Consultant (SIDS Centre of Excellence)

Result of Service

Organizational Framework & Management Structure: A comprehensive operational framework for the CoE that outlines governance structures, processes, and protocol, including Terms of Reference for key CoE staff and an advisory committee for each of the Centre’s four core components is developed. Programme development: The four strategic components of the CoE are designed and established, based on a roadmap with clear objectives, and an implementation timeline. Partnership Development: A comprehensive proposal on establishing Multistakeholder partnerships based on a stakeholder engagement strategy and resource mobilization plan. Monitoring and evaluation: The monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness and impact of each programme of the Center, focusing on ensuring accountability and continuous improvement is successfully designed and established, including KPI reporting mechanisms. Final report: A concluding report summarizing the consultancy’s outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations for future actions is delivered in a timely and satisfactory manner.

Work Location

Home-based. The consultant must be available for discussion/assessment with supervisors on work progress and review via online meetings.

Expected duration

Full Time. The duration of the consultancy period initially will be six months with the possibility of extension.

Duties and Responsibilities

This consultancy is to advise the operationalization of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Centre of Excellence (CoE) located in St. John’s, Antigua & Barbuda. The Consultant will report to the Chief, Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) and undertake consultations with the Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations in New York. The Small Island Developing States Unitof UN-OHRLLS is mandated to foster achievement of the development aspirations set in the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS). The SIDS Centre of Excellence (CoE) is a key initiative under the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), designed to enhance the capabilities and resilience of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), through innovative practices, research and collaboration. The Center aims to work with the SIDS office to address the unique environmental, economic, and social vulnerabilities they face. The Center will focus on four strategic components to support the implementation of ABAS: a SIDS Global Data Hub, an Innovation and Technology Mechanism, an Island Investment Forum, and a Debt Sustainability Support Service. The Center will provide technical assistance, capacity development, knowledge sharing to support sustainable development initiatives in the SIDS. The Consultant will play a pivotal role in facilitating the launch of the CoE, and offering expert advice on establishing a robust framework for its operation and governance structures. The consultant will focus on providing strategic guidance to ensure a successful launch and long-term sustainability for the Centre. The Consultant will perform the following duties: 1. Organizational Framework & Management Structure: – Conduct a thorough assessment of the current operations, resources, and stakeholder landscape of the CoE to inform the development of the operational framework. – Facilitate the collaboration with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, AOSIS and members of the steering committee to design a governance structure that supports effective decision making, accountability, and stakeholder representation. – Make recommendations and prepare strategic planning documents setting clear objectives and priorities for each pillar of the CoE, including Terms of Reference for the advisory committee of each of the Centre’s four core components. – Draft Terms of Reference for the full-time Executive Director of the CoE, in consultation with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, AOSIS and members of the steering committee. – Draft Terms of Reference for administrative support, interns and fellows of the CoE, in consultation with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, AOSIS and members of the steering committee. 2. Programme development: – Design implementation roadmaps for the four core components, including a detailed 6-month, 12-month, and 36-month operational plan. – Identify and define roles and responsibilities for key stakeholders. 3. Partnership Development: Develop a proposal for the CoE to efficiently engage with all SIDS stakeholders. – Conduct consultations with multilateral organizations, governments, private sector stakeholders, and civil society to develop a strategic engagement strategy for the CoE. – Engage in consultations with implementing partners, donor governments, private sector entities, development banks and philanthropic organizations to inform the development of a resource mobilization plan for the CoE, in close consultation with the Centre’s initial staff, key stakeholders, and Executive Board. 4. Establishment of the Monitoring & Evaluation Framework: – Design a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the impact of the Centre’s initiatives, based on broad consultation with relevant stakeholders, and representing all SIDS sub-regions. 5. Development of the Final Report on the consultancy’s outcomes – Prepare a final report summarizing the consultancy’s outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations for future actions.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in an area related to economics, policy development and governance, operations management, public finance or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. • A minimum of 10 (ten) years of progressively responsible experience in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and institutional development is required. • Experience in setting up and managing development projects, programmes, or multi- stakeholder initiatives is required. • Experience developing governance and operational policies for multistakeholder mechanisms is required. • Experience in capacity building, knowledge transfer, and programme implementation is required. • Knowledge of the development financing mechanisms, particularly in the context of small island developing States or developing economies is desirable. • Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership development skills, particularly with multilateral organizations and private sector partners, experience with developing partnerships in SIDS and developing countries are desirable. • Experience in public private partnerships is desirable. • Experience working with technology and data frameworks, as well as a working knowledge of investment and debt instruments is desirable.

Languages

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

Additional Information

Competencies Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

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.

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