Consultancy - UNFPA Accountability Framework Alignment and Development, Office of the Executive Director

Note: Change in section on how to apply.  

Purpose of consultancy:

Background and Context
● The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is committed to maintaining high standards of accountability and transparency in all its operations.
● The Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) has recently released an updated reference framework for accountability in the United Nations system (JIU/REP/2023/3).
● In line with UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board Decision 2024/18 1 , UNFPA seeks to align its existing accountability framework with the new JIU recommendations and ensure it remains a robust and effective tool for promoting accountability within the organization.
Objectives
● Conduct a comprehensive gap analysis of the current UNFPA Accountability Framework against the updated JIU reference framework.
● Identify areas where the UNFPA framework can be strengthened and improved to align with the JIU recommendations.
● Develop a revised UNFPA Accountability Framework that fully aligns with the updated JIU reference framework and incorporates the proposed adjustments.
Scope of Work
● Review the updated JIU reference framework, the existing UNFPA Accountability Framework, and
UNFPA Executive Board Decision 2024/18.
● Conduct a detailed gap analysis, identifying areas of alignment and divergence between the two
frameworks.
● Consult with relevant UNFPA staff and stakeholders to gather insights and feedback on the  existing framework and potential areas for improvement.

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1. UNFPA Executive Board Decision 2024/18 on the Annual report of the UNFPA Executive Director
in para 9 “Requests UNFPA to assess its accountability framework against the updated 2023 Joint
Inspection Unit reference accountability framework, as presented in the Joint Inspection Unit report on
the review of accountability frameworks in the United Nations system organizations (JIU/REP/2023/3),
and adjust it, as necessary, by the annual session 2025.” 

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• Prepare a comprehensive report detailing the gap analysis findings and presenting clear and actionable recommendations, particularly prioritizing recommendations and highlighting any glaring gaps.
• Draft a revised UNFPA Accountability Framework that:
• Incorporates the recommendations from the gap analysis and ensures alignment with the five components of the updated JIU framework.
• It is clear, concise, and easily understandable by all UNFPA staff and stakeholders.
• Covers both programmatic and operational activities of UNFPA
• Reflects the roles and responsibilities of HQ, RO, and CO.
• Considers UNFPA’s role as both a development and humanitarian actor, reflecting any necessary contextual differentiation
• Seek feedback on the draft revised framework from relevant UNFPA staff and stakeholders.
• Finalize the revised UNFPA Accountability Framework, incorporating feedback and ensuring it is ready for UNFPA adoption by February 2025.
• The consultant should have access to earlier reviews undertaken but not completed/implemented in recent years.

Deliverables
● Inception report outlining the consultant's understanding of the assignment, proposed
methodology, timeline and work plan.
● Gap analysis report detailing the assessment of the UNFPA framework against the JIU framework
and identifying areas for improvement, prioritized recommendations, and highlighting glaring gaps.

● Final revised UNFPA Accountability Framework, incorporating the recommendations, aligned with
the JIU framework, and including a high-level implementation plan and timeline, ready for adoption by February 2025.

Qualifications and Experience
● Advanced degree in international development, public administration, law, or a related field.
● At least ten years of relevant professional experience in the field of accountability, governance, or
oversight, preferably within the United Nations system or other international organizations.
● Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and present it in a clear and concise manner
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
● Experience in developing and drafting accountability frameworks or similar policy documents
Duration and Location
● The consultancy is expected to last approximately three months, starting in November 2024 and ending in January 2025.
● The consultant will work remotely and potentially travel to UNFPA office as required.

Reporting
● The consultant will report directly to the Coordinator, ERM, and Oversight Compliance and maintain regular communication throughout the assignment
● Progress updates will be provided on a bi-weekly basis or as otherwise agreed upon

Evaluation Criteria

• Technical proposal (70%)
• Understanding of the assignment and its objectives
• Proposed methodology and work plan
• Consultant's qualifications and experience
• Demonstrated experience in developing accountability frameworks or similar policy documents
• Financial proposal (30%)

How to Apply
Please send your application and a short letter of motivation with “Application - Consultant for
UNFPA Accountability Framework Alignment and Development” on the subject line and email the
document to oedadminfinance@unfpa.org by 13 October 2024 5:00 pm New York time.