Result of Service

OUTPUTS: 1. Support logistics and reporting for follow-up and review activities a. Support logistics and documenting APFSD and VNR workshops and sessions b. Support preparations of the VNR plenary session in the 13th APFSD c. Develop meeting reports and document workshop and activity outputs, support monitoring and evaluation d. Develop and update tracking mechanism of good practices in VNRs e. Review/provide inputs on VNR drafts, requests for assistance f. Draft VNR-related policy brief on topic(s) of country interest AMENDMENT 1: g. Follow-up with 2027 VNR countries for ESCAP’s VNR support to plan timelines and coordinate technical assistance 2. Coordinate the 2026 VNR Twinning and Peer Learning Programme a. develop TORs for twinning arrangement among countries engaged b. moderate the online space of the VNR twinning, c. coordinate study tour as requested and document activities AMENDMENT 1: a. develop TORs for twinning arrangement among countries engaged to respond to recent requests received 3. Support VNR APFSD preparations a .Agenda Item 3 Session plan, concept note and delivery of the APFSD VNR session b. Contact speakers, moderators, draft guiding questions, prepare inputs for the Chair, scenario for the session and briefing notes for the moderator for the VNR plenary session c. Draft the report for the VNR plenary session 4. Liaise internally and with partners, Resident Coordinators Offices and VNR focal points to deliver on country requests for VNR assistance a.Update ESCAP VNR support tracker and VNR offer b. Organize and follow-up on communications and meetings c. Support planning, delivery and reporting of VNR technical assistance d. Explore, clarify and enhance VNR support partnerships with ESCAP Divisions, UN agencies and partner organisations AMENDMENT 1: e. In coordination with EDD, jointly develop VNR localisaiton and VLR support plans to respond to country requests 5. Support participation and engagement of Major Groups and other Stakeholders in the Follow-up and review cycle: VNRs, 13th APFSD, VNR workshop and sessions, in collaboration with APRCEM, Local authorities, youth, private sector and academia a. Liaise with AP-RCEM and major groups and other stakeholders meaningful engagement and participation in follow-up and review, VNRs and capacity development and assistance activities b. Document and share good practices in stakeholder engagement in VNRs and SDG review and implementation c. Collaborate with partners for improved stakeholder engagement mechanisms as well as SDG localization within the VNRs 6. Support the team with organizational, communications, research and preparatory processes, projects and tasks as needed

Work Location

Bangkok

Expected duration

1 Apr-31 May 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

ESCAP is supporting member states in various aspects of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, including by organizing and hosting the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD). The APFSD is an annual and inclusive intergovernmental forum and a regional platform for supporting countries in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development while serving as a regional preparatory meeting to the High-level Political Forum (HLPF). Voluntary national reviews (VNR) are a key component of the follow-up and review mechanism for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. National reviews form the basis for the in-depth global reviews at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). VNRs provide an opportunity to share experiences, including challenges, best practices and lessons learnt, and facilitate acceleration in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Countries have requested ESCAP’s support in the VNR development and peer learning. Support is required for follow-up and review of the 2030 agenda activities including VNR workshops, technical assistance and ESCAP’s VNR support coordination and twinning programme. This also includes planning, preparation and support for APFSD events including the VNR plenary session, regional VNR workshop and facilitating peer learning for VNR presenting countries. The appropriate consultant should have sound research, organization and partnership skills, and experience in supporting UN events and capacity building. OBJECTIVES Under the overall supervision of the Sustainable Development Officer, the individual contractor will: Support project coordination and planning of the ESCAP VNR session, workshops and VNR technical assistance requested by countries, and ESCAP’s VNR Twinning Programme. Support the SDCSS team with organizational and preparatory processes for events, projects, and sessions as needed.

Qualifications/special skills

Subjects related to public policy, international relations, international affairs, environmental management or social sciences. Good analytical, coordination, event planning and drafting skills, ability to present and clearly communicate and summarize information. Great English writing skills. Experience in supporting high-level international events, publications, partnerships including research assistance, outreach and communications. Experience developing documents, working and planning with governments, international institutions and other stakeholders. Experience organizing regional events and peer learning exchanges, developing agendas, reporting and documents.

Languages

Fluent in English

Not available.

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.