Posted by The United Nations is seeking a National Consultant for the Enhanced Monitoring Mechanism (EMM) in Vanuatu. This three-month, home-based consultancy is focused on strengthening Vanuatu’s national capacity to integrate the EMM into existing monitoring and evaluation systems.
The consultant will work on identifying relevant development indicators, reviewing national monitoring systems and providing recommendations for integrating EMM processes into national development planning and Sustainable Development Goals monitoring. The assignment also includes supporting the organization of a national validation workshop in Port Vila during the fourth quarter of 2026.
This opportunity is designed for an experienced development policy professional with a master’s degree or equivalent qualification and at least eight years of experience in development policy analysis, including experience working with a Least Developed Country.
Job Overview
- Job Title: National Consultant – Enhanced Monitoring Mechanism (EMM), Vanuatu
- Employer: United Nations
- Location: Vanuatu
- Work Arrangement: Home-based
- Consultancy Duration: 3 months
- Job Category: Development Policy and Monitoring
- Minimum Experience: At least 8 years in development policy analysis
- Education: Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline
- Language: Fluency in written and spoken English
- Additional Language: Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage
- Workshop Location: Port Vila, Vanuatu
- Expected Workshop Period: Q4 2026
About the United Nations
The assignment is being undertaken through the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), specifically its Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD).
EAPD provides substantive support to the Committee for Development Policy (CDP), which monitors the development progress of countries that have graduated or are graduating from the United Nations list of Least Developed Countries.
The consultancy forms part of a Regular Programme of Technical Cooperation project focused on integrating the Enhanced Monitoring Mechanism into national development plan monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
National Consultant Job Description
The National Consultant will support Vanuatu in strengthening its ability to use the Enhanced Monitoring Mechanism as part of its national monitoring and evaluation processes.
The work will focus on identifying indicators that are relevant to Vanuatu’s specific vulnerabilities, assessing existing national monitoring and reporting systems, and developing recommendations for better integration between EMM processes and national development frameworks.
The consultant will also examine how national systems can support reporting to the Committee for Development Policy and other processes, including Sustainable Development Goals monitoring.
An additional component of the assignment involves exploring whether artificial intelligence-assisted tools can provide credible approaches to data tracking.
Key Responsibilities
The selected consultant will be responsible for several major deliverables and activities, including:
- Prepare and submit an inception report of fewer than 600 words.
- Describe the methodology and processes that will be used to complete the assignment.
- Develop a detailed work plan for the consultancy.
- Review relevant background information provided by EAPD, including CDP reports and consultation outcomes.
- Examine databases used by the CDP to monitor Vanuatu.
- Identify relevant Least Developed Country indicators.
- Assess Supplementary Graduation Indicators.
- Review country-specific higher-frequency indicators contained in the EMM dashboard.
- Determine the reporting frequency and availability of relevant indicators at disaggregated levels.
- Review existing national indicators and monitoring systems used by relevant government ministries.
- Assess systems used to monitor development progress, crises and emergencies.
- Examine the relationship between the EMM and Vanuatu’s national data and monitoring systems.
- Recommend ways to incorporate EMM experience into existing national monitoring systems.
- Recommend ways existing national systems can be used for reporting to the CDP and other mechanisms such as SDG tracking.
- Explore and validate the availability of credible AI-assisted tools for tracking data.
- Prepare a report of no more than 8,000 words covering the required analysis and recommendations.
- Assist EAPD in organizing a national validation workshop in Port Vila during Q4 2026.
- Coordinate with the Government of Vanuatu and key stakeholders for the workshop.
- Manage logistical arrangements for the validation workshop.
- Lead the presentation of the consultancy report.
Qualifications and Requirements
Candidates interested in this National Consultant opportunity should have substantial experience in development policy analysis and strong technical and drafting abilities.
Education
A master’s degree or equivalent is required in one of the following areas:
- Economics.
- Social or environmental studies.
- International law, particularly trade.
- Natural sciences.
- Development studies.
- A related discipline.
Professional Experience
Applicants must have:
- At least eight years of experience in development policy analysis.
- Some experience working with a Least Developed Country.
- Demonstrated technical or scientific expertise related to public policy.
- Strong policy analytical skills.
- Strong technical skills.
- Strong managerial abilities.
- Excellent drafting skills.
- Ability to prepare and present reports in English.
Language Requirements
Fluency in both oral and written English is required.
Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an advantage.
Consultancy Deliverables
The assignment includes two principal written deliverables.
The first is an inception report of less than 600 words outlining the proposed methodology, processes and detailed work plan.
The second is a report of no more than 8,000 words. The report is expected to examine relevant indicators for Vanuatu, existing national monitoring systems, and opportunities to integrate EMM processes with national development monitoring and SDG tracking.
The consultant will also support the national validation workshop in Port Vila planned for the fourth quarter of 2026.
Who Should Apply?
This National Consultant opportunity may be suitable for experienced development policy professionals with a strong background in policy analysis and public policy-related technical work.
Candidates should have substantial experience, including work involving a Least Developed Country, and be capable of producing detailed analytical reports and presenting findings to government and other stakeholders.
The role is particularly suited to professionals who can combine policy analysis, technical assessment, project coordination and high-quality report drafting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Consultant role about?
The consultancy focuses on helping Vanuatu integrate the Enhanced Monitoring Mechanism into national monitoring and evaluation systems and improve the use of relevant indicators for monitoring development progress.
How long is the consultancy?
The expected duration is three months.
Is the National Consultant position home-based?
Yes. The stated work location is home-based.
Will the consultant need to work in Port Vila?
The consultancy includes assisting with a national validation workshop in Port Vila during Q4 2026, including coordination, logistical arrangements and presentation of the report.
What education is required?
A master’s degree or equivalent is required in economics, social or environmental studies, international law, natural sciences, development studies or a related discipline.
How much professional experience is required?
Applicants need at least eight years of experience in development policy analysis, including some experience working with a Least Developed Country.
Is English required?
Yes. Fluency in both oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.
Does the consultancy involve artificial intelligence?
Yes. One part of the assignment is to explore and validate whether AI-assisted tools are available for credible data tracking.
Does the United Nations charge applicants a recruitment fee?
No. The listing states that the United Nations does not charge fees at any stage of its recruitment process, including application, interview, processing or training. It also states that the organization does not request information about applicants’ bank accounts.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience criteria should submit their application.
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