Result of Service

The following results are to be achieved: • Power analysis methodology identified and tailored to the country context. • Draft power analysis document • Consultations with UNCT to collect insights and inputs • Final power analysis document (10 pages excluding graphs/tables)

Work Location

On-site

Expected duration

2 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background: The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Bahrain and the Government of Bahrain are finalizing the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the period 2025-2029. In 2023, UNCT prepared a full-fledged Common Country Analysis (CCA), a UN system’s mandate-based independent, impartial, and integrated analysis that provided a holistic picture of the country context setting a baseline and direction for a strategic, human rights-based and risk-informed UNSDCF. The CCA preparation involved all UNCT members according to their technical expertise and focused on in-depth analysis of root causes while also examining and updating the analysis of the status quo. To help UNCT to identify the partnership strategy to implement the new UNSDCF, it is important to assess the interests, influence, and relationships among different stakeholders in Bahrain involved in or affected by the UNCT sustainable development efforts. In this regard, the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator (RCO) in Bahrain is looking for a consultant to prepare power analysis that identifies and assesses the distribution of power among different actors (e.g. parliament, government, civil society, academia, etc.), the dynamics of power relationships, and the potential impact of these dynamics on the UNCT programme support and SDG achievement in Bahrain. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the technical supervision of the RCO-Economist in Bahrain and the overall guidance of the Head of Office, and in collaboration with RCO Partnerships Consultant (RCO-PC), the consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: • Review existing tools and propose methodology privileging system thinking for power analysis provided by the RCO to analyze sources and forms of power and, in consultation with the RCO-Economist and RCO PC, identify the most suitable tool for the Bahrain context. • Conduct a workshop and consultations to collect insights from the UNCT Bahrain about the country’s political context, UNCT relationships with the government and partnerships required to implement the 2025-2029 UNSDCF. • Draft the power analysis (10 pages excluding graphs/tables) that addresses the following key issues, questions, and perspectives on power relationships and structures: o Mapping out power relations to high the potential drivers of accelerated change and reform-oriented coalitions, including key actors who have the influence to drive or block change, thereby enabling the UNCT to conduct more strategic planning, resource mobilization and implementation. o Identifying potential allies among parliamentarians, diplomatic representations, international and regional organizations, civil society, the private sector, media, academia, and other stakeholders, driving broader and targeted partnerships behind accelerated progress. o Shed light on unintended consequences of development interventions by highlighting potential risks and helping to minimize negative impacts, especially on marginalized and vulnerable groups. o Reveal gaps in accountability and participation mechanisms, guiding programmatic efforts to promote inclusive decision-making processes that engage marginalized groups and leave no one behind. o Structuring the power analysis by four clusters of issues and questions about power: 1) Structures and Norms; 2) Actors and Institutions (including their power in policymaking, financing power, etc.); and 3) Politics and Contestation. • Validate the key findings of the analysis with UNCT members and other experts and finalize the power analysis by reflecting their comments.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, International Relations, or related field is required. A PhD or equivalent degree is desirable. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, with a strong record in preparation of complex analytical documents for UN organizations is required. Excellent understanding of Bahrain and its political context and government institutions, SDGs, other relevant regional or global frameworks and their implications for development cooperation is required. Strong writing skills in English, excellent knowledge of UN terminology is required. No conflict of interest such as recent or expected employment by UNCT members or implementing partners, private relationships with any UNCT members of staff or government counterparts or implementing partners; participation in the design, implementation or advising CF being evaluated, among others).

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.