National Consultant to Support SDG Localization Coordination and Review in South Africa

Overview

This consultancy aims to support the implementation of the project “Strengthening local and national government capacities for SDG localization in Africa" in South Africa. The role will enhance capacities to accelerate and scale up SDG implementation and localization and support the development of new Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) by local governments.

Tasks Summary

• Prepare an inception report including a state of play on SDG localization, data overview, and mapping of institutional coordination mechanisms, along with a detailed work plan for VLR conduct.
• Support the development and finalization of VLRs by five selected local governments, including preparatory activities, guidance on methodology, and substantive inputs.
• Review VLRs for consistency with UN DESA’s Global Guiding Elements and ECA’s Africa VLR Guidelines, delivering feedback.
• Provide statistical support for VLR development, highlighting data sources and identifying statistical needs for local monitoring systems.
• Equip local governments with inputs from statistical sources for data visualization and identify data sources to bolster VLR development.
• Contribute to the analytical assessment of potential follow-up actions for local and national governments.
• Oversee in-country organization and ground-level arrangements for a national validation workshop on VLR development.

Experience Requirements

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 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Previous experience with the United Nations and/or its agencies, funds and programmes is desirable. Knowledge of the development challenges facing South Africa and of the most relevant actors desirable.

Qualification Requirements

Advanced 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.

Other Details

Languages Required: Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Languages Preferred: Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Contract Duration: 90 working days, with possibility of extension

Work Modality: Home-based consultancy

Remuneration: