Consultant Humanitarian-Basic Human Needs Coordination Structure Advisor

Result of ServiceThe conceptualization and operationalization of a revised cross-pillar H-BHN aid coordination architecture of the UN in Afghanistan will result in: Clear visualization and TORs for the new H-BHN coordination structure; Clarity and buy in of all stakeholders (UN and external) on the new H-BHN coordination structure; Established and functioning (through regular meetings) H-BHN coordination structure, with secretarial support from the Consultant. On the CCA update objective, the revised, high-quality UN Common Country Analysis for Afghanistan 2025 will provide UNCT HOAs and relevant external counterparts with: Succinct yet nuanced assessment of the operating environment, main socio-economic and SDG 2023 challenges in Afghanistan, and priority opportunities for UN programming. An initial path/basis and timeline for the development of an integrated Humanitarian/BHN strategic framework to be launched in January 2027. Work LocationThis consultancy will be home Based with regular travel to Afghanistan (one week per month). Expected duration5 Nov 25 - 05 Jul 26 Duties and ResponsibilitiesA. Background Following the political transition in August 2021, international assistance to Afghanistan expanded significantly, helping to avert a humanitarian catastrophe. United Nations Security Council Resolution 2626 (2022) in its operative paragraphs 5(a) and 5(b) mandated UNAMA “to coordinate and facilitate, the provision of humanitarian assistance and financial resources to support humanitarian activities,” as well as “to coordinate international donors and organizations in relation to basic human needs, taking into account resolution 2615 (2021), including through information-sharing, facilitate development policy dialogue between all relevant Afghan stakeholders, the region and the wider international community, support efforts to increase accountability, transparency and the effective use of aid without discrimination, and support community-based systems for meeting basic human needs and increasing resilience, support the provision of essential services to the Afghan population and contribute to creating economic and social conditions that can lead to self-reliance and stability, and continue to work with all relevant stakeholders and international financial institutions for the benefit of the Afghan people.” By 2024, donor funding had evolved towards a more balanced allocation between humanitarian and basic human needs (BHN) programming. This shift reflected the recognition that short-term humanitarian relief needed to be complemented with investments in resilience, essential services, and durable solutions. While many improvements have been made in recent years, the current coordination architecture remains largely fragmented. Reviews conducted in 2025 highlighted the need for simplification, improved inclusivity, and stronger linkages across humanitarian and BHN systems. The RC/HC has therefore initiated a process to define and operationalize a more coherent, inclusive, and accountable aid coordination architecture across the humanitarian–development–peace pillars. B. Duties and Responsibilities This consultancy is located within the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Afghanistan and will report to the Senior Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and RCO Team Leader. The consultant’s main duties and responsibilities are as follows: 1. Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation Convene and facilitate structured consultations with UN agencies, NGOs, donors, and other partners to refine and finalise proposals for a streamlined H-BHN coordination structure , building on extensive consultations already held. Support the RC/HC in building consensus and buy-in for the streamlined H-BHN coordination structure across diverse stakeholders, balancing humanitarian, BHN, donor, and other stakeholder perspectives. Ensure participation of national NGOs and local actors in consultation processes and future arrangements. 2. Conceptualization of Revised UN Afghanistan H-BHN Coordination Structure Guide discussions to clarify structures, roles, functions, and linkages between humanitarian and BHN actors. Work with stakeholders to define practical modalities for inclusive participation, information sharing, and decision-making, Conceptualise and visualise a resulting streamlined H-BHN coordination structure. 3. Operationalization Support Draft ToRs, operational guidelines, and accountability frameworks for newly agreed H-BHN coordination structures, based on stakeholder input. Provide technical and secretariat support to revised coordination mechanisms at the initial stages of roll-out to ensure their effective functioning. Liaise with high-level coordination forums to ensure alignment and coherence between operational coordination arrangements and strategic priorities. 4. Advisory and Analytical Support Provide advisory support to the RC/HC and other stakeholders on risks and opportunities arising during the coordination review process. Prepare progress updates, analytical briefs, and communication materials to document consensus reached and next steps. Identify capacity gaps and propose measures for strengthening coordination capacity, particularly among national NGOs and local partners. 5. Information Management, Analysis, and Planning Promote consensus on shared analytical functions, including joint needs assessments, common baselines, and harmonized monitoring frameworks. Support proposals for interoperable humanitarian–BHN data platforms to enable joint analysis and reporting. Coordinate the update of the UN Country Analysis (CCA), ensuring that it integrates humanitarian, development, and peace perspectives. Develop a timeline and start planning process for the development of an integrated Humanitarian/BHN strategic framework to be launched in January 2027. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree in development studies, social sciences, public policy or other relevant fields. At least 10 years of experience in positions of increasing responsibility working with a variety of humanitarian, peacebuilding, and development actors in developing recovery and peacebuilding plans or strategies, and humanitarian coordination, including in fragile countries (field experience). Specific knowledge of the Humanitarian Response Plan cycle, the UN Cooperation Framework process and other major development planning instruments Specific knowledge and/or experience in multi-stakeholder coordination and planning mechanisms (e.g. UNCT, HCT, UN Mission, Government planning, etc.) and of strategic planning theory and practice. In-depth knowledge of the complex relationship between humanitarian assistance and development issues, including peace and prevention. Capacity for conceptual and strategic analysis, including ability to analyse and articulate the humanitarian dimension of complex issues that require a coordinated response from UN agencies and partners. Demonstrated ability to work in both development and humanitarian settings and provide consistent responses. Strong data and information management skills, collating and analysing information from various sources to demonstrate impact of programmes. Experience as a UN Strategic Planner and/or UN coordination officer would be a strong asset. Knowledge of UN rules, policies, procedures and practices, as well as the programming mechanisms of the United Nations and its partners, particularly in crisis and post-conflict situations, as well as a functional understanding of the international development architecture. Proven track record of integrating gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas of work, and accountability to affected populations. Excellent communication and analytical skills (written, verbal, interpersonal and intercultural). LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For this assignment, fluency in English is required. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.