National Consultant for the Update of the UN Country Analysis (CA)

Result of ServiceTo lead and coordinate and finalize the CA report, ensuring it is inclusive, analytically robust, and aligned with the latest UNSDG guidance. Work LocationBanjul, The Gambia Expected duration12 weeks Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) is initiating an update of the Country Analysis (CA) to guide the UN's posture in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2024-2028 for The Gambia. The CA is a continuous, forward-looking, and evidence-based function that informs strategic planning, advocacy, and policy dialogue. It integrates systems thinking, foresight, and a people-centered approach to identify development challenges, opportunities, and SDG accelerators. 2. Objective To lead and coordinate the preparation of the CA report, ensuring it is inclusive, analytically robust, and aligned with the latest UNSDG guidance. The consultant will facilitate data synthesis, stakeholder engagement, and the production of a concise, high-impact CA update. Scope of Work The consultant will be expected to support the UNCT in organizing and structuring the CA process through technical input, analytical framing, methodology, and quality assurance. They will also help prepare the CA summary report and/or thematic briefs leading to it. They will provide advice on incorporating guiding principles (HRBA, GEWE, LNOB), and facilitate inclusive consultation processes, including with marginalized groups. More specifically, the consultant will: - Facilitate a meta-analysis of existing data, assessments, and evaluations from UN entities, government, and partners. - Apply systems thinking and foresight methodologies to identify emerging development trends, risks, and opportunities for the UN System in 2026. - Facilitate consultations with UNCT members, government counterparts, civil society, and other stakeholders. - Ensure integration of normative agendas issues such as human rights, gender equality, climate action, and leaving no one behind. - Coordinate with the thematic and sectoral leads in the country team to ensure coherence and technical rigor. 4. Methodology The consultant will adopt a systemic, forward-looking and human-centered methodology around four main steps: 1- Preparation: Establish and coordinate a standing analytical group (e.g., analytical lab or situation room) composed of UNCT experts across sectors. Establish a repository of data and analysis and integrate AI/data innovation and foresight tools. Plan inclusive stakeholder consultations, including with civil society and marginalized groups. 2- Scope definition: formulate strategic analysis questions tailored to national priorities and UNCT knowledge gaps, using a systems and future-oriented approach 3- Sense-making: identify SDG acceleration pathways and strategic risks with a focus on impact on people. Use as needed a combination of desk review, stakeholder interviews, data triangulation, and participatory workshops. 4- Production of CA summary report: draft a report outlining sustainable development challenges and opportunities, pathways for SDG acceleration and evidence/data visuals to back up the narrative. The consultant will facilitate data synthesis, stakeholder engagement, and the production of a concise, high-impact CA update. Management and Reporting The consultant will report to the Resident Coordinator or his delegate and work under the strategic guidance of the UNCT. Regular updates will be provided to the Programme Coordination Group (PCG). Qualifications/special skills- Masters degree in development studies, economics, statistics, computer science, or related field is required - Proven experience with UN programming processes and SDG integration/acceleration is required - At least 5 years of experience in development analysis, strategic planning, or evaluation, including experience is systems analysis and foresight approaches is required - Strong facilitation, writing, and analytical skills is required LanguagesFluency in English is required and Fluency in French desired 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.