Revision of the Cooperation Framework Guidance

Result of ServiceThe consultancy is expected to run from 15 September 2025 to 14 September 2026. Deliverable 1: Inception Report (deadline: 30 September 2025; payment: 10%) Deliverable 2: Review Summary & Proposal for Recalibrated CF (deadline: 1 December 2025; payment: 30%) Deliverable 3: First Draft of Revised Guidance & Companion Package (deadline: 31 Mar 2026; payment: 20%) Deliverable 4: Second Draft of Revised Guidance & Companion Package (deadline: 31 May 2026; payment: 20%) Deliverable 5: Final Guidance & Companion Package (deadline: 14 Sep 2026; payment: 20%) Work LocationHome-based Expected duration1 year Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (Cooperation Framework) is the most important instrument for planning and implementing UN development activities at the country level, in support of national SDG priorities, as mandated by General Assembly Resolution 72/279. Since its introduction in 2019, the Cooperation Framework Guidance has been applied in over 120 programme countries. In 2025, the System-Wide Evaluation (SWE) assessed progress toward establishing a new generation of United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs) and reaffirmed the relevance of the UN development system repositioning. The evaluation underscored the need for more coherent, strategic, and accountable planning and implementation. While the Cooperation Framework has been widely utilized, the SWE concluded that it has not yet fully achieved its potential as the central planning and implementation tool. It recommended a recalibrated delivery approach to enhance transparency, reduce transaction costs, and increase flexibility. This calls for revision of the existing guidance. In response to these findings, the UN Development Coordination Office (DCO) is seeking to recruit a consultant to lead the revision of the 2019 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework Guidance. Under the overall guidance of UNDCO, this revision will be undertaken in close consultation with UN development system entities, including primarily but not limited to the UNSDG members of the inter-agency Programme Development & Results (PDR) Group, Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams, and Regional Peer Support Groups. Scope of Work: 1. Design of the Cooperation Framework • Revisit the Results Framework: Revisit the current Cooperation Framework results framework by proposing options for UN development system consideration that enable high-level articulation of the multi-year UNCT “offer” in response to national SDG priorities. The revised Cooperation Frameworks should be developed through a lighter, swifter process while remaining “revitalized, strategic, flexible, and results- and action-oriented” (2024 QCPR, OP 83). • Strengthen Strategic Prioritization and Theory of Change: Review the approach to strategic prioritization and the development of the theory of change, proposing methodologies and tools to ensure meaningful translation of country analysis findings into a strategically defined UN offer. • UNCT Configuration: Propose a methodology for continuous, comprehensive mapping of the UNCT’s full footprint and capacities, aligned with enhanced transparency standards and improved information management systems. This methodology will support a more agile UN development system with a “needs-based, tailored country presence” (A/RES/72/279), optimize configuration of support, and facilitate “more creative models of physical presence” suited to specific country contexts. • Results-Based Budgeting: Strengthen guidance on results-based budgeting by proposing methodologies and tools to estimate the funding required to deliver Cooperation Framework commitments and results. • Joint Partnerships and Resource Mobilization: Outline a coherent approach for UNCT joint partnerships and resource mobilization, aligned with the Funding Compact and the evolving global financial landscape. Propose an effective methodology for developing concise resource mobilization strategies to address identified funding gaps prior to implementation. • Integration of Cross-Cutting Principles & Issues: Review and update the application of Cooperation Framework guiding principles, integrating considerations related to SDG acceleration transitions, financing for development, humanitarian-development-peace collaboration, systems thinking, and strategic foresight. • Context-Specific Flexibility: Ensure that the guidance is adaptable to diverse country typologies, including multi-country offices, high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries, small island developing states, and complex or fragile contexts. 2. Recalibration of the Cooperation Framework Implementation Approach • Revised Delivery Model: Develop a recalibrated approach to Cooperation Framework implementation that strengthens collective UNCT effectiveness, ensures transparency and accountability, reduces transaction costs, and increases flexibility. • Operational Plan: Redesign (and rename) the existing “joint workplan” into a more strategic implementation instrument focused on a limited set of high-priority UNCT interventions. This plan should leverage joint/coordinated programming, integrated policy advice, investment strategies, and partnerships with non-UN development actors. • Adaptive Programming: Provide practical “how-to” guidance for adaptive programming within the strategic priorities of the Cooperation Framework. Review and enhance existing approaches to horizon scanning and annual performance reviews to enable agile and responsive UN engagement. Under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Inter-Agency Programming Team within DCO’s Policy and Programming Branch, and in close coordination with the PDR Group, the consultant will: 1. Conduct a comprehensive review of existing Cooperation Framework guidance, evaluation reports, and relevant policy documents. 2. Facilitate engagement with stakeholders across the UN development system to gather insights and validate proposed revisions. 3. Facilitate consultations to analyze each step of the Cooperation Framework cycle and identify entry points to streamline processes in line with the SWE recommendations and the UNSDG management response. 4. Analyze field-level experiences to identify best practices and operational challenges, synthesizing actionable recommendations tailored to diverse country contexts. 5. Draft revised 2019 Cooperation Framework Guidance and 2020 companion package (“how-to” guidance) covering design, implementation, annexes, and tools. 6. Ensure alignment with related UN instruments, including the Management and Accountability Framework (MAF), entity-specific country programming instruments, humanitarian planning processes, and transition policies. 7. Through DCO, consult systematically with UNSDG mechanisms at HQ, regional, and country levels. Qualifications/special skillsMaster’s degree in international relations, development studies, or a related field. At least ten (10) years of experience in international development cooperation, is required. Proven expertise in UN strategic planning processes, including new generation Cooperation Frameworks, is required. Demonstrated experience in strategic innovation, foresight, and systems thinking, is required. In-depth knowledge of UN development system reform and the Resident Coordinator System, is required. Previous experience drafting UN guidance or policy tools, is required. LanguagesFluency in English is required. Proficiency in French, Spanish, or another UN language is an asset. Additional InformationWork Arrangements The consultant will: • Serve as the penholder for the revision process, managing work planning and deadlines. • Work closely with DCO and the PDR Group to ensure strategic, policy, and technical coherence and practical applicability. • Facilitate one-in-person workshop in New York with PDR members (tentatively November 2025; travel and per diem to be included in the lump sum offer). DCO HQ will: • Provide secretariat support as needed. • Convene interagency consultations and manage the country-level sounding board composed of RCO, UNCT, and regional DCO colleagues. UNSDG Entities will: • Share relevant strategic planning documents, work plans and other necessary documents to inform the consultant’s work. 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.