National Individual Consultant for Midterm Evaluation of the Eswatini NDP

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network of the United Nations. Established in 1965, UNDP aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. It operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and communities to address development challenges. UNDP focuses on various areas including democratic governance, sustainable development, and resilience to crises and shocks. The organization employs thousands of professionals worldwide, dedicated to improving lives and fostering sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The National Individual Consultant for Midterm Evaluation of the Eswatini National Development Plan (NDP) will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive, independent, and evidence-based evaluation of the NDP for the period 2023/24 to 2027/2

• The consultant's primary objective is to assess the implementation performance, strategic relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, sustainability, and institutional functionality of the NDP. This evaluation will also focus on financing adequacy and emerging development outcomes during the first half of the Plan period. The consultant will provide actionable recommendations and acceleration measures to enhance the implementation and achievement of national development results for the remainder of the NDP period. The consultant will engage in various tasks including assessing progress towards national outcomes, evaluating the relevance of the NDP, and examining institutional coordination and governance mechanisms. The consultant will also document lessons learned and provide strategic insights to inform future national development planning frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a comprehensive Midterm Evaluation of the NDP, which includes a thorough assessment of implementation performance, institutional arrangements, financing systems, and coordination mechanisms. Specific duties include:

• Reviewing the National Development Plan using internationally recognized evaluation principles and standards.
• Assessing progress toward NDP outcomes and targets.
• Conducting macroeconomic, fiscal, and development financing assessments.
• Evaluating institutional arrangements, coordination, and governance mechanisms.
• Assessing monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and data systems.
• Evaluating policy coherence and strategic alignment.
• Assessing inclusion, equity, and Leave No One Behind (LNOB) principles.
• Evaluating climate change, resilience, and environmental sustainability mainstreaming.
• Conducting stakeholder consultations and field assessments. 1
• Documenting lessons learned, good practices, and strategic recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or higher) in fields such as Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Public Administration, Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Planning, Statistics, Finance, or closely related fields. Additionally, candidates must have at least ten years of progressively relevant professional experience in areas such as national development planning, program or policy evaluation, socioeconomic analysis, governance assessments, and development financing. Demonstrated experience in conducting complex national-level evaluations and working with government institutions and development partners is essential. A strong understanding of national development planning processes and results-based management is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree (master’s degree or higher) in relevant fields such as Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Public Administration, Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Planning, Statistics, Finance, or any closely related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of national development planning and evaluation processes.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of progressively relevant professional experience. This experience should encompass national development planning, program or policy evaluation, socioeconomic analysis, governance assessments, and development financing. Proven experience in conducting complex evaluations at the national level for governments, international organizations, or regional institutions is highly desirable. Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Southern Africa, will be considered an added advantage.

Languages:
Excellent command of written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of SiSwati will be considered an added advantage, as it may facilitate communication and engagement with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The period of assignment is 125 days spread over 6 months. The consultant is expected to submit proposals directly through the UNDP supplier portal by the indicated deadline. The position is categorized as an individual contractor role, and the consultant will be expected to maintain professionalism, objectivity, and ethical conduct throughout the evaluation process. UNDP encourages diverse consultants and service providers, promoting inclusive approaches that reflect gender equality and disability inclusion.