Analytic Assessment and Special Publication Consultant on DPoA Progress

Organizational Context

The role is within the UN Secretariat, specifically the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS). This office supports the implementation of global compacts like the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) for LDCs. The DPoA is a critical blueprint for structural transformation, aiming to foster strengthened global partnerships and sustainable development for the world's most vulnerable nations. This consultancy contributes to assessing DPoA progress.

Job Purpose

The primary purpose of this consultancy is to undertake the synthesis and drafting of a flagship, evidence-based, and visually engaging publication titled "Voices of Transformation: Stories of Progress in the Implementation of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA)." This involves comprehensively analyzing DPoA implementation progress across national, regional, and global levels, highlighting its impact on the world's most vulnerable nations. The consultant will document key lessons learned, good practices, and notable success stories, while also distilling transferable lessons and presenting practical models for scaling and replication. This publication is crucial for assessing the DPoA's effectiveness in fostering structural transformation and renewed global partnerships. It aims to provide strategic insights and actionable recommendations, including concise key messages for various stakeholders, to guide the post-Mid-Term Review implementation phase of the DPoA, ultimately contributing to the ambitious vision of sustainable development and ensuring no nation is left behind in the pursuit of global prosperity.

Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct a comprehensive review and assessment of DPoA implementation progress, utilizing desktop exercises, data collection methods, and various sources including National MTR Reports, SG reports, regional publications, and global databases. This involves identifying key lessons learned, good practices, and success stories. Based on this assessment, the consultant will distil transferable lessons and provide strategic, practical, and actionable recommendations, along with concise key messages for LDC governments, development partners, and the UN system, to guide the post-MTR implementation phase. The role also requires participation in at least one expert group consultation, including sessions with UN Resident Coordinators and national focal points, to present findings and refine the draft report based on feedback. Specific tasks include conducting a detailed desktop/literature review, undertaking targeted virtual interviews with National Focal Points and LDCs IACGs members, drafting detailed analysis and 4-5 short case studies per priority area for the final report (target 90–110 pages with graphics), engaging in a peer-review process with IACG-LDCs and Resident Coordinators, and presenting the draft final report at expert group consultations to ensure broad ownership. All outputs must be delivered in English, in Word format.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in international or regional development, with a focus on global frameworks, particularly for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), is required. This includes demonstrable extensive experience producing high-level UN analytical reports with a data-driven approach, distilling complex policy issues into impactful narratives, and working effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Skills

Knowledge of development strategies and national programming policies. Proven competency in research, including qualitative and quantitative analysis, document review, self-administered surveys, and semi-structured interviews. Ability to produce high-level UN analytical reports with a data-driven approach. Skill in distilling complex policy issues into impactful, reader-friendly narratives. Ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. Fluency in both oral and written English.

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