International Consultant for Strategic Design and Development of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2028-2032 for Mongolia

Result of Service

The ultimate result of this consultancy is to provide strategic planning, facilitation, and technical expertise to support the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Mongolia throughout the key stages of developing the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), including strategic prioritization, Theory of Change development, formulation of the Results Framework, and drafting and refinement of the UNSDCF narrative.

Work Location

Home-based, with one week of in-country mission travel to Mongolia.

Expected duration

September 1, 2026 - November 20, 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

The UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) is the strategic instrument for the UN development system at country level, defining its collective contribution to national priorities and the SDGs. The UN Country Team (UNCT) in Mongolia is preparing the UNSDCF 2028–2032 to guide the collective work of the UN system. The process follows the latest UNSDCF guidance issued by the UN Development Coordination Office (DCO) and builds on lessons from the current UNSDCF, its independent evaluation, and the Comprehensive Country Analysis (CCA). The new UNSDCF will focus on transformational results and key strategic priorities where the UN system can provide the greatest added value. The process will be guided by national ownership, evidence-based analysis, leaving no one behind, human rights, gender equality, disability inclusion, youth engagement, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and results-based management. Mongolia faces interconnected development challenges, including dependence on extractive industries, inequalities across population groups and geographic areas, climate vulnerability, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, rapid urbanization, demographic transitions, governance challenges, and the need for inclusive and sustainable economic transformation. The consultant will provide strategic and technical support to ensure a coherent, participatory, evidence-based UNSDCF design process aligned with UN standards and national priorities. The overall purpose of this consultancy is to provide strategic planning, facilitation, and technical drafting support to the UNCT Mongolia throughout key stages of UNSDCF preparation. UNSDCF design and development process will last from September 2026 - July 2027. As part of the 2026 related assignments, under the overall leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator and day to day supervision of the Head of RCO / UNSDCF coordination lead, and in close collaboration with the UNCT and CF Task Force and other key stakeholders, the proposed consultant will undertake the following tasks: Task 1: Preparation and Technical Support for Strategic Prioritization Process Task 2: Facilitation of Strategic Prioritization and Theory of Change Workshop which requires 1-week of in-country mission to Mongolia. Task 3: Development of UNSDCF Theory of Change which serves as the analytical foundation for the UNSDCF Strategic Priorities and Results Framework.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in development studies, economics, public policy, international relations, social sciences, strategic planning, or related fields. At least 10 years of professional experience in strategic planning, sustainable development, policy analysis, or development cooperation. Demonstrated experience supporting preparation of UNSDCFs, UN programming frameworks, or equivalent national development strategies. Proven experience facilitating high-level workshops involving governments, UN agencies, and development partners Experience applying systems thinking, foresight approaches, and integrated development analysis. Good understanding of UN Development System reform and UNSDCF methodology. Experience working in Asia-Pacific contexts is desirable. Strong experience in i) Theory of Change development, ii) Results-based management and results framework designing, iii) Strategic prioritization processes, iv) Multi-stakeholder consultation facilitation.

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE 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.