National Consultant for Mid-Term Review

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in The Gambia. UNDP is a global development network that advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and disaster resilience, and has a significant presence in The Gambia, contributing to national development goals and supporting the government in implementing its development agenda.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant for Mid-Term Review involves conducting a comprehensive evaluation of ongoing projects and initiatives within the UNDP framework in The Gambia. The consultant will be responsible for assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of the projects, providing insights and recommendations for future actions. This role requires a deep understanding of the local context, as well as the ability to analyze data and synthesize findings into actionable reports. The consultant will work closely with UNDP staff and stakeholders to ensure that the review process is inclusive and participatory, gathering feedback from various sources to inform the evaluation. The assignment is expected to last for 30 working days within a three-month period, and the consultant will need to manage their time effectively to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality outputs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will have several key responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Conducting a thorough review of project documentation, including project proposals, progress reports, and financial statements.
• Engaging with stakeholders through interviews, focus groups, and surveys to gather qualitative and quantitative data.
• Analyzing data to assess project outcomes and impacts, identifying strengths and weaknesses in implementation.
• Preparing a detailed mid-term review report that includes findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations for project improvement.
• Presenting the findings to UNDP staff and relevant stakeholders, facilitating discussions on the implications of the review.
• Ensuring that the review process adheres to UNDP's evaluation standards and guidelines.
• Collaborating with the UNDP team to incorporate feedback and finalize the report.
• Maintaining clear communication with the procurement team and other relevant parties throughout the assignment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the National Consultant position must possess a strong set of qualifications, including:

• A proven track record in conducting evaluations or reviews, particularly in the context of development projects.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and present findings clearly.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively engage with stakeholders and present results.
• Familiarity with UNDP's operational procedures and evaluation frameworks is highly desirable.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• A commitment to ethical standards and integrity in conducting evaluations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes:

• A master's degree in a relevant field such as international development, public administration, social sciences, or a related discipline.
• Additional certifications in monitoring and evaluation, project management, or related areas will be considered an asset.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in project evaluation, monitoring, or related fields. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the context of UNDP or similar agencies, is highly advantageous. Familiarity with the socio-economic and political landscape of The Gambia will be beneficial for understanding the context of the projects being reviewed.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all reports and communications will be conducted in English. Proficiency in local languages spoken in The Gambia is considered a strong asset, as it may facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders during the review process.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an individual contractor role, and the contract duration is for 30 working days within a three-month period. The consultant is expected to work independently while maintaining regular communication with the UNDP team. The position is not full-time in the traditional sense, as it is project-based, but the consultant must be available to meet deadlines and deliverables as outlined in the assignment. Compensation will be based on the consultant's qualifications and experience, and specific details will be discussed during the selection process.