Result of Service
The required service is time-bound and limited in scope. The advice and recommendations shared by the Consultant will enable PBPSO to answer key strategic questions before the Office embarks on development of Version 1.0 of the Peacebuilding Data Platform. This assignment will result in a report of up to ten pages with a summary of research findings and recommendations related to the Peacebuilding Priorities framework. A further summary of recommendations of up to five pages will outline a proposed list of contextual indicators with justification. The Consultant will also produce a methodology document outlining the parameters and workflow for producing Impact Statements. Finally, the Consultant will present all three deliverables to PBPSO senior management as required.
Expected duration
3 months
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the leadership of the Deputy Head of DPPA/PBPSO and working closely with the Impact Hub Team Leader and other relevant colleagues across the Office, the Consultant will undertake desk-based research and stakeholder interviews, then make recommendations on the areas outlined below. 1. Peacebuilding Priorities and analytical framework for the Platform The quantitative and qualitative data and evidence featured on the prototype Platform is organized according to ‘Peacebuilding Priorities’, an analytical framework developed by PBPSO. To ensure that the Platform’s underlying conceptual structure is sound and suitable for intended users, the Consultant will: - Review the Peacebuilding Priorities framework and conduct research to understand its alignment with other typologies or categorizations of peacebuilding impact, both within and outside PBPSO - Undertake consultations with key internal and external stakeholders to assess understanding and acceptance of the existing framework and identify any potential challenges in using this framework, now or in the future - Make recommendations on the use of the Peacebuilding Priorities framework for the Platform - Produce a short report outlining the research findings and recommendations, and present these to PBPSO senior management. 2. Contextual indicators A core functionality of the Platform will be ‘contextual indicators’ to illustrate the peace and security context in each country. These indicators will use data made available by external organizations via APIs or other data-sharing mechanisms, either publicly or through a direct agreement with PBPSO. The Consultant will: - Review an existing list of potential contextual indicators developed by PBPSO - Identify additional or alternative indicators that, together, offer a holistic overview of each country’s peacebuilding context and wider peace and security environment - Undertake stakeholder consultations and research to identify which sources of data could be featured on the Platform, considering political sensitivities and technical feasibility - Produce recommendations on a final list of indicators to be featured on the Platform, according to parameters agreed with PBPSO (e.g. number, distribution across thematic areas), and present these to PBPSO senior management 3. Impact Statement methodology To facilitate programmatic decision making and policy analysis, the Platform will feature ‘Impact Statements’, which are short summaries of qualitative evidence products (e.g. project evaluations). These summaries will initially be produced manually by PBPSO, though the team is exploring future AI integration to support the summarising and interpretation of evidence. To support the future development of the Impact Statements functionality of the Platform, the Consultant will: - Develop recommendations on proposed parameters for the ‘Impact Statements’ that will be produced for Version 1.0 of the Platform, including how these link to the chosen analytical framework and the definition(s) of impact that will be used. - Collaborate with the Impact Hub team and PBF branch of PBPSO to seek feedback and validate the recommended parameters - Produce recommendations on a methodology and workflow for the creation of Impact Statements - Produce a set of up to 10 sample Impact Statements to guide the Impact Hub’s future work
Qualifications/special skills
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage. A minimum of fifteen years of established expertise in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, diplomacy, or related areas. Have proven publications, or are part of a community of eminent experts in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, diplomacy or related areas. A proven track record in developing new programmes and/or strategies, as well as extensive experience engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, is required. Strong knowledge of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture and experience managing politically sensitive topics is essential. Demonstrated understanding of different methodologies for measuring results and impact in peacebuilding and, ideally, experience translating complex findings into accessible communications materials. • Experience working with innovative initiatives, data and/or digital platforms is preferred.
Languages
Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Additional Information
The Peacebuilding Impact Hub – part of the United Nations Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office (PBPSO) – was founded in 2023 and aims to foster collaboration to generate evidence and build shared learning in peacebuilding, thereby contributing to more effective peacebuilding interventions and more strategic, impactful investments. As part of these efforts, the Peacebuilding Impact Hub has developed an initial concept and prototype for a ‘Peacebuilding Data Platform’. In the long-term, the Platform is intended to be a one-stop shop for peacebuilding evidence and insights that enables and incentivizes better knowledge sharing, coordination and evidence-based decision making. The prototype version of the Platform brings together data and evidence on peacebuilding interventions in several countries – their scale, impact, lessons learned and financing leveraged – alongside contextual information from existing sources. Before technical development of a full, publicly available Version 1.0 of the Platform begins, PBPSO intends to contract an expert consultant to conduct research and make recommendations on several key strategic questions with regards to the platform’s content and underlying analytical framework. These recommendations will inform PBPSO’s development of Version 1.0 of the Platform, ensuring it effectively meets the requirements and expectations of PBPSO’s partners and potential users, including Member States.
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.
