National Consultant to Support SDG Localization Coordination and Review in Namibia

This consultancy will result in implementing the project “Strengthening local and national government capacities for SDG localization in Africa" in Namibia. This initiative, implemented by UN DESA, seeks to enhance local and national government capacities in Namibia to accelerate and scale up SDG implementation and localization and to provide support for the development of new VLRs by local governments in Namibia.

Home-based consultancy

50 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 outlined in General Assembly Resolution A/RES/70/1, successful implementation requires comprehensive, integrated actions across global, regional, national, and local levels. Local and regional authorities are essential to this process. Increasingly, these sub-national entities are conducting Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) to monitor and report on their SDG progress. Modelled after the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), interest in VLRs has grown exponentially, with over 400 reviews published by local governments of all sizes worldwide. Namibia’s national development is guided by Vision 2030 and implemented through the 6th National Development Plan (NDP6, 2025–2031). NDP6 aligns Namibia’s national vision with the 2030 Agenda while serving as a foundation for the AU Agenda 2063 and SADC regional frameworks. In Namibia’s most recent Voluntary National Review of the SDGs (2024), a key “lesson learned” relates to local ownership and leadership, with Namibia recognizing the significance of fostering local ownership and leadership in SDG implementation, including by engaging communities, civil society, and the private sector, to empower stakeholders at all levels to take ownership of the SDGs, driving bottom-up initiatives and innovative solutions. In its VNR, Namibia further emphasized the need for coherent and aligned policies across not only sectors but also levels of government that balance social, economic, and environmental objectives, fostering synergistic outcomes and minimizing trade-offs. Namibia has reported progress in integrating the SDGs into its national and local frameworks. However, it has not yet integrated any VLRs into the three VNRs it has published to date. In preparation for the 2027 VNR, the National Planning Commission (NPC) therefore requested technical assistance from UN DESA to: 1) enable local authorities to effectively conduct VLRs; and 2) to strengthen NPC’s capacity as the national coordinating agency for the implementation and reporting of development frameworks like the SDGs. 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 a National Consultant for Namibia to support project activities, working closely with relevant government officials and other stakeholders, particularly the National Planning Commission and Office of the UN Resident Coordinator. The national consultant’s role is to support the SDG localization, coordination and review work in Namibia, with the following duties and responsibilities: (a) Prepare an inception report including: 1) An introductory state of play on SDG localization in the participating localities; an overview of existing data and gaps; and an initial mapping of relevant institutional coordination mechanisms for implementation of the SDGs and local development plans in each of the participating local governments; and 2) a detailed and inclusive workplan for the conduct of the reviews by local authorities, taking into account DESA Global Guiding Elements for Voluntary Local Reviews. (b) Support the development of Voluntary Local Reviews by up to five selected local governments. (c) Provide substantive and logistical support and continuous coordination support to finalization of the Voluntary Local Reviews. (d) Prepare a synthesis report on the main messages, findings and key conclusions from the VLR processes, as a possible input to the Voluntary National Review process.

Advanced university degree in development policy, 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. Knowledge of the development challenges facing Namibia and of the most relevant actors desirable. 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.