IC – Cost-Benefit Analysis & SDG-Aligned Intervention Methodology

Result of ServiceExpected Deliverables 1. Cost-Benefit Intervention Database • Design and develop a structured database to catalog development interventions with associated cost-benefit data. • Populate the database with a curated set of real-world interventions, complete with standardized metadata. Targeting at least 10 documented interventions per SDG. 2. SDG Indexing Framework • Create a methodology to systematically map interventions to relevant SDG goals and targets. • Provide guidance and tools to ensure consistent SDG tagging across interventions. 3. Cross-Country Cost-Benefit Adjustment Methodology • Develop an approach for adjusting or transferring cost-benefit data from one country to another. • Include context variables and sensitivity testing protocols to ensure data relevance and credibility. 4. Power BI Integration • Build an interactive Power BI dashboard linked to the database, enabling filtering, visualization, and export of key data and insights. • Ensure usability by both technical analysts and policy audiences. 5. Analytical Application to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia • Apply the full methodology to Saudi Arabia using a subset of contextually relevant interventions. • Calibrate cross-country data and provide an analysis aligned with Vision 2030 and the national SDG framework. 6. Methodology White Paper with Saudi Arabia Case Study • Produce a comprehensive white paper outlining the general methodology, database design, SDG alignment process, and cross-country data transfer approach. • Feature Saudi Arabia as a case study to demonstrate the methodology in practice. Work LocationRemote Expected duration1.5 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: The UN Secretary-General's Development System reform, launched on 1 January 2019 in response to General Assembly resolution 71/243, repositions the UN Development System to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for dignity, prosperity and peace on a healthy planet. Central to this process, and as further mandated by General Assembly resolution 72/279, a new generation of UN Resident Coordinator Offices across the world are being strengthened under the leadership of an empowered UN Resident Coordinator, the highest-ranking representative of the UN Development System at country level. To effectively support the work of UN Country Team and the Government of Saudi Arabia, the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office for Saudi Arabia is undertaking the creation of a generalizable methodology and interactive database for cataloging development interventions with cost-benefit data, mapping them to SDG targets, and adapting data across contexts. This system will enable governments and development actors to prioritize high-impact, SDG-aligned interventions. The framework will be demonstrated using Saudi Arabia as a test case and documented in a white paper for broader dissemination. Duties and Responsibilities: The consultant will report directly to the RCO Economist and will collaborate virtually with other RCO team members and relevant stakeholders. 1. Methodological Design • Develop a scalable and standardized framework for identifying, organizing, and analyzing cost-benefit estimates of development interventions. • Define core database structures, parameters, and metadata standards (e.g., intervention type, cost structure, benefit streams, time horizon, implementation context). • Where applicable, the consultant is expected to draw on high-quality, peer-reviewed sources, such as the Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis published by Cambridge University Press, to ensure the credibility and robustness of intervention data and methodologies. 2. SDG Indexing and Mapping • Develop a tagging framework to align interventions with specific SDGs and targets. • Establish rules and templates to support consistent and justifiable mappings across sectors and intervention types. 3. Cross-Country Cost-Benefit Adjustment Methodology • Create a method for adapting or transferring cost-benefit data between countries. • Incorporate variables such as income level, sectoral conditions, purchasing power parity, and governance capacity. • Include recommendations for uncertainty handling and sensitivity analysis when adapting data across contexts. 4. Database Visualization in Power BI • Design and build an interactive Power BI dashboard integrated with the intervention database. • Include visual summaries of ROI, BCR, NPV, SDG alignment, and intervention categories. • Enable filtering and customized export features for policy and technical users. 5. Case Study Application to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia • Apply the methodology to a curated set of interventions relevant to Saudi Arabia’s development and Vision 2030 priorities. • Calibrate international interventions for Saudi context using the adjustment methodology. • Analyze findings and produce insights into SDG alignment and cost-effectiveness at the national level. 6. Documentation and Dissemination • Author a comprehensive white paper detailing the methodology and tools developed. • Include the Saudi Arabia case study as an application example. • Prepare supporting materials including templates, documentation, and a user guide for adaptation in other national contexts. Qualifications/special skillsA bachelors degree in social sciences, economics, public health, law or related area is required. A masters (Ongoing) or Higher (Ongoing) in social sciences, economics, public health, law or related area is desirable. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 1 year of professional work experience in relevant research is required. High proficiency in academic writing in English is required. Demonstrated expertise in sustainable development policy, SDG frameworks, or public investment planning is required. Prior experience with dashboard development and data modeling, especially in Power BI is required. Familiarity with the KSA’s Vision 2030 or the Gulf region is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required and knowledge of Arabic is desirable. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas. Additional InformationRecruitment for this position is on a local basis. The incumbent is required to have the legal right to live and work in the specified working location. 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.