International Consultant for the Inception Phase of the State of Pacific Youth Report 2027–2028 [Remote]

Grade: International Consultancy (IC/SSA) · Schedule: Part time

The Position:

The Pacific region is experiencing a critical demographic transformation characterized by a substantial youth bulge, with nearly 60% of its population under the age of 35. This demographic reality presents a significant opportunity to harness a demographic dividend by empowering young people in all their diversity to drive sustainable socio-economic growth, regional stability, and harnessing demographic dividend. To capitalize on this potential, regional governance bodies and partner agencies in collaboration with the member Governments have developed the Pacific Youth Development Framework (PYDF) 2027–2036 aligned with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Commonwealth Youth Strategy. Supported by robust governance mechanisms to ensure region-wide buy-in, resourcing, implementation, and monitoring, the PYDF 2027–2036 is structured around seven thematic priority areas that require an evidence based framework to analyze contemporary challenges, socio-economic trends, and strategic development pathways for Pacific youth.

The State of Pacific Youth (SOPY) Report has served as the authoritative situation analysis on youth development across Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) since its inception in 1998. Following previous editions in 1998, 2005, 2011, and 2017, the SOPY Report 2027–2028 will mark a key operational milestone as the foundational first step toward establishing a baseline for the PYDF 2027–2036. It will provide an empirical assessment of current youth status across the region, map existing indicators, identify critical data gaps, and help populate the Pacific Youth Statistics Dashboard on the Pacific Data Hub to ensure ongoing regional accountability. The development process will directly support the regional decision-making roadmap endorsed at the 2nd Heads of Youth (HOY) Meeting in July 2026 for tabling at the 5th Pacific Ministers for Youth Meeting (PMYM) in December 2026, leading to a initial draft framing paper at the 3rd HOYM in June 2027, a final draft at the 4th HOYM in June 2028, and high-level ministerial endorsement at the 6th PMYM in September 2028.

The Consultant will report directly to UNFPA PSRO Technical Specialist – Adolescents and Youth, in close collaboration with the Team Leader - Inclusive and Equitable Societies Human Rights and Social Development Division at the Pacific Community (SPC). Progress will be monitored through bi-weekly joint progress meetings and updates.

The consultancy is up to 25 working days from the contract start date. The detailed calendar and allocation of days will be confirmed in the inception report.

This consultancy will primarily be home-based, with remote consultations with UNFPA PSRO, Pacific Community
(SPC) and other partners. The consultant is expected to utilize their own computer, software, and communication tools.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff who embody these international norms and standards and will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact sustained results, ensuring effective external relations, communications, partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in rogramme results

Job Purpose:

The Pacific Community (SPC), Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), UNFPA Pacific Sub-Regional Office (PSRO), UNICEF Pacific, Commonwealth Secretariat, and the Pacific Youth Council (PYC) are initiating the development of the State of Pacific Youth Report (SoPYR) 2027–2028.
The purpose of this consultancy is to lead the Inception Phase (Phase 1) for the SoPYR 2027–2028. The Consultant will serve as the primary author and pen holder to design the research methodology, indicator mapping, establish data parameters for tracking the PYDF progress, conduct desk reviews, synthesize secondary data, and formulate the qualitative and quantitative consultation toolkits, inception report, framing paper and presentation package to be presented at the 3rd Heads of Youth (HOY) Meeting in June 2027.

You would be responsible for:

A. Desk Review and Secondary Data Harvesting

• Conduct a comprehensive desk review of national, regional, and global youth policies, demographic data, census reports, and sectoral surveys across 22 Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) with reference to the thematic priority areas of the PYDF 2027–2036.
• Review key findings and recommendations from previous SoPY Reports (1998, 2005, 2011 and 2017), assess relevant progress and emerging trends, and review the PYDF 2027–2036 to identify priority evidence and data gaps.
• Analyze quantitative datasets and qualitative inputs provided by PICTs and partners.

B. Inception Report, Methodology Blueprint, and Indicator Mapping

• Develop the comprehensive conceptual framework and outline for the SoPYR 2027–2028 structured around the 7 thematic priority areas of the PYDF 2027–2036.
• Establish core regional and national indicator parameters for tracking the PYDF progress, including mapping indicators for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), demographic transitions, youth vulnerability, and digital dashboard integration with the Pacific Data Hub.
• Formulate qualitative and quantitative consultation toolkits (including Focus Group Discussion [FGD] and Key Informant Interview [KII] guides) tailored to the sub-regions (Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia).

C. Technical Synthesis, Integration of inputs from Partners and Stakeholders

• Work closely with the Inter-Agency TWG, participating in regular technical meetings to harmonize data parameters and agency inputs.
• Incorporate technical inputs from the SPC, PIFS, PYC, UNFPA, UNICEF, Commonwealth Secretariat, UN Inter Agency Working Group on Adolescents and Youth, National Statistics Offices (NSOs) and Youth Ministries, and youth networks through PYC.

D. Framing Paper Preparation for 3rd Heads of Youth (HOY) Meeting

• Consolidate findings into a high-level Draft Framing Paper, Draft Outline of the State of Pacific Youth Report 2027–2028 and report of the Inception Phase.
• Prepare background technical presentation materials and briefing notes for tabling at the 3rd Heads of Youth Meeting in June 2027.

Expected deliverables Timelines

Inception Report & Methodology Blueprint and Indicator Mapping: Detailed workplan, conceptual framework, report outline, and indicator mapping for the 7 PYDF thematic areas. Day 1- 5

Desk Review & Secondary Data Synthesis Report: Comprehensive stocktake of regional youth data, gap analysis, review of 2017 SOPY recommendations and conduct review of the data requirements for the 7 PYDF thematic areas. Day 6 -14

Consultation Toolkits & Sub-Regional Methodology: Finalized FGD and KII toolkits for Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia field consultations for the SoPYR 2027-2028. Day 15 -20

Framing Paper & HOY Meeting Presentation Package: Draft outline framing paper, summary briefing note, and PowerPoint presentation for the 3rd Heads of Youth Meeting. Day 21- 25

Total 25 days

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Demography, International Development, Statistics, Public Health or related disciplines with at least 7 years of relevant experience (Pacific regional experience is preferred).

Knowledge and Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience at the international level in policy research, demographic analysis, youth development, or social strategy formulation.
• Proven track record in researching, drafting, and synthesizing regional or national flagship reports (e.g., State of Youth, Population Profiles, or Human Development Reports).
• Demonstrated expertise in youth development issues preferably in the Pacific context, including SRHR, GBV, economic empowerment, governance, and climate/vulnerability dynamics.
• Experience working with United Nations agencies, regional CROP bodies (SPC, PIFS), or international development partners.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with experience in conducting evaluations, developing M&E tools, and producing analytical reports.

Languages:

• English

Required Competencies:

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity,
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
• Embracing cultural diversity,
• Embracing change

Core Competencies:

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,

Skills:

• Strong quantitative and qualitative research, analytical, and data visualization skills.
• Excellent written communication and editorial skills in English, with demonstrated ability to translate complex data into policy-relevant narratives.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across multi-agency working groups and diverse cultural settings.
• Ability to organize and plan work following the established timeframes.
• Computer Literacy: Proficiency in the use of standard MS Office packages and the Internet.

Compensation and Benefits:

Payment will be made upon satisfactory completion and written acceptance of the corresponding deliverable. The allocation of days may be adjusted at inception without changing the total level of effort or total contract value.

Deliverables Payment %

Submission of Inception Report, Methodology Blueprint, Indicator Mapping and Desk Review & Secondary Data Synthesis Report 50%

Submission of Toolkits & Sub-Regional Methodology, Framing Paper, summary briefing note & HOY Meeting Presentation Package 50%

Total 100%

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.