Closing date: 19 October 2015
Contract duration: October 2015 to February 2016
Contract duration: October 2015 to February 2016
Fee: £15,000, plus allowances
More than 60 per cent of the population of the 53 sovereign countries that constitute the Commonwealth is below the age of 30. The Youth Division (YDI) of the Commonwealth Secretariat works in partnership with member governments, national and international organisations, youth-led platforms and other key stakeholders to engage and empower young people (ages 15-29) to enhance their contribution to national development and democracy.
The YDI aims to inform policy-makers and raise public awareness about the key opportunities and barriers to improving youth development across the world. It also acts as a data advocacy tool, highlighting the importance of gathering national level statistics on key indicators of youth development. Read more >>
Assignment Objectives
The Commonwealth Secretariat is currently updating and expanding the YDI in accordance with the latest available country-level data. The updated YDI and basic data analysis will form the foundation of a Global Youth Development Report that will synthesise qualitative and quantitative data, analysis, case studies, interviews, policy-shaping thought leadership and references to relevant third party research. The main report will be global in its analysis and narrative, and will have a stand-alone section within it that focuses exclusively on Commonwealth countries.
This consultancy is to author the Global Youth Development Report. The author of the report will first have to use the YDI basic analysis and review associated relevant literature / research to identify and develop emerging key themes, conduct consultations / interviews with a diverse range of stakeholders, and then write an evidence-based, engaging, thought-provoking, well-written and news-worthy report (between 10,000 and 15,000 words long) that will be distributed in print and digital formats. The report author will work under the supervision of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Youth Division.
Key Deliverables
- A draft report within 90 days from the start of the project
- A final report within 120 days that incorporates recommendations and feedback from the Commonwealth Secretariat and key stakeholders
Qualifications and Experience
- At least a master’s degree in social sciences, public administration, journalism or other related area.
- Minimum eight years of experience in public policy research and/or report writing and editing at the regional or international level.
- Substantial experience of analysing and evaluating quantitative data, indexes and indicators.
- Deep knowledge of key issues and stakeholders in youth development at the national, regional and global levels.
- Good network of contacts in governments, international development agencies, civil society organisations and research and media communities.
- Understanding of the Commonwealth’s priorities and values and the unique role of the Commonwealth Secretariat would be an advantage.
- A track record of writing, editing or publishing thought leadership, reports, articles and research on youth development issues would be an advantage.
- Advanced qualitative and quantitative data analysis and synthesis skills
- Expert knowledge of global youth development policies, priorities, and indicators
- Advanced written communication and presentation skills in English
- Good project and time management skills and ability to manage complexity
- Solid research and analytical skills, understanding of the global development landscape and the major concerns and constraints of countries and national governments
- Ability to develop evidence-based policy recommendations
- Sensitivity and adaptability to cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age
- Ability to work autonomously and in teams, and in a multi-cultural work environment
- Ability to communicate effectively with senior government officials and other high level stakeholders.
Applications close at 17:00 BSTon 19 October 2015.
