International Consultant to Review the Implementation of the First Phase (2021–2024) of the HDP Nexus in Cameroon

Result of ServiceSupported by a national expert and under the direct supervision of the head of Resident Coordinator Office and in close collaboration with the Humanitarian Develelopment Peace Nexus advisor at the Resident Coordinator’s Office, will work with his/her own equipment, as necessary for the accomplishment of this mission. The study is expected to deliver the following outcomes: 1. A comprehensive assessment of the implementation of the first phase (2021–2024), clearly identifying achievements, constraints, and good practices. 2. A documented understanding of the level of ownership and integration of the Nexus approach by key stakeholders at national, regional, and local levels. 3. A detailed analysis of results in operational convergence areas within the two priority regions of the Far North and the Eastern Façade highlighting major challenges and obstacles to the scaling-up of the approach. 4. An evaluation of the effectiveness of coordination mechanisms and tools, including monitoring and evaluation frameworks, intervention mapping, and reporting on collective results achieved by actors in the visited convergence areas. 5. Evidence-based, practical recommendations to strengthen planning, coordination, and implementation for the second phase (2025–2026). 6. Enhanced capacities of local authorities to assume a leading role in the coordination and operationalization of the Nexus approach within their respective areas of responsibility. Work LocationHYBRID, CAMEROON Expected duration2 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground The implementation of the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus approach in Cameroon follows the commitment made by the country at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul in 2016. In 2017, the UN Secretary-General added Cameroon to the list of seven priority countries for the operationalization of the Triple Nexus, as part of the new way of working together with greater coherence and complementarity between humanitarian and development actors, aiming to find sustainable solutions to the underlying causes of vulnerabilities. To support this process, the United Nations System in Cameroon created a working group in 2019 tasked with developing a national strategy tailored to areas affected by protracted crises. This process culminated in the formulation of a comprehensive roadmap for the period 2021–2026, structured around one collective outcome and three sub-outcomes. The implementation of this roadmap is supported by a national Taskforce, as well as two regional Taskforces covering the Far North and East regions. The first operational phase of the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus in Cameroon (2021–2024) focused on familiarizing stakeholders with this integrated approach, emphasizing community participation and the complementarity of humanitarian, development, and peace actors. Two projects funded by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS) facilitated notable progress, particularly in the convergence zones of Mokolo and Logone-Birni. Nevertheless, results remain limited in the eastern region due to low stakeholder engagement and insufficient resources. Following a government-led mission in February 2024 to the convergence zones of Logone-Birni and Mokolo, the Government issued ten strategic orientations. Among these was a call for a comprehensive evaluation of the first phase of HDP Nexus implementation to inform potential adjustments. The second phase (2025–2026) is intended to consolidate the achievements of the first phase, address identified gaps, and advance toward fully operational implementation, with particular attention to structural drivers of vulnerability, including food insecurity, climate-related hazards, health crises, infrastructure deficits, and local governance challenges. The study will pursue the following objectives: 1- Assess the entire process of implementing the first phase (2021–2024) of the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus approach in Cameroon, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and good practices. 2- Evaluate the extent to which the Nexus approach has been internalized and adopted by stakeholders at the national, regional, and local levels. 3- Analyze results achieved in the operational convergence zones (Mokolo and Logone-Birni) and identify challenges and bottlenecks that have constrained the expansion and operationalization of the approach in other convergence zones within the two priority regions of the Far North and Eastern Façade. 4- Assess the effectiveness of existing tools and mechanisms, including coordination structures, monitoring and evaluation systems, intervention mapping, and reporting frameworks. 5- Formulate practical recommendations to strengthen planning, coordination, and implementation in the second phase (2025–2026). 6- Facilitate a debriefing session in each visited zone with local authorities and key actors to promote ownership of the Nexus coordination function. The workshop will explore avenues for enhancing coordination capacities at the local level. In support of this, the consultants will develop an operational coordination guidance tool for local authorities and a concept note for all stakeholders for scaling up the approach in other zones of the Far North, as well as for revitalizing HDP actors in the Eastern Façade (East, Adamawa, and North regions). These documents will be annexed to the final report. The study will be conducted using the following approach: • Literature Review: Examination of the HDP Nexus roadmap, relevant action plans, project evaluation reports, and existing studies, coordination mechanism. • Semi-structured Interviews: Engagement with key stakeholders at national, regional, and local levels, including selected members of the UN Country Team (UNCT), Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), public authorities within the Prime Minister’s Services and sectoral ministries, local authorities, NGOs, development partners, and civil society representatives. • Field visits: On-site visits to operational convergence zones in the two priority regions, the Far North and the Eastern region, with a focus on Bertoua area. • Participatory and Triangulated Data Analysis: Systematic cross-verification of data collected through multiple sources and methods. • Interim validation session: Presentation of preliminary findings for validation and refinement of recommendations. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master’s) in social sciences, international development, international relations, political science, or a relevant field. Proven experience (minimum 7 years) in programme/project evaluation in fragile contexts and/or protracted crises. Strong knowledge of the HDP Nexus approach, resilience, and inter-agency coordination. Demonstrated field experience in West and/or Central Africa, preferably in fragile areas of Cameroon. Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English and French is required. Fluency in other UN languages is an added advantage. Female candidates and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. 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.