Result of Service

1. Inception Report outlining the methodology to the consultancy and schedule for completing the activities and an initial list of targeted stakeholders for consultation. 2. First Draft Report from Review and Assessment: Undertaking desktop exercises and other relevant data collection methods to conduct a comprehensive review and assessment of the progress in implementing the DPoA, highlighting key lessons learned, good practices, and notable success stories. Data sources will include, but are not limited to, the following National MTR Reports as the primary source for data from LDCs, SG reports in the implementation of DPoA, Regional Reports and thematic publications, globally comparable indicators from databases, Case Study success stories, including field Research and Surveys through targeted virtual interviews on a needs basis. 3. Second draft and presenting the draft final report at a minimum of one expert group consultation to incorporate high-level feedback and ensure broad ownership of the publication. 4. Final Report taking into consideration feedback from expert group meeting and peer reviewers. 5. A concise, visually engaging summary (approximately 15 pages) in an attractive summary/infographic-style format, synthesizing key findings, messages, and recommendations of the final report for broader dissemination.

Work Location

Home Based

Expected duration

4 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) for the decade 2022–2031, is the most critical global compact and blueprint for the structural transformation of the world’s most vulnerable nations. It represents a renewed global commitment to the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Adopted during the first part of the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) on 17 March 2022 and endorsed by the General Assembly through resolution A/RES/76/258 on 1 April 2022, the DPoA represents a marked shift in global solidarity, moving beyond traditional aid towards a "new generation" of strengthened global partnerships for the LDCs. A successor to the Istanbul Programme of Action (IPoA) of 2011–2020, the DPoA reflects hard-won lessons from a decade of implementation while responding with renewed urgency to the compounding challenges of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic's devastating aftermath, rising debt distress, food insecurity and widening inequalities that have disproportionately burdened LDCs. Structured around six priority areas — investing in people and eradicating poverty and building resilience; harnessing science, technology and innovation; supporting structural transformation; enhancing international trade; addressing climate change and environmental vulnerability; and mobilizing means of implementation and global partnership — the DPoA articulates an ambitious vision for sustainable development, anchored in the principles of ownership, leadership, mutual accountability, and global solidarity, and aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and SDGs and relevant global frameworks . By introducing critical mechanisms such as an online university, a food stockholding system, an investment support center, and sustainable graduation support facility (iGRAD), the DPoA seeks to provide the practical tools necessary for structural transformation. Ultimately, the DPoA envisions a decade of delivery where at least 15 additional LDCs meet the criteria for graduation, ensuring that no nation is left behind in the pursuit of global prosperity. The Consultant will undertake the synthesis and drafting of flagship evidence based visually engaging publication, "Voices of Transformation: Stories of Progress in the Implementation of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA)," by analyzing progress across national, regional, and global levels to document lessons learned, good practices, and notable success stories in the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA). The publication will also distil transferable lessons and presents practical models for scaling and replication. 2.1 Scope of Work 2.1.1 Review and Assessment: Undertake a desk review and apply other relevant data collection methods to conduct a comprehensive review and assessment of the progress in implementing the DPoA, highlighting key lessons learned, good practices, and notable success stories. Data sources will include, but not be limited to, the following; National MTR Reports as the primary source for data from LDCs; SG reports in the implementation of DPoA; regional reports and thematic publications,; globally comparable indicators from databases (e.g., UN, World Bank, OECD), Case Study success stories, including field research and surveys through targeted virtual interviews on a needs basis in line with the assessment. 2.1.2 Recommendations: On the basis of the assessment (1), distil transferable lessons and provide strategic, practical/actionable recommendations and models for scaling and replication, including concise key messages targeted to various key stakeholder groups (LDC governments, development partners, and the UN system etc.) to guide the post-MTR implementation phase. 2.1.3 Consultative Meeting (s): Participate virtually and/or in person in at least one (1) expert group consultations, including sessions with UN Resident Coordinators, national focal points, and the IACG-LDCs, to present and discuss the assessment and refine the draft report based on their feedback, as part of the overall peer review process. 2.2 Methodology Methodology of assessment may include, but is not limited, to the following:

Desk/Literature Review: Mining of secondary data, including National MTR reports, SG reports, thematic publications, case study success stories and global databases (UN, World Bank, OECD) to track trends in poverty rates, FDI, and export shares.
Field Research: Conducting targeted virtual interviews with exemplar LDCs—particularly smaller or remote nations—and LDC National Focal Points to document local innovative solutions.
(Peer) Validation: Engaging UN Resident Coordinators and Country Teams to validate national data and provide additional contextual analysis. 2.3 Tasks i. Desktop/Literature Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of National MTR reports, SG reports, regional review reports, case study success stories and relevant global datasets aligned with the DPoA monitoring framework etc. ii. Consultations: Undertake, on a needs basis, including follow-up, a wide range of consultations via targeted virtual interviews with National Focal Points and LDCs IACGs members, Heads/Focal points of related international and regional institutions. iii. Drafting: Prepare detailed analysis, compile 4–5 short case studies per priority area, and draft the final report (target 90–110 pages) incorporating rich graphics and/or infographics. iv. Validation: Engage in the peer-review process with IACG-LDCs and Resident Coordinators, integrating feedback into revised drafts v. Expert Group Engagement: Present the draft final report at a minimum of one expert group consultation to incorporate high-level feedback and ensure broad ownership of the publication. All outputs must be delivered in English, in Word format in electronic copy. The feedback to be provided by UN-OHRLLS and/or peer reviewers to the initial draft report shall be analysed and reflected in the final version.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, International Development or related field . A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in international or regional development, with a focus on global frameworks, particularly for LDCs is required.
Knowledge of development strategies and programming policies at the national level is required.
Proven competency in research, including qualitative and quantitative analysis, document review, self-administered surveys, and semi-structured interviews is required.
Demonstrable extensive experience producing high-level UN analytical reports with a data-driven approach to problem-solving and a demonstrated ability to distil complex policy issues into impactful, reader-friendly narratives including in peer reviewed settings is required.
Proven ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, international organizations, and community-level groups is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in (both oral and written) English is required.

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.

Analytic Assessment and Special Publication Consultant on DPoA Progress