Non-Staff Consultant

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Education

Duty Station: Windhoek, Namibia

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 13 June 2025

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

UNESCO Windhoek Office invites qualified consultants to express their interest in undertaking a short-term consultancy to conduct a Donor Mapping and Innovative Financing Options Analysis for UNESCO Windhoek Office.

1.     BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

The Unesco Windhoek Office is developing a strategic Resource Mobilization Plan (2025–2029) to strengthen its partnerships and diversify its funding base. To inform this plan and guide targeted engagement, a comprehensive donor mapping exercise is required. This execise will identify and analyze bilateral, multilateral, private sector, and philanthropic organizations that align with UNESCO's mandate and strategic priorities in Namibia.

Given the evolving development cooperation landscape and increasing emphasis on results-based programming and national alignment donor mapping will help identify key actors, their funding priorities, modalities, geographical focus, and potential entry points for collaboration. This will support more effective positioning of the UNESCO Windhoek Office in the development space and enhance its ability to mobilize resources for programming.

In addition to traditional sources of funding, there is a growing need to explore and harness innovative financing mechanisms that go beyond conventional donor assistance. These may include blended finance, impact investing, results-based financing, private sector partnerships, digital crowdfunding, and other non-traditional modalities that can sustainably support UNESCO’s programmes. Identifying such options is critical for expanding the financial base and improving the Office’s resilience and adaptability in an increasingly competitive funding environment.

This donor mapping exercise will therefore also include the identification and assessment of 3–5 feasible and context-appropriate innovative financing options that can be leveraged by UNESCO Windhoek, in alignment with its strategic goals and operational capacities.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY

The overall objective of the assignment is to provide a comprehensive overview of the donor landscape in Namibia with a focus on identifying partners whose priorities align with UNESCO’s mandate, and identification of feasible innovative financing options for UNESCO Windhoek.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will be responsible for undertaking the following specific tasks:

• Desk review of existing literature, policies, and strategies on development cooperation in Namibia, including UN Partnership Frameworks, Government development priorities, and donor strategies.
• Identification and profiling of existing and potential donors and partners (bilateral, multilateral, private sector, foundations, NGOs) active or interested in UNESCO’s areas of competence (education, sciences, culture, communication and information).
• Mapping of donor priorities, funding mechanisms, and modalities, including timelines, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.
• Assessment of alignment between donor priorities and UNESCO Windhoek’s strategic priorities (as per the RM Plan and C/5).
• Identify and propose 3-5 feasible innovative financing options for UNESCO Windhoek
• Stakeholder consultations/interviews (as needed) with key donors, development partners, and national counterparts.
• SWOT analysis of UNESCO’s positioning and potential value proposition to each key donor/ financing option.
• Recommendations for strategic engagement with identified donors, including a donor engagement matrix and suggested approaches for partnerships.
• Presentation of key findings to UNESCO staff and partners.

4. DELIVERABLES

The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:  

1. Inception Report: A detailed report outlining the consultant’s methodology, work plan, stakeholder engagement approach, and understanding of the assignment.
2. Draft Donor Mapping Report: A comprehensive report profiling potential donors and partners, analyzing their alignment with UNESCO Windhoek’s priorities, and presenting a preliminary SWOT analysis.
3. Innovative Financing Options Paper: A concise technical brief proposing 3-5 innovative and context-relevant financing mechanisms with rationale, feasibility, and implementation considerations.
4. Presentation: A presentation and facilitated session with UNESCO staff and partners to share findings, validate insights, and gather feedback on the draft outputs.
5. Final Donor Mapping and Financing Report: A consolidated final report incorporating feedback, presenting refined donor profiles, financing options, and strategic recommendations for engagement.

5. DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The consultancy is expected to be completed within 3 months from the date of signing the contract. A detailed work plan with timelines for each deliverable will be developed in consultation with UNESCO upon commencement of the contract.

6. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT

•        The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Head of Office of the UNESCO Windhoek Office and in close consultation with the programme specialists.
•        UNESCO will provide access to relevant internal strategic documents and facilitate introductions to key stakeholders as needed.
•        The assignment may be carried out remotely, with potential in-country missions or virtual meetings, depending on the methodology proposed.
•        Payments will be made upon satisfactory completion and approval of deliverables, in line with UNESCO financial procedures.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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8. SUBMISSION OF EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

7. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

7.1 Required education: 

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in financing international development, public policy, economics, social sciences, or a related field.

7.2 Required experience:

• At least 7 years of proven experience in donor mapping, resource mobilization, development cooperation, or partnership building.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the donor landscape in Southern Africa, particularly Namibia, and of UN development cooperation frameworks.
• Experience working with or for multilateral agencies, preferably UNESCO or other UN bodies.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills in English.
• Ability to deliver quality outputs within tight deadlines and with minimal supervision

7.3 Language Requirement:

• Fluency in English is required. 

7.4 Desirable professional experience:

• Relevant experience working with UNESCO or other international organizations on similar assignments and knowledge would be an asset. 

8. SUBMISSION OF EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Interested candidates should submit their applications to windhoek@unesco.org by 13 June 2025, midnight (Windhoek time).

The application should consist of:

i. Personal CV

ii. A cover letter/statement indicating how their qualifications and experiences make them suitable for the assignment.

iii. A written technical and financial proposal comprising: 

1) the proposed approach for the undertaking of the assignment in line with the terms of reference; and

2) a financial proposal outlining consultancy fees and any other associated costs. 

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