Design and lead the overall validation approach with governments, UNCTs, regional stakeholders and other agreed constituencies. • Oversee consolidation, adjudication and transparent tracking of comments, ensuring that agreed feedback is reflected consistently across the narrative and Results Matrix. • Approve the technical integration of inputs prepared by the Junior Consultant on HRBA, GEWE, LNOB, disability inclusion, youth and vulnerable populations. • Finalize the UNSDCF 2028-2032 and lead preparation of the accompanying executive presentation or slide deck. D. Team coordination • Provide substantive direction, task sequencing and quality review for the Junior Consultant while preserving separate accountability. • Agree a joint workplan, document-control protocol, division of labour and review schedule with the Junior Consultant and the Fiji RCO. • Escalate strategic risks, unresolved substantive issues and decisions requiring Resident Coordinator or Head of RCO attention. Working Arrangements and Coordination • The consultant will work under the overall guidance of the Heads of the RCOs in Fiji, Micronesia and Samoa. Deliverables will be reviewed and approved by the three Heads of RCOs. • The contract will be managed by the Fiji RCO. The consultant will work closely with the Pacific Resident Coordinators, RCOs, UNCTs, DMEG and relevant inter-agency groups. • The Lead Consultant is the focal point for all strategic and relationship management issues. The Junior Consultant is the technical lead for inclusion and results and for efficient administration and operational coordination. • Both consultants will coordinate through a shared workplan and agreed review protocol. Each consultant remains individually accountable for the timely and high-quality delivery of their own contractual outputs. • The consultant must personally perform the assignment and may not delegate or subcontract services unless expressly authorized in writing and permitted under the applicable contract. Methodological Approach • Theory of Change and systems thinking to test causal logic and strategic coherence. • Strategic foresight and behavioural insights where relevant to strengthen forward-looking and implementable solutions. • Results-based management, including explicit results chains, measurable indicators, assumptions, risks and learning loops. • Inclusive, participatory and rights-based methods that enable meaningful engagement by diverse stakeholders and groups at risk of being left behind. • Transparent evidence, consultation and comment-tracking processes that support accountability and auditability.

Advanced university degree in Development Studies, Public Policy, Economics, International Relations, Social Sciences or another relevant field can be considered, Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible international experience in strategic planning, results-based management and development cooperation. Demonstrated experience leading the drafting or substantive preparation of UN Common Country Analyses, UNSDCFs or equivalent UN strategic frameworks. Demonstrated experience leading the drafting or substantive preparation of UN Common Country Analyses, UNSDCFs or equivalent UN strategic frameworks. Strong record of developing results frameworks, Theory of Change, strategic narratives, governance arrangements and monitoring and evaluation approaches. Proven ability to advise senior stakeholders, manage complex multi-country relationships, facilitate high-level consultations and resolve substantive differences Excellent analytical, drafting, synthesis, facilitation and presentation skills in English; Pacific regional experience is highly desirable

Fluency of English language is required.

Not available.