International Consultant for the development of the United Nations Moldova’s Cooperation Framework 2028-2032

Result of Service

Deliverables:

1. Desk Review and Inception Report (September - October 2026) Undertake Desk Review and develop the Inception Report with a detailed, technically sound methodology for completing the assignment and a work plan based on the existing CF Roadmap approved by the UNCT; Submission of the Inception Report to RC/UNCT for feedback, reflection of feedback, and agreement of RC and UNCT on the Inception Report.
2. Preliminary Strategic Prioritization Process- Phase 1 (in-country mission) - October 2026 Develop and implement the methodology for eliciting inputs of the UNCT to identify and formulate the strategic priorities that should guide the CF; distilling, aggregating and analyzing the inputs. Facilitate meetings/workshop with UNCT and Result Groups to identify strategic priorities and theory of change (outcomes/outputs) to invest collective efforts, capacities, and resources. Opportunities Prioritization - Trends and working assumptions for cooperation - Identification and prioritization of opportunities for each challenge identified in the CA based Result Matrix. For each of the three to five catalytic development solutions, the country team identifies desired development changes and pathways of change on 5 criteria: (1) Transformational effect (2) LNOB (3) Reach or scale (4) Time sensitivity (5) Effort required. Based on their understanding of situation, UN agencies undertake scoring of problems/challenges - UNCT review and discussion to further narrow priorities against UN’s value proposition and national demands. Theory of Change - For each of the three to five catalytic development solutions, the country team identifies desired development changes and pathways of change on criteria related to transformational effect and LNOB. - Identification of preliminary outcomes. - CA multidimensional risk analysis is incorporated in the ToC. Result Matrix -Formulation of the zero draft Result Matrix (Outcomes, outputs, assumptions, indicators, etc.). UNCT review, discussion, and refinement Provide quality assurance of the process and inputs presented by the RC/UNCT, Outcome Groups, including identification of gaps and areas for improvement against the corporate guidelines. Facilitate a focus group discussion with development partners, to share the short list of priorities – identified by UNCT to kick-start discussions – and have a dedicated consultation to present and receive their feedback Facilitate “CF continued prioritization workshop/meeting” with a reference group (10-15 GoM) partners, share the short list of priorities – identified by UNCT to kick-start discussions – and have a dedicated consultation to present and receive their feedback - November 2026 Facilitate a focus group discussion with adolescents/youth/other stakeholders, share the short list of priorities identified by UNCT to kick-start discussions and have a dedicated consultation to present and receive their feedback Prepare a solid first draft CF ToC and Results Framework
3. Advanced Strategic Prioritization Process (in-country mission) - December 2026 Facilitate CF Strategic Prioritization Retreat (SPR) with all stakeholders (government, development partners, international institutions, civil society, academia, think thanks, media and private sector) to discuss and validate first draft CF ToC and RF Integrate all comments from SPR partners and produce a draft RF to be shared with UNCT for feedback by end of January 2027.
4. CF 2028-2032 Formulation - January 2027 - Prepare the final draft CF ToC and Result Framework, and submit to RC, UNCT, PSG, JSC for feedback. - Integrate comments (RC/RCO/UNCT/PSG/GoM/other stakeholders), ensuring alignment with Moldova’s EU accession framework and/or complementary to the Growth Plan. - Submission of final CF ToC and Result Framework to GoM for endorsement. - Prepare the UNCT Configuration Exercise - February 2027 - Draft the full CF document including annexes. - Submission of the first draft CF document to RC, UNCT, PSG, JSC; Online presentation and discussion of the draft document - Prepare a final edited version of the CF, including inputs from the UNCT, PSG and Government feedback - April 2027

Work Location

Chisinau

Expected duration

09.2026-05.2027

Duties and Responsibilities

The selected consultant will be responsible for preparation, implementation and administration of the assignment, which includes but is not limited to: - Desk review and development of Inception Report with a detailed, technically sound methodology for completing the assignment and a work plan based on the existing CF Roadmap approved by the UNCT; - Regular communication and coordination with the RC, RCO, UNCT, and Futures Intelligence Team (FIT), Result Groups, including conduct of discussions and facilitations on the as-needed basis; - Develop and implement the methodology for eliciting inputs of the UNCT to identify and formulate the strategic priorities that should guide the CF; distilling, aggregating and analyzing the inputs. - Facilitate Strategic Prioritization and Validation processes (preliminary and final) – in consultation with UN, all partners (government, development partners, international institutions, civil society, academia, think thanks, media, adolescents/youth, private sector) - to identify strategic priorities and theory of change, and results framework (outcomes/outputs) to invest collective efforts, capacities, and resources. - Provision of quality assurance of the process and inputs provided by the RC/UNCT, Futures Intelligence Team (FIT), Results Groups, including identification of gaps and areas for improvement against the corporate guidelines; - Formulation of CF 2028-2032 in line with the CF Guidance and UNCT/Partners strategic inputs; - Integration of all comments (RC/UNCT, PSG, FIT, Results Groups; Government of Moldova, other stakeholders) in various stages; - In line with the CF guidance, prepare methodology for the UNCT configuration exercise and its facilitation. - Development of a presentation of the Cooperation Framework or other visualization products; - Submit the final CF document that is accepted and approved by the RC and JSC. The document should include, but not be limited to, the following sections and/or updates as may be communicated by UN DCO:

Joint Statement and Signature Page Executive Summary Chapter 1: Country Progress Towards the 2030 Agenda Chapter 2: UN Development system support to the 2030 Agenda 2.1. From CA to Cooperation Framework Priorities 2.2. Theory of Change for the Cooperation Framework Priorities 2.3. Cooperation Framework Outcomes and Partnerships Chapter 3: Cooperation Framework Implementation Plan 3.1. Cooperation Framework Governance and Management Structure 3.2. Resourcing the Cooperation Framework 3.3. Derivation of UN entity country programming instruments from the CF 3.4. Joint Workplans 3.5. Business Operations Strategy in support of the Cooperation Framework 3.6. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan Annexes - Ensure the design of the Cooperation Framework supports Moldova's EU integration trajectory, including linkages with relevant EU accession priorities and reform commitments, while complementing the accession process through inclusive and equitable development support.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced University degree in international development, economics, social sciences or related field; MA required, PhD an asset. A minimum of 10 years of professional experience specifically in the area of international development initiatives in working with development organizations is required. Extensive knowledge of and experience in systems thinking and applying, qualitative and quantitative analytical methods; Ability to identify beneficiaries’ needs, and to match them with appropriate solutions – demonstrated in at least 3 initiatives. Technical competence in undertaking complex analysis which involve use of mixed methods is required. Knowledge of UN role, UN reform process and UN programming at the country level, particularly strategic programming; Familiarity with the 2030 Agenda and SDG related processes. Excellent writing and analytical formulation skills with demonstrated experience in preparing strategic and programming documents or similar analytical documents – at least 2 engagements of similar nature. Strong understanding of the development and political context and working experience in the closer region as well as of EU accession context;

Languages

Fluency in spoken and written English is required.

Additional Information

The UN Moldova has initiated the new UN Cooperation Framework (CF) for 2028–2032, UN's main strategic tool for planning and delivering development support at country level. Building on the current CF 2023–2027, the new CF will guide the UN system's collective contribution to Moldova's development priorities and the 2030 Agenda. Its design will be informed by the 2023-2027 CF Evaluation and the 2026 Country Analysis.

The new CF will take an integrated, multidimensional approach grounded in the SDGs and guided by principles of human rights, gender equality, resilience, sustainability, accountability, and LNPB, with particular attention to vulnerable and marginalized groups. It will reflect the UN’s comparative advantage and support Moldova’s EU accession process as well as complement the growth plan through inclusive and equitable support.

To support the process, the RCO is recruiting an international consultant who, under the guidance of the Resident Coordinator and supervision of the Head of RCO, will help design the CF process and methodology. The consultant will facilitate consultations with government, UN entities, development partners, civil society, academia, youth, media, and the private sector. The consultant will lead the drafting of key CF components, including the theory of change, results framework (outcomes, outputs), and narrative. The CF is expected to be endorsed by the Government of Moldova by May 2027 and will guide joint UN programming from 2028 onward.

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.