UN Evaluation Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG CAAC) serves as the leading advocate within the United Nations for the protection and well-being of children affected by armed conflict. Established following the publication of a significant report by Graça Machel in 1996, the SRSG CAAC's mandate was formalized by the General Assembly in 199

• The office has been instrumental in placing the protection of children in armed conflict at the forefront of international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security agendas, particularly through the engagement of the UN Security Council since 199
• The office operates globally, focusing on various regions, particularly Africa, to enhance partnerships and capacities for protecting conflict-affected children. The SRSG CAAC regularly reports to key UN bodies and engages with a wide network of partners to promote best practices and lessons learned in the field of child protection.

Job Overview:
The UN Evaluation Consultant will play a crucial role in evaluating a regional project titled 'Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) in Africa – Protecting Conflict-Affected Children through Strengthened Regional Partnerships and Capacities'. This project aims to enhance partnerships with regional organizations to protect children affected by armed conflict. The consultant will be responsible for assessing the project's logical framework, stakeholder benefits, risks, sustainability, and overall impact on the realization of Sustainable Development Goals. The evaluation will require a comprehensive methodology that adheres to the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) standards, ensuring a participatory approach that incorporates both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The consultant will work closely with the OSRSG CAAC to develop an evaluation approach and will be expected to draft and finalize an evaluation report based on the findings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will conduct a thorough evaluation of the project, focusing on several key areas:

• Assessing the logical framework of the project and its alignment with desired impacts.
• Evaluating the measured indicators against the baseline data.
• Conducting a stakeholder analysis to determine how stakeholders have benefited from the project deliverables.
• Identifying risks and challenges encountered during the project and proposing mitigation strategies.
• Evaluating the sustainability of the project deliverables and any potential negative impacts.
• Analyzing the project's gender sensitivity and inclusiveness.
• Assessing the project's contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals and other relevant frameworks. The consultant will be expected to develop a data collection plan, conduct the evaluation, and produce a comprehensive report that incorporates feedback from the OSRSG CAAC.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in similar disciplines combined with five additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. The consultant should have solid expertise in monitoring and evaluation methodologies, project management, and a thorough understanding of peace and security issues, particularly in Africa. Familiarity with the UN system and regional organizations is essential, along with knowledge of human rights and protection issues.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) in relevant fields such as law, political science, or international relations is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields may be accepted if accompanied by substantial relevant experience. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the issues at hand and for conducting a thorough evaluation of the project.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in areas related to peace and security, political affairs, human rights, protection, and data analysis is required. Candidates should have a background in monitoring and evaluation, particularly in evaluating projects implemented by United Nations entities. Experience working with the UN or other international organizations is desirable, and familiarity with the African context is an added advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, as both languages are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in these languages will facilitate effective communication and collaboration within the UN framework and with regional partners.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will work remotely and is expected to be available for consultations during the OSRSG-CAAC's working hours, Monday to Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. New York time. The expected duration of the consultancy is eleven (11) days over the course of one month. The position does not require any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for application, interview, or training processes.