UNDP Individual Consultancies 2025: Opportunities and Application Guide

Background & Job Description

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP Individual Consultancies (ICs) represent a flexible contract modality that allows the organization to engage highly qualified individuals for time-bound assignments. These consultancies provide professionals an opportunity to contribute to development goals while enjoying flexible work arrangements and competitive compensation.

UNDP Individual Consultancies 2025: Opportunities and Application Guide

Unlike fixed-term or temporary UN staff contracts, Individual Consultancies are not considered employment but procurement of services. Consultants are contracted for specific deliverables with payment linked to their submission and approval. This modality aligns with UNDP Financial Rule 121.02 and its procurement principles, including transparency, fairness, value for money, and open competition.

ICs are used in every UNDP regional and country office, covering over 170 countries and territories. Opportunities span across thematic areas such as:

• Governance and rule of law
• Democratic institutions and human rights
• Sustainable development and climate change
• Crisis response and recovery
• Digital innovation and e-governance
• Inclusive finance and economic development
• Gender equality and social inclusion
• Conflict prevention and peacebuilding

These assignments range from technical advisory services and project management to policy development, communications, and research-based tasks.

Tasks

The nature of tasks depends on the consultancy focus, level of responsibility, and scope of the assignment. However, common tasks include:

1. Project Design, Research, and Implementation

• Conducting thematic research, literature reviews, and comparative policy studies.
• Drafting concept notes, project documents, and feasibility studies.
• Supporting program formulation and implementation.

2. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

• Developing Results Frameworks and M&E plans.
• Conducting field-level assessments and surveys.
• Analyzing progress, lessons learned, and providing recommendations.

3. Technical Advisory and Policy Development

• Providing expert inputs in areas such as climate resilience, digital governance, or electoral reform.
• Supporting national governments in drafting policies or legal frameworks.
• Advising on global best practices and adaptation to local contexts.

4. Capacity Development and Training

• Designing training materials and tools.
• Facilitating workshops for UNDP teams, national partners, and CSOs.
• Supporting South-South knowledge exchange and institutional learning.

5. Communication, Knowledge Management, and Advocacy

• Drafting technical briefs, position papers, blogs, and communication plans.
• Supporting knowledge product development and dissemination.
• Developing content for reports, presentations, or donor updates.

6. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

• Organizing multi-stakeholder consultations and roundtables.
• Supporting resource mobilization efforts.
• Engaging with civil society, private sector, and government entities.

Qualifications

Education and Certification

While each consultancy has specific educational criteria, general requirements include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field: International Development, Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Law, Public Health, Environmental Sciences, Social Work, Engineering, etc.
• Master’s Degree or Ph.D. preferred, especially for senior-level roles or those requiring specialized expertise.
• Additional certifications in Project Management (PMP, PRINCE2), Data Analytics (e.g., Power BI, STATA, R), M&E, or Humanitarian Affairs are advantageous.

Experience Levels

• Junior-Level Consultancies (1–3 years): Suitable for young professionals or recent postgraduates with prior internship or volunteering experience in development, research, or policy.
• Mid-Level Consultancies (4–7 years): Require demonstrated work experience in project coordination, technical assistance, or advisory roles in UN agencies, NGOs, or governments.
• Senior-Level Consultancies (8+ years): Require substantial leadership, technical, and advisory experience, including participation in strategic processes, policy formulation, and coordination with high-level stakeholders.

Technical and Soft Skills

• Strong research and analytical capabilities
• Knowledge of UNDP programming and procurement processes
• Expertise in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Project management and budgeting proficiency
• Stakeholder engagement and cross-cultural communication
• Report writing and presentation skills
• Digital fluency with tools like Microsoft Office, SharePoint, M&E software, GIS, and online collaboration platforms

Languages

• English fluency required for all roles.
• Proficiency in one or more UN languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Chinese) is highly desirable, especially for regional and country-specific consultancies.

Additional Information

Contract Terms

• Individual Consultancies are output-based and non-staff.
• Contracts can be home-based, on-site, or hybrid, depending on assignment needs.
• Consultants are responsible for their own taxes, health insurance, and legal status.
• Payments are made only after acceptance of deliverables, based on agreed milestones.

Rates and Benefits

• Daily, weekly, or monthly rates are set based on qualifications, location, and UNDP’s internal IC fee scales.
• Consultants do not receive UN entitlements like pension, leave, or health insurance unless explicitly included in the contract.

Application Process

1. Explore Opportunities
   • Visit the official UNDP Jobs Portal or UN Careers and filter by “Consultancy.”
   • Search by location, duration, language, or technical area.
2. Prepare Application Package
   • Updated CV or P11 Form (UNDP’s Personal History form).
   • A cover letter tailored to the consultancy.
   • Financial proposal (may include daily rate or lump sum pricing).
   • Portfolio or samples of past work (if applicable).
3. Apply Online
   • Upload documents through the online portal.
   • Follow instructions regarding financial proposals and technical submissions.
4. Screening and Evaluation
   • Shortlisting based on qualifications, technical fit, and value-for-money.
   • Written tests or interviews for selected candidates.
   • Technical scoring and financial evaluation.
5. Contract Signing and Onboarding
   • If selected, sign an IC contract outlining deliverables, timeline, and payment terms.
   • Receive onboarding package and initiate assignment.

Ethical Standards & Policies

• UNDP upholds zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
• Consultants must follow UNDP’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
• Any attempt to influence recruitment decisions or provide false information may lead to disqualification.

Important Notes

• No fees are ever charged for applying or being selected.
• Beware of scams. Always apply through official UNDP or UN websites.
• Green card holders in the United States may need to renounce permanent residency to accept IC contracts.

Conclusion

UNDP Individual Consultancies in 2025 offer dynamic, purpose-driven work for professionals who want to make a global impact. Whether you’re early in your career, mid-level, or a seasoned expert, there are numerous opportunities to support sustainable development goals and contribute to international cooperation. The IC modality enables you to work flexibly, remotely, and across diverse thematic areas while being part of one of the UN’s most impactful agencies.

Stay updated by frequently visiting the UNDP job portal, networking through LinkedIn or UN job platforms, and preparing tailored applications for each posting. Your expertise could help shape development outcomes in some of the world’s most critical regions.

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