Consultant to Strengthen Development Data Capacity in Iraq (Arabic speaking)

Result of ServiceBy the end of the assignment, the following outcomes are expected: ● Training participants apply improved development data methodologies and RBM practices in their work. ● Government and UN staff show enhanced ability to jointly plan, monitor, and report on development results using harmonized RBM approaches. ● At least 70% of training participants, as measured by pre- and post-training assessments, demonstrate improved understanding of UN development system RBM concepts, development data methodologies, terminology, reporting frameworks, SDG indicators, and best practices. ● At least 70% of participants report overall satisfaction with the training(s) delivered by the consultant, as shown by post-training surveys. ● Stakeholders report that their specific development data challenges have been addressed. Work LocationHybrid/Baghdad Expected durationone month Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Iraq, led by the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), is developing the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025–2029 in partnership with the Government of Iraq. The UNSDCF, expected to be signed later this year, will guide the collective work of the UN system in support of Iraq’s national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is built around four key pillars: Inclusive Social Development; Sustainable Economic Development; Environment and Climate Change Resilience; Good Governance, Rule of Law and Human Right. The Framework includes a results framework and joint workplans that outline outcomes, indicators, and accountability mechanisms to track progress. To ensure these commitments translate into tangible results, the UN in Iraq and its partners have identified the need to strengthen Results-Based Management (RBM) skills across both the UN system and government counterparts. The Data Monitoring, Evaluation, and SDG Group (DMESG), which brings together technical experts from the UN and government, plays a central role in monitoring and reporting on the UNSDCF. However, capacity assessments have highlighted variations in knowledge and skills, especially around monitoring tools, data use, and UN reporting methodologies. To address this, the UN is seeking a consultant to deliver tailored training and practical tools that will build RBM capacity, support effective implementation of the UNSDCF, and promote a stronger results-oriented culture across national institutions and the UN system in Iraq. Duties and Responsibilities: The overall objective of the assignment is to design training materials, deliver two sets of tailored trainings - one for Government counterparts and one for UN staff – targeting a total of 30 participants, and provide customized advice and solutions to individuals and UN agencies on their development data needs. The trainings will: (i) clarify UN development terminology to ensure all stakeholders share a common understanding as they work together under the DMESG to monitor the UNSDCF; (ii) introduce international RBM best practices to align UNSDCF monitoring with global standards; and (iii) provide practical tools linked to the UNSDCF 2025–2029 results framework, including theories of change, indicators, and reporting systems. More specifically, the training courses should address the following topics: 1. International best practices for RBM and development data management, including the use of development data to conduct analyses, identify gaps, and make recommendations and decisions to prioritize investments and other interventions 2. Terminology and examples used in UN development data management tools, including UNINFO 3. UNSDCF design guidelines as they relate to results-based management, including theories of change, global SDG indicators, joint workplans, leave no one behind (LNOB), the six transitions, and results frameworks 4. Integrating gender-equality and gender-responsive programming into development data management 5. Disaggregating data by gender, age, disability, and other factors to better target development needs and measure results 6. Practical suggestions to coordinate data sharing and analysis between the UN, government, and other development partners 7. Identifying needs for future interventions and investments to strengthen the capacity of UN and other development actors Methodology The consultant will be expected to apply interactive and participatory methodologies, drawing on concrete examples from the UNSDCF to ensure contextual relevance and promote immediate application of skills. Training materials shall be prepared in both English and Arabic in reusable formats, including: - Presentation slides and facilitator notes - Case studies and group exercises Unless otherwise requested by interlocutors, all discussions, learning materials, and other support must be delivered in English for UN staff and in Arabic for government employees. Expected Duration Not to exceed 20 working days, starting date mid-September and concluding by mid-October 2025 according to the below schedule: • Mid-September 2025: Five (5) days home based to review materials, conduct interviews with key interlocutors, and design training materials. • Early October 2025: Ten (10) days on site in Baghdad to complete pre-training assessments, draft training plan, finalize training materials, and conduct trainings and other consultations with individuals and agencies. Background: The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Iraq, led by the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), is developing the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025–2029 in partnership with the Government of Iraq. The UNSDCF, expected to be signed later this year, will guide the collective work of the UN system in support of Iraq’s national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is built around four key pillars: Inclusive Social Development; Sustainable Economic Development; Environment and Climate Change Resilience; Good Governance, Rule of Law and Human Right. The Framework includes a results framework and joint workplans that outline outcomes, indicators, and accountability mechanisms to track progress. To ensure these commitments translate into tangible results, the UN in Iraq and its partners have identified the need to strengthen Results-Based Management (RBM) skills across both the UN system and government counterparts. The Data Monitoring, Evaluation, and SDG Group (DMESG), which brings together technical experts from the UN and government, plays a central role in monitoring and reporting on the UNSDCF. However, capacity assessments have highlighted variations in knowledge and skills, especially around monitoring tools, data use, and UN reporting methodologies. To address this, the UN is seeking a consultant to deliver tailored training and practical tools that will build RBM capacity, support effective implementation of the UNSDCF, and promote a stronger results-oriented culture across national institutions and the UN system in Iraq. Duties and Responsibilities: The overall objective of the assignment is to design training materials, deliver two sets of tailored trainings - one for Government counterparts and one for UN staff – targeting a total of 30 participants, and provide customized advice and solutions to individuals and UN agencies on their development data needs. The trainings will: (i) clarify UN development terminology to ensure all stakeholders share a common understanding as they work together under the DMESG to monitor the UNSDCF; (ii) introduce international RBM best practices to align UNSDCF monitoring with global standards; and (iii) provide practical tools linked to the UNSDCF 2025–2029 results framework, including theories of change, indicators, and reporting systems. More specifically, the training courses should address the following topics: 1. International best practices for RBM and development data management, including the use of development data to conduct analyses, identify gaps, and make recommendations and decisions to prioritize investments and other interventions 2. Terminology and examples used in UN development data management tools, including UNINFO 3. UNSDCF design guidelines as they relate to results-based management, including theories of change, global SDG indicators, joint workplans, leave no one behind (LNOB), the six transitions, and results frameworks 4. Integrating gender-equality and gender-responsive programming into development data management 5. Disaggregating data by gender, age, disability, and other factors to better target development needs and measure results 6. Practical suggestions to coordinate data sharing and analysis between the UN, government, and other development partners 7. Identifying needs for future interventions and investments to strengthen the capacity of UN and other development actors Methodology The consultant will be expected to apply interactive and participatory methodologies, drawing on concrete examples from the UNSDCF to ensure contextual relevance and promote immediate application of skills. Training materials shall be prepared in both English and Arabic in reusable formats, including: - Presentation slides and facilitator notes - Case studies and group exercises Unless otherwise requested by interlocutors, all discussions, learning materials, and other support must be delivered in English for UN staff and in Arabic for government employees. Expected Duration Not to exceed 20 working days, starting date mid-September and concluding by mid-October 2025 according to the below schedule: • Mid-September 2025: Five (5) days home based to review materials, conduct interviews with key interlocutors, and design training materials. • Early October 2025: Ten (10) days on site in Baghdad to complete pre-training assessments, draft training plan, finalize training materials, and conduct trainings and other consultations with individuals and agencies. • Mid-October 2025: Five (5) days home based to complete post-training reports, consultations, and debriefings. Any necessary changes to this schedule must be agreed between the consultant and the RCO. Qualifications/special skillsA masters degree in development studies, public or business administration, economics, social sciences, M&E, or related fields is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 7 years of professional work experience in development planning or results-based management is required. A minimum of 3 trainings delivered in the past 5 years on results-based management or other data management and analysis in a development context is required. Demonstrated expertise in results-based management (logframe design, indicator development, M&E systems, etc.) is required. Excellent presentation skills and proven effectiveness in designing and delivering interactive training programs and other capacity building techniques is required. Familiarity with the United Nations development system, including UNSDCFs or similar UN frameworks is required. Experience working in Iraq or the Middle East region is required, Experience working with the UN and/or government in fragile or post-conflict contexts is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.For this position, fluency in both Arabic and English is required. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas. Additional InformationNot available. 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.