Consultant for the Implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for ABAS

Expected outputs Output 1: Prepare the Secretary-General’s report and its statistical annex; comprehensive updated ABAS metadata and methodological documentation, and verified interoperability with the UN Data Commons and the global SDG database; and prepare presentations, briefing notes, and other analytical inputs for Member States and stakeholders as required. Output 2: Progress report on operationalisation of the ABAS reporting mechanism, including status of data submissions by custodian agencies and member states, identified data gaps and remedial actions taken, and recommendations for addressing remaining reporting challenges; and at least one concept note or project proposal for resource mobilisation related to ABAS implementation and capacity development, including donor-facing materials, prepared in support of coordination with partners and stakeholders. Output 3: Design and delivery of capacity building activities (in-person and/or virtual) for SIDS on ABAS reporting and implementation, including training materials, facilitator guides, and post-activity follow-up plan, developed in coordination with regional commissions and relevant regional organisations. Output 4: Technical guidance package for SIDS on data collection, validation, and reporting for ABAS indicators, including methodological guidance on newly introduced indicators not aligned with existing SDG reporting processes and guidance to countries on data sources and alignment with national statistical systems.

Home Based

Expected to start by 1 June 2026 for 10 months.

The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), resulted in the adoption of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS – A Declaration for Renewed Prosperity (ABAS) . The ABAS is the first programme of action for SIDS that explicitly mandates a framework to measure progress. Paragraph 38 calls for a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework with clear targets and indicators and mandates an inter-agency task force (IATF-ABAS) to develop such framework. With support from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), the IATF-ABAS developed a draft framework in close collaboration with Member States and relevant UN agencies. The framework was endorsed by the General Assembly in December 2025. The ABAS M&E framework provides a structured basis for tracking progress in the implementation of the Agenda. It translates the political commitments of the ABAS into concrete targets and indicators to ensure accountability at the national, regional, and global levels. The framework comprises 59 targets and 83 indicators, organized across seven sections. The indicators cover more than 100 of the 133 commitments contained in the ABAS. Global and national reporting on the framework will begin in 2026, marking a transition from framework development to implementation. In this context, UN DESA requires the expertise of a consultant to provide substantive, technical and coordination support to the operationalization of the ABAS M&E framework. This includes supporting SIDS in reporting on ABAS indicators, strengthening national capacities through targeted capacity development activities, facilitating coordination with custodian agencies and partners, contributing to the development of the ABAS database and its underlying data and metadata, and supporting broader programme implementation and resource mobilization efforts. Under the overall guidance of the Chief of the SIDS Unit and the Chief of the SDG Monitoring Section, the consultant will provide substantive, technical, and coordination support to the implementation of the ABAS M&E framework. The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: 1. Reporting and implementation • Support the development and maintenance of the ABAS database, including the compilation, validation, and organization of data and metadata for ABAS indicators; • Contribute to the development of metadata, methodological documentation, and data standards to ensure consistency, transparency, and comparability of ABAS indicators; • Assist in ensuring alignment and interoperability with existing UN data platforms, including the UN Data Commons and the global SDG database; • Prepare the Secretary-General’s report and its Statistical Annex; • Provide technical support to SIDS in the implementation of the ABAS M&E framework, including on data collection, validation, and reporting; • Support the operationalization of the ABAS reporting mechanism, including facilitating communication and coordination among national statistical systems, custodian agencies, and other stakeholders; • Assist in addressing data gaps and reporting challenges, including through guidance to countries on methodologies, data sources, and alignment with existing SDG reporting processes. 2. Capacity development • Design, develop, and deliver in-person and virtual capacity building activities (including workshops, training sessions, events, and guidance materials) to strengthen national capacities for ABAS reporting and implementation; • Coordinate with regional and international partners, including custodian agencies, regional commissions, and relevant regional organizations, to ensure coherent and complementary support to SIDS; • Facilitate knowledge-sharing and peer learning among SIDS on data, reporting practices, and institutional coordination. 3. General programme support • Provide inputs to the preparation of concept notes, project proposals, and other materials related to ABAS implementation and capacity development; • Support coordination with partners and stakeholders to advance implementation of ABAS-related activities. 4. Other substantive duties • Contribute to the preparation of analytical inputs, presentations, briefing notes, and reports related to ABAS implementation, as required; • Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisors.

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in sustainable development, statistics, economics, development studies, or other related disciplines. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in data collection, analysis, national or regional policy, reporting and monitoring processes is required. Familiarity with data collection, analysis, reporting, and monitoring processes in national, regional, and international statistical systems with a focus on SIDS is required. Experience in implementing statistical and M&E frameworks on issues related to sustainable development in general is required and SIDS specifically is desirable. Competency in the production of analytical reports and in quantitative and qualitative research products is required. Experience working with a wide range of stakeholders, including in organizing and facilitating multi-country workshops or activities involving diverse stakeholders, is desirable.

Fluency in oral and written English is required.

Not available.