2. A retreat report capturing key outcomes and actionable recommendations with a detailed roadmap to deliver the action points Work Location: Lesotho
Expected duration: 8 days
Duties and Responsibilities
Lesotho is currently grappling with several socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment, severe poverty, heightened inequality, gender-based violence, food insecurity and poor nutrition, health, education and, HIV and Aids, among others. These challenges, which have tended to be exacerbated by successive droughts, internal and external shocks (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine crisis and price shocks) and political instability (e.g., the elections between 2012-2017), have been found to cause social unrest in the country and undermine the government’s national budgeting processes.
On the political front, issues of political governance, conflict prevention and peace building; human rights issues demonstrated frequently by police brutality and human trafficking; and issues of increased violence continue to keep the country in a state of vulnerability. From the Afro-barometer survey conducted in 2022, 75% of citizens rate both the country’s economic condition and their personal living conditions as bad; and 8 in 10 Basotho (81%) say the level of corruption in the country increased during the past year.
The period between 2019 and 2022 was dominated by national reforms. The government established the multi-stakeholder National Reforms Authority (NRA) to implement reforms of the security services, parliament, judiciary, media, civil service, constitution and economy. The NRA developed a tiered approach of addressing the reforms agenda, with a particular emphasis on addressing constitutional amendments first as the leading thread for legislative, policy and regulatory reform. The Omnibus Bill containing 35 constitutional amendments was presented before Parliament but following legal challenges, the adoption of the Bill was nullified.
Lesotho held its national assembly general elections on 7th October 2022. Following the elections and the formation of a new government, the next few months will be critical for the country if the national reforms agenda is to be restored back on course and the nation be in a position to address the economic and social challenges that it is experiencing.
The UN Country Team in Lesotho is currently undergoing an evaluation of the UNDAF and the development of the Common Country Analysis in preparation for the design of the new Cooperation Framework in the first half of 2023. Engaging with a newly constituted Government of Lesotho in its early days will be vital for developing a shared understanding and commitment to the UN’s Common Agenda. Of particular significance will be deepening the understanding of the UN family (individual as well as collective) and its work with communities, civil society, the private sector and in partnership with development partners.
The retreat is an opportunity for the Lesotho UN Country Team to engage with the new government to come in effect after the 7th October elections; reflect on the prevailing and emerging global, regional and national issues and how they have an impact on Lesotho; reflect on the work of the UN in Lesotho, its contribution and attribution to national development; limitations and challenges and to agree on best way to forge a path forward for inclusive and impactful results.
Against this backdrop Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Lesotho is seeking the services of an experienced consultant to support the preparations and facilitation of the UNCT retreat. The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Head of RCO/ Team Leader.
The Consultant/ Facilitator must be able to lead discussions effectively. More specifically, facilitate the presentation and discussion in the retreat in an organized manner to help UN Heads of Agencies mutually identify key strategic directions and decisions that will be mutually owned as a UNCT; support RCO to finalize the meeting agenda and discuss the expected outcomes; facilitate discussions to increase alignment among the UNCT to achieve greater cohesiveness around shared goals and produce a consolidated report that includes Retreat Outcomes and Resolutions.
Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Resident Coordinator’s Office and in close collaboration with RCO staff and selected UNCT members, the consultant will facilitate the UNCT Retreat.
Specific Responsibilities
1. Retreat design a) Contribute to the finalization of the Concept Note of the retreat including the methodologies. b) Propose a customized programme clearly articulating the objectives and outcome of the retreat. c) Develop interactive and flexible facilitation tools and material for use during the retreat, including the setting of the conference room and any other necessary requirement for a conducive learning environment. d) Finalise the retreat programme
2. Facilitate the Retreat a) Facilitate the retreat as per the approved retreat programme b) Create a constructive and engaging environment during the retreat in which participants are able to interact in a manner that facilitates achievement of the programme objectives.
3. Produce the report of the Retreat a) Analysis and Synthesis of Retreat outcomes b) Write a report capturing key outcomes and actionable recommendations with a detailed roadmap to deliver the action points. Qualifications/special skills
A Master’s degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, Development, Communications, and/or relevant field is required. A bachelor’s degree with an additional two years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the master’s degree.
Functional competences
Communication Skills
¿ Excellent writing and analytical skills in English
¿ Ability to communicate and present ideas clearly
Development and Operational Effectiveness
¿ Experience in strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
¿ Ability to apply finance and economic theory to the specific country context
Management and Leadership
¿ Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
¿ Ability to converge or persuade differing groups towards a common goal
At least 10 years of relevant work experience, with a focus on facilitating meetings or workshops for United Nations and/or other international, regional or bilateral development organizations is required.
Experience in facilitating and training staff retreat is required.
Cultural sensitivity and experience moderating meetings of culturally diverse and international groups, as well as relationship, teambuilding and change management practice is required.
Experience in designing and implementing a wide range of interactive methods of strategic planning, team building and group dynamics; extensive and diverse experience in organizational planning, assessments, Management, Leadership Development is desirable Languages
Fluency in oral and written English is required
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.