A. Background and objectives
Seven least developed countries (LDCs) are likely to graduate from the category between now and 2026, more than doubling the number that have left the category in the 47 years since it was formed. Nine additional countries have met the thresholds for graduation during at least one triennial review by the United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP), meaning that sixteen countries – including nearly all Asia-Pacific LDCs – are at different stages of the graduation process.
Graduation from the LDC category reflects a significant achievement for each country. However, following a transition period after graduation, graduating countries stand to lose access to international support measures (ISMs) in trade, official development assistance and other areas such as travel support and reduced budgetary contributions to the UN. Loss of these benefits is something graduating countries need to plan for carefully. Avoiding any potential disruptions to development progress is especially important following the COVID-19 pandemic and its pronounced socio-economic impacts on LDCs.
LDC graduation and assistance for LDCs are mentioned in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’ over 40 times, particularly with a view to ‘leaving no-one behind’. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) resolution 2021/11 requested entities of the United Nations development system to provide assistance to graduating countries in the formulation and implementation of their national transition strategies. The CDP Secretariat, in collaboration with UN-OHRLLS[1] and other United Nations and development partners, is developing a Sustainable Graduation Support Facility (SGSF). SGSF is designed as a country-led global platform bringing together and delivering capacity building and advisory support services to graduating and graduated countries in six areas. CDP—a committee of 24 experts nominated by the UN Secretary-General in their personal capacity—has proposed that SGSF be introduced as an input to the preparatory process of the upcoming Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5).
The objective of this contract is to provide project management support to a CDP Secretariat project on “New assistance measures for graduating LDCs”, funded by the UN Peace and Development Fund. The project runs until end October 2022 and target countries include Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal and Timor-Leste. The final year of the project will, among other activities, concentrate on delivering assistance to target countries in accessing and using graduation assistance measures and incorporating them into national planning.
B. Work assignment
The individual contractor will support management of the CDP Secretariat project on “New assistance measures for graduating least developed countries (LDCs)” funded by the UN Peace and Development Fund (PDF), in particular to:
Support implementation of the project, maintain the budget, implementation plan and communication plan under review, and provide updates to colleagues as needed.
Prepare progress reports of the project to the Peace and Development Fund and compile other information requested by the Fund and DESA management.
Initiate the project’s final evaluation and provide support to the Evaluation Manager as requested (e.g., by preparing draft Terms of Reference and other information).
Assist with drafting Terms of Reference and other documents needed to recruit other consultants and contractors and maintain the progress of the assignments under review.
Design and implement capacity building activities under the guidance of DESA staff and as directed by them, in consultation with Government, UN and other partners. This may include organizing online or in-person meetings or missions, preparing agendas and meeting summaries, and managing or drafting background and analytical reports.
Provide inputs on support measures for graduating LDCs to international meetings including the CDP Plenary and the Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5).
Support other activities in connection with the project, as may be required.
C. Duration of the contract
The contractor will work during the period 16 November 2021 to 15 May 2022.
D. Duty station and location of assignment
The contract will be home-based.
E. Travel
If the situation permits, the contractor is expected to travel to any activities organized by the project, including activities in the project countries and other international events on LDC issues. Travel would be organized directly by the UN in line with UN rules and policies.
F. Expected outputs and delivery dates
The individual contractor is expected to support management of the project in line with the above work assignments. The contractor will be paid based on efficient delivery of actual assignments as well as attendance records during the contract period.
Specific deliverables of the contractor would include the progress report of the project to the Peace and Development Fund, which is due 30 April 2022, and overall progress with different aspects of the project’s implementation. The contract includes a one-month period from 16 November and 15 December 2021 where the contractor would work closely with the current project staff and become familiar with the project and handover arrangements.
G. Performance indicators for evaluation of results
• Timeliness of delivery of outputs.
• Pro-active management of the project, implementation plan and budget.
• Quality of written products.
• Commitment and attention to ensuring the project contributes to the overall DESA/CDP Secretariat work programme and complements and supports activities of other colleagues.
• Ability to develop and maintain partnerships, among others with Government counterparts, United Nations and other development partners.
H. Qualifications and experience
Advanced university degree in economics, law, business administration or a related field. At least 8 years of experience on project management is required. A proven track record of experience managing United Nations capacity development projects is strongly preferred. The following is also preferred: knowledge of the work of the Committee for Development Policy (CDP) on least developed countries (LDCs); a background working with national planning and the SDGs; experience working in the Asia-Pacific region; and a recognized certification in project management. Proven analytical, writing, presentation, teamwork and interpretation skills, and ability to work under pressure. Fluency in English (reading, writing and speaking).
[1] The United Nations Office of the High Representative for the LDCs, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States
How to apply:
Please send a CV and short cover letter, explaining how your qualifications and experience meet the requirements of the consultancy, to Charles Davies, Programme Management Officer, DESA (davies6@un.org) by Wednesday 13 October 2021.