[Hiring] International Consultant for the Inception Phase of the State of Pacific Youth @UNDP

Role Description

The Pacific region is experiencing a critical demographic transformation characterized by a substantial youth bulge, with nearly 60% of its population under the age of 35. This demographic reality presents a significant opportunity to harness a demographic dividend by empowering young people in all their diversity to drive sustainable socio-economic growth, regional stability, and harnessing demographic dividend.

The State of Pacific Youth (SOPY) Report has served as the authoritative situation analysis on youth development across Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) since its inception in 1998. The SOPY Report 2027–2028 will mark a key operational milestone as the foundational first step toward establishing a baseline for the Pacific Youth Development Framework (PYDF) 2027–2036.

The Consultant will report directly to UNFPA PSRO Technical Specialist – Adolescents and Youth, in close collaboration with the Team Leader - Inclusive and Equitable Societies Human Rights and Social Development Division at the Pacific Community (SPC). Progress will be monitored through bi-weekly joint progress meetings and updates.

This consultancy will primarily be home-based, with remote consultations with UNFPA PSRO, Pacific Community (SPC) and other partners. The consultant is expected to utilize their own computer, software, and communication tools.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Demography, International Development, Statistics, Public Health or related disciplines with at least 7 years of relevant experience (Pacific regional experience is preferred).
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience at the international level in policy research, demographic analysis, youth development, or social strategy formulation.
• Proven track record in researching, drafting, and synthesizing regional or national flagship reports (e.g., State of Youth, Population Profiles, or Human Development Reports).
• Demonstrated expertise in youth development issues preferably in the Pacific context, including SRHR, GBV, economic empowerment, governance, and climate/vulnerability dynamics.
• Experience working with United Nations agencies, regional CROP bodies (SPC, PIFS), or international development partners.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with experience in conducting evaluations, developing M&E tools, and producing analytical reports.
• English language proficiency.

Requirements

• Conduct a comprehensive desk review of national, regional, and global youth policies, demographic data, census reports, and sectoral surveys across 22 Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs).
• Review key findings and recommendations from previous SoPY Reports (1998, 2005, 2011, and 2017).
• Analyze quantitative datasets and qualitative inputs provided by PICTs and partners.
• Develop the comprehensive conceptual framework and outline for the SoPYR 2027–2028 structured around the 7 thematic priority areas of the PYDF 2027–2036.
• Establish core regional and national indicator parameters for tracking the PYDF progress.
• Formulate qualitative and quantitative consultation toolkits tailored to the sub-regions (Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia).
• Work closely with the Inter-Agency TWG, participating in regular technical meetings to harmonize data parameters and agency inputs.
• Consolidate findings into a high-level Draft Framing Paper and prepare background technical presentation materials.

Benefits

• Payment will be made upon satisfactory completion and written acceptance of the corresponding deliverable.
• The allocation of days may be adjusted at inception without changing the total level of effort or total contract value.

Company Description

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.