Result of ServiceThe consultancy is intended to provide technical and logistical support to the Ministry of Economy and Finance on how to accelerate the localization of the SDGs through the reporting by cities, regions and local governments on the implementation of the SDGs through Voluntary Local Reviews as to acquire better understanding of the progress, challenges and capacity gaps in areas such as the timely collection and analysis of disaggregated data for SDGs reporting. The aim of the work is to build the capacities of national and local government officials in localizing the SDGs and in monitoring and reporting their progress by supporting the VLR process, including its linkages to the VNR process.

Work LocationHome-based consultancy

Expected duration90 working days

Duties andResponsibilities

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) embody the strategic vision and aspirations of all countries for the future of development. Their implementation will require comprehensive actions at the global, regional, national and local levels, as outlined in General Assembly Resolution A/RES/70/1 on Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Local and regional authorities can make crucial contributions to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs and they are increasingly engaging in sub-national reviews of their SDG implementation, also called Voluntary Local Reviews (VLR). Interest in carrying out VLRs, which are modelled after the national level Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), has grown dramatically over the last few years. In Africa, local and regional governments in countries such as Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, The Gambia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe have carried out VLRs. Of these, Kenya’s Voluntary Local Reviews have been used to enrich the country’s Voluntary National Review. In other parts of the world, cities as diverse as New York, Helsinki, Los Angeles Buenos Aires, Tokyo, Toyota City, and Santana de Parnaiba are undertaking or have completed a review, and VLRs are increasingly also being taken up by smaller cities and localities, including in rural areas. So far, more than 130 reports by towns, cities, provinces and state governments have been published by the Division for Sustainable Development Goals on its dedicated website1 and more than 200 are estimated to exist worldwide. Mozambique has emphasized the role of local governments in the country’s development, through its new decentralization model and, in its 2020 Voluntary National Review, detailed the role of sub-national governments in SDG implementation. The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) has expressed interest in reviewing progress towards implementing the SDGs at the local level by providing, in cooperation with UNDESA/DSDG, capacity building to sub-national governments on Voluntary Local Reviews and their linkages to Voluntary National Reviews. With the support of the Government of Italy for the project “Improved local and national government capacities for localizing SDGs progress through Voluntary Local Reviewsâ€, UN DESA, in coordination with the United Resident Coordinator Office and the United Nations Country Team will provide the requested support. The consultant is required to provide coordination support and substantive inputs to the development of the VLRs with the following duties and responsibilities: – Provide substantive and logistical support for national and local workshops on the development of Voluntary Local Reviews; – Support local stakeholder engagement and/or VLR drafting workshops in participating local governments conducting their VLRs, as necessary; – Provide participating local governments with substantive supporting inputs to the VLR process, such as support for mapping of data sources, institutional arrangements, relevant stakeholders and efforts to leave no one behind; – Serve as a coordinator of VLR efforts in Mozambique and liaise between the Ministry of Economy and Finance, UN DESA’s Division for Sustainable Development Goals, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and participating local governments.

Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree in development policy, economics, social sciences or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with 2 additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Fluency in English and Portuguese is a requirement. At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in national development planning, local development research, sustainable development and localization analysis, data visualization, principles of effective governance for sustainable development, and training of LGAs on sustainable development. Familiarity with Voluntary National Reviews and Voluntary Local Reviews processes, the Sustainable Development Goals and AU Agenda 2063. Knowledge of the development challenges facing Mozambique and of the most relevant actors desirable. Previous experience with the United Nations and/or its agencies, funds and programmes is desirable. The consultant must be a national of Mozambique or hold a legal residency in Mozambique

LanguagesExcellent oral and written command of English and Portuguese. Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

No FeeTHE 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.