SDG Localization Analysis - Individual Contractor

This consultancy will result in providing evidence to inform discussions in the lead-up to the 2027 SDG summit and nascent discussions on a post-2030 development framework on how SDG localization has advanced the SDGs and DESA’s work in this area.

Home-based consultancy

65 working days, with possibility of extension

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a universal strategic vision for the future of global development. As set out in General Assembly Resolution A/RES/70/1, successful implementation requires comprehensive and integrated actions across all levels of governance - global, regional, national, and local. Local and regional authorities play a pivotal role in translating this vision into tangible results on the ground, and recognition of their contribution continues to grow. Successive political declarations of the High-Level Political Forum and the Political Declaration of the 2023 SDG Summit reaffirm Member States’ commitment to localizing the SDGs and strengthening integrated planning and implementation at the subnational level. This momentum was further reinforced by the Pact for the Future, which led to the issuance of a Secretary-General’s report in 2025 outlining recommendations to enhance engagement with local and regional authorities in advancing the 2030 Agenda. National governments are increasingly adopting multilevel governance approaches to accelerate SDG implementation, while local and regional governments are intensifying their efforts to deliver results. These efforts are particularly evident in terms of the exponential growth of the global Voluntary Local Review movement, and across the six SDG transitions: food systems; energy access and affordability; digital connectivity; education; jobs and social protection; and climate action, biodiversity, and pollution. These transitions converge clearly at the local level, where trade-offs and synergies are directly experienced and where integrated, place-based solutions are essential. The Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) acts as the Secretariat for the SDGs, providing substantive support and capacity-building for the goals and their related thematic issues, including water, energy, climate, oceans, urbanization, transport, science and technology, the Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR), partnerships and Small Island Developing States. DSDG plays a key role in the evaluation of UN systemwide implementation of the 2030 Agenda and on advocacy and outreach activities relating to the SDGs. In this regard, DSDG requires an Individual Contractor to support the SDGs Localization Analysis work, with the following duties and responsibilities: (a) Evidence-based research and analysis: Support the development of analytical materials, including: 1. An analysis of best practices in accelerating SDG implementation through localization drawing on the inter-governmental, analytical and capacity building work of the Divisions active in the DESA Network on SDG Localization. The findings of this would be used to feed into either a UN DESA or an inter-agency product focused on the centrality of SDG localization in the context of the 2027 SDG Summit and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda beyond 2027. 2. Update UN DESA’s localization guidance materials, including the Global Guiding Elements on Voluntary Local Reviews, based on DESA experience in the project countries for the XB (Italy) projects: Improved local and national government capacities for localizing SDGs progress through Voluntary Local Reviews (2022-2024) and Strengthening local and national government capacities for SDG localization in Africa (2025-2027), including by reviewing GGE against the Secretary-General’s most recent guidance on the preparation of VNRs, and other existing VLR guidance materials, as well as materials on the six transitions and high-impact initiatives launched at the 2023 SDG Summit. 3. Engage with the Local2030 Coalition Task Force on Capacity Building to support the analysis and mapping of existing UN system capacity-building materials on SDG localization, including the identification of gaps and opportunities for enhanced coherence and impact. (b) Results-oriented technical cooperation/coordination and partnerships: 1. Building on the analysis carried out under work assignment (a)1, support the organization of the 2026 International Mayors Forum, to be held in October 2026 in Quito, Ecuador, including drafting background materials focused on DESA’s SDG localization efforts for selected Forum sessions and liaising with project countries. 2. In the context of carrying out analytical work on best practices, support UN DESA/DSDG’s national consultants working in the project countries to advance SDG acceleration through localization (c) Awareness raising and knowledge management: 1. Support the development and dissemination of social media content and updates highlighting SDG localization initiatives undertaken by the Division and members of the UN DESA Network on SDG Localization to raise awareness on the importance of SDG localization, and to share good and inspiring practices.

Advanced university degree in development policy or planning, 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. 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. Demonstrated commitment and professionalism, strong analytical and communication skills and ability for teamwork.

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Not available.

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.