National Consultant – Support to the Preparation of Albania’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) 2026 Job ID : 271256

Result of Service


IV. Expected Deliverables and Indicative Timeline The following deliverables will be produced within 55 working days, starting from early February 2026, according to a detailed workplan agreed with SASPAC and UN Albania: 1. Inception Report and VNR Roadmap (detailed workplan, methodological note and fully developed VNR Roadmap). Within the first month of the assignment. 2. Stakeholder Engagement Plan and Consultation Package (stakeholder mapping, consultation plan, tools and initial consultation calendar). By the end of Month 2. 3. Synthesis of Consultation Results and Interim Analytical Note (summary report of consultations and interim analysis on SDG trends, structural issues and LNOB). By the end of Month 4. 4. Draft Main Messages (max 600 words) ready for validation and submission to the UN by the official deadline. In line with the UN deadline for Main Messages (indicatively April 2026). 5. Zero Draft and Revised Draft(s) of the VNR Report. Zero draft by Month 5; revised draft by Month 6. 6. Final VNR Report (final, edited VNR report in agreed UN language, in machine-readable PDF, with annexed statistical tables/indicators). In line with the UN deadline for VNR report submission (indicatively June 2026). 7. Presentation and Communication Package (presentations, key messages, Q&A, and short public-facing summary of the VNR). Before the HLPF session (HLPF takes place in the month of July 2026). 8. Post-VNR Lessons Learned and Follow-up Note. Within 4–6 weeks after the HLPF session, subject to remaining days (indicatively mid-September) within 55 working days allocation. V. Institutional Arrangements The Consultant will be contracted by UN Albania. The selection of the candidate for this task will be conducted by SASPAC. The consultant will work under the overall guidance of SASPAC as the Government lead counterpart for the VNR 2026. A designated focal point in SASPAC, in coordination with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, will provide day-to-day guidance and approve deliverables. The Consultant will collaborate closely with relevant line ministries and agencies; INSTAT and the national statistical system; local governments and their associations; parliament and Supreme Audit Institution, as relevant; civil society, academia, private sector and youth organisations; and UN Country Team members and development partners. UN Albania and SASPAC may facilitate access to relevant documents and data; administrative support for organizing consultations and missions; and meeting facilities, subject to availability. VI. Duration, Level of Effort and Duty Station Duration of assignment: From early February until completion of the agreed deliverables, tentatively up to the end of 2026, with the bulk of work concentrated before and around the HLPF. Level of effort: Up to 55 working days over the contract period. Duty station: Tirana, Albania, with possible travel to other regions/municipalities as required by the consultation plan. Modality of work: Combination of in-person and remote work, as agreed with SASPAC and UN Albania. Financial offer: Please send your detailed offer to registry.al@un.org after submitting the application through Inspira. Preferred Currency of Offer: United States Dollars (US$). Skills required -Excellent analytical and drafting skills, with ability to synthesize complex material into clear, concise and readable text. -Strong facilitation and communication skills, including for participatory workshops and presentations. -Solid understanding of SDGs, LNOB, human rights–based approaches, gender equality and environmental sustainability. -Familiarity with Albania’s governance and policy context, including EU integration processes. Competencies required -Strong professionalism, planning and organizational skills. -Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. -Excellent coordination and teamwork, including in multicultural environments. -High level of integrity and commitment to inclusive, evidence-based policymaking. VIII. Key Reference Documents



- Albania Voluntary National Review on Sustainable Development Goals (2018).
- SDG Baseline Report and related national SDG mainstreaming documents.
- UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022–2026 for Albania.
- Relevant national strategies and sector policies, including NSDI and EU accession documentation.
- VNR Handbook 2026 Edition.
- UN DESA guidance notes and kick-off webinar materials for 2026 VNR countries.
- Global and regional SDG reports and other relevant analytical or evaluation reports .

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