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. The overall UNSDCF development process will last between October 2026 to July 2027. As part of the initial phase of 2026, the proposed consultant will deliver following key results: - Inception note including methodology, workplan, approach to strategic prioritization, and review of available evidence (includes Strategic Prioritization Workshop package (agenda, methodology, facilitation materials, background documents) - Facilitation of Strategic Prioritization and Theory of Change Workshop in Mongolia (in-person one week mission) - Workshop report summarizing discussions, agreements, draft Theory of Change, proposed UNSDCF Strategic Priorities, proposed Outcome areas, proposed Output areas, and next steps

Work Location

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

Expected duration

October 1 - December 20, 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) is the most important strategic planning and implementation instrument for the UN development system at country level, defining the collective contribution of the UN system to national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Country Team (UNCT) Mongolia is preparing the new UNSDCF 2028–2032, which will guide the collective work of the UN system in Mongolia for the period 2028–2032. The process follows the latest UNSDCF guidance issued by the United Nations Development Coordination Office (DCO) and builds on lessons learned from implementation of the current UNSDCF 2023–2027, the independent CF evaluation, and the Comprehensive Country Analysis (CCA). The new UNSDCF will be developed as a strategic framework focused on transformational development results, with a limited number of strategic priorities where the UN system can provide the greatest added value. The process will be guided by national ownership, evidence-based analysis, the principle of leaving no one behind, human rights-based approaches, gender equality, disability inclusion, youth engagement, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and results-based management. Mongolia’s development context presents complex and interconnected challenges, including economic dependence on extractive industries, inequalities across population groups and geographic locations, climate vulnerabilities, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, rapid urbanization, demographic transitions, governance challenges, and the need for inclusive and sustainable economic transformation. 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. The consultant will support: • Strategic prioritization of UN collective development priorities; • Facilitation of the Theory of Change development process; • Development of the UNSDCF Results Framework; • Drafting and refinement of the UNSDCF narrative; • Ensuring coherence between analysis, priorities, results, and implementation logic; • Supporting alignment with UNSDCF guidance, SDGs, national development frameworks, and UN programming principles. The RCO will provide access to relevant documentation, facilitate consultations, and coordinate feedback from UN agencies and stakeholders. The Head of RCO will provide day to day supervision and guidance to the consultant.

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.