Result of Service

Strengthened national capacity in Cambodia to integrate the Enhanced Monitoring Mechanism (EMM) into existing national data, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, including through the identification of relevant indicators, assessment of existing monitoring systems, and recommendations for effective integration of the EMM into national development monitoring and reporting.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

3 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The Committee for Development Policy (CDP), a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), is mandated to monitor the development progress of countries graduated and graduating from the list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) serves as the substantive secretariat of the CDP and supports the Committee in carrying out its mandates, including its work related to LDC graduation and monitoring. The Committee has been implementing the Enhanced Monitoring Mechanism (EMM) (Report of the CDP, E/2026/33, Supplement No. 13), in line with ECOSOC resolution 2026/6 (para. 3), General Assembly resolution 67/221 (para. 21), and the Doha Programme of Action for the LDCs (DPoA; A/RES/76/258, Annex, para. 284). In its capacity as the substantive secretariat of the CDP, EAPD supports the implementation of the EMM by preparing annual monitoring reports to assess development progress and identify signs of possible regression; facilitating consultation meetings between the Committee and the governments concerned; continuously monitoring countries and responding to crises and emergencies under the Crisis Response Process; and recommending strengthened support measures based on monitoring outcomes. The objective of this consultancy is to assist Cambodia to strengthen its national capacities to implement the EMM by identifying relevant indicators and supporting the integration into national data, monitoring and evaluation frameworks for development planning. At the request of the Government of Cambodia, EAPD will provide capacity development to assist national authorities in integrating the EMM into the monitoring and evaluation frameworks of the National Development Plans (NDPs) and/or sectoral development plans, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) monitoring. This support will enhance national ownership of the monitoring process, improve the alignment of EMM indicators with national development priorities, and strengthen countries' capacity to monitor progress after graduation from the list of least developed countries (LDCs). This consultancy is for the UN Regular Programme of Technical Cooperation project, “Technical assistance for integrating the Enhanced Monitoring Mechanism (EMM) into the monitoring and evaluation framework of country National Development Plan . Work Assignment: The specific responsibilities/tasks are to: 1. Produce and submit an inception report with less than 600 words, describing the methodology and processes to be used in undertaking the work and a detailed work plan. EAPD will provide necessary background information including relevant CDP reports, outcome of the consultation with Government and other stakeholders, if any; 2. Produce a report not exceeding 8,000 words which includes the following: a. Building on databases that CDP uses within its monitoring of Cambodia (LDC indicators, Supplementary Graduation Indicators, country-specific higher frequency indicators contained in the EMM dashboard), identify the most relevant indicators related to particular vulnerabilities of Cambodia, their reporting frequency and availability at disaggregated levels; b. Review existing national indicators or systems in place by relevant ministries to monitor development progress, crises and emergencies; c. Based on the review of the monitoring and reporting system through the EMM and national data and monitoring systems, provide recommendations: 1) To refine the dashboard indicators by distinguishing between those available through global or regional datasets and those available only at the national level, and by establishing clear criteria and a rationale for their inclusion. This would also involve reviewing other monitoring frameworks and indicators, such as the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI); 2) to integrate EMM into existing national monitoring systems, avoiding duplication and explore synergies; 3) to utilize existing national systems for reporting by the country to the CDP. 3. Explore and validate whether AI-assisted tools are available for credibly tracking data or supporting short-term forecasts. 4. Assist EAPD in organizing a national validation workshop in Phnom Penh in the Q4 2026 by coordinating with the Government and key stakeholders, managing logistical arrangements, and leading the presentation of the report.

Qualifications/special skills

Masters or equivalent in economics, social, environmental studies, natural sciences, development studies, or any related discipline; 1. At least 8 years’ experience in development policy analysis, including some experience working with LDC country. 2. Have demonstrated technical/scientific expertise relating to public policy; 3. Excellent policy analytical, technical, managerial and drafting skills; 4. Ability to prepare and present reports in English

Languages

Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official UN Language is an advantage.

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.

National Consultant – Enhanced Monitoring Mechanism (EMM), Cambodia