International Consultancy - Development of Synthesis Report on Rights and Well-being of Older Persons

This Consultancy is Home-based consultancy.

Purpose of Consultancy:

Background
The Arab world, historically characterized as a “young region” from a demographic perspective, is currently witnessing rapid population ageing. While elderly people (aged 65 or more years) currently make up about one in 20 of the region’s population, they are expected to surpass 102 million by 2050, constituting about 15 percent of the total population.

Population aging is taking place in the Arab world in a changing environment characterized by socio-economic developments, political instabilities, transition from extended to nuclear families, women's labor force participation, migration and lone-residency, stretching the cultural, social and religious norms that mandate respect and regard to older people. This calls for a paradigm shift in ageing policies and programmes that takes into consideration not only the needs but also the rights and well being of older people. A human rights-based approach informed by good quality, timely and disaggregated data is critical.

Data on older persons remain fragmented, outdated, and often insufficient to inform effective policy responses in the region. In addition, in contexts affected by conflict and displacement, data systems face challenges to produce good quality, timely and disaggregated statistics on older persons to support the development of evidence-based responses, rendering older refugees and internally displaced persons statistically invisible. While some countries have improved population data systems, significant gaps persist in age-disaggregated data beyond 60+ categories, masking inequalities among this population. Strengthening data and evidence is, therefore, critical to anticipate demographic ageing trends, design sustainable social protection and health systems, and advance the rights and dignity of older persons.

Within this environment, UNFPA contributed to the development of the Regional Arab Strategy for Older People 2019-2029. To support the roll out of the strategy at the country level, UNFPA and HelpAge International conducted a review of national aging strategies from a human rights perspective in six countries (i.e., Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates) in 2020. The review of the national ageing strategies, ageing-related policies and constitutions found policy and programmatic interventions that if implemented fully, would advance older persons' enjoyment of their rights.

Drawing on the review of national aging strategies in the original six countries, UNFPA in collaboration with HelpAge International developed 19 country profiles on the rights and wellbeing of older persons to highlight the situation of older women and men in relation to income, health, education, autonomy and safety, and how national systems and national strategies on ageing address their needs and rights. These country profiles developed from 2021 to 2024 examined the progress towards older persons’ inclusion in the Sustainable Development Goals and identified opportunities for strengthening national strategies and data.

UNFPA Arab States Regional Office is seeking a consultant to develop a regional synthesis of the rights and well-being of older persons in the Arab region based on the 19 country profiles and any related latest developments. This synthesis will be used as a tool for advocacy by UNFPA Country Offices, national partners and regional actors to advance the rights and well being of older persons in the region. The synthesis will also be used for the fifth regional review of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Aging (MIPAA) to ensure effective integration of population aging in national and regional development frameworks.

You will report to the Population and Development Advisor in ASRO

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA expands choices and possibilities for women and young people to lead healthy and productive lives. UNFPA’s new strategic plan (2026-2029), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results. We need interns who are exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Scope of Work:

Specifically, the consultant will do the following:
1. Conduct a comprehensive desk review of the 19 country aging profiles, the report on assessment of national ageing strategies in the six Arab countries and new literature and developments in this area, including but not limited to the outcomes of the Second World Summit for Social Development (the 2025 Doha Political Declaration).
2. Develop an inception report, including a draft outline of the synthesis report to be reviewed and approved by UNFPA.
3. Draft the regional synthesis report with policy recommendations that define clear accountabilities for national and regional actors to advance older persons agenda in the Arab region, as well as country-by-country specific recommendations. The consultant should work closely with the ASRO Population and Development team to ensure common understanding of the scope of the synthesis report and incorporate feedback provided.
4. Present key findings and recommendations from the synthesis during a virtual meeting with UNFPA Arab Region’s Population and Development focal points in the country offices for further feedback and comments.
5. Develop and submit the final report incorporating all feedback for final approval by the ASRO Population and Development team.

Deliverables
1. An inception report detailing the methodology, work plan, outline of the draft product and timelines aligned with the terms of reference for the assignment.
2. A draft synthesis report based on the existing resources and relevant new developments in the area.
3. The final regional synthesis report with consolidated national and regional recommendations as well as country-by-country specific recommendations to advance older persons agenda. The final report should incorporate feedback from the UNFPA Arab States regional team and country offices.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education: Advanced university degree in demography, population studies, social sciences, public policy or related fields.

Knowledge and Experience:

1. At least seven years experience in research, policy analysis or program implementation in the area of population and development, including population aging policies and frameworks.

2. Proven experience in older persons' agenda in the Arab region.
3. Demonstrated expertise in drafting technical reports.
4. Knowledge of international aging standards and best practices.
5. Strong communication and analytical skills.
6. Experience working in the Arab context is highly desirable.

Languages: Full professional proficiency in both written and oral English is a requirement; a working knowledge of Arabic and French is highly desirable.

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,

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.