External Independent Evaluator

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, commonly known as UN-Habitat, was established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urban development and improve living conditions in cities and towns worldwide. The organization focuses on providing adequate shelter for all and works with various partners, including governments, local authorities, NGOs, and the private sector, to implement the Habitat Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. UN-Habitat operates in numerous countries and has a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing urban challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The position of External Independent Evaluator is crucial for assessing the ACROSS Project, which aims to enhance road safety in cities across Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. The evaluator will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the project, which is funded by the UN Road Safety Fund and has a total contribution of 500,000 USD. The evaluation will focus on the project's performance, impact, relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability, providing accountability and learning opportunities for UN-Habitat and its partners. The evaluator will utilize a participatory approach, engaging stakeholders throughout the evaluation process to ensure that findings are credible and actionable. The evaluation will cover the entire implementation period of the project from 2023 to 2025, and the evaluator will be expected to analyze data, conduct interviews, and review relevant documents to assess the project's achievements and challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The evaluator will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Conducting a thorough review of project documents, including partner agreements, progress reports, and public data related to road safety.
• Engaging with key stakeholders through interviews and consultations to gather qualitative information on the project's impact and effectiveness.
• Analyzing existing data sources, such as National Road Safety Observatories and Ministries of Transport, to supplement the evaluation findings.
• Performing field visits to observe pilot initiatives and engage with local stakeholders directly.
• Constructing a Theory of Change to illustrate the project's intended outcomes and actual achievements.
• Assessing the project's performance against OECD-DAC evaluation criteria, including impact, relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability.
• Identifying lessons learned and providing strategic recommendations for future projects.
• Presenting evaluation findings in a standard format as required by UN-Habitat.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess proven experience in evaluating projects and programs, particularly in urban development, urban mobility, or road safety. They should have advanced knowledge of evaluation methodologies and participatory processes, as well as strong analytical skills. Excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to high-quality work are essential. A solid understanding of the UN system and its operations, particularly UN-Habitat's mandate, is required. Additionally, candidates should have a proven record of quantitative and qualitative data analysis and established networks with governmental organizations involved in road safety policies.

Educational Background:
A master's degree or higher in evaluation, policy analysis, social sciences, urban development, or related fields is required. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in the principles of evaluation and urban development, equipping the candidate with the necessary skills to conduct comprehensive evaluations.

Experience:
The evaluator should have substantial professional experience in urban development, urban mobility, or road safety, with a focus on evaluating projects and programs. Experience in reconstructing Theory of Changes and applying Results-Based Management principles is essential. Candidates should demonstrate a history of successfully conducting evaluations and presenting credible findings derived from evidence.

Languages:
Fluency in written and oral English is mandatory, as most data collection will be conducted in English. Knowledge of French or other UN official languages is desirable, as it may enhance communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The evaluation is expected to last for two months and will be conducted remotely. The position is not associated with any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for applications, interviews, or training. The evaluator will work independently and will not have any conflicts of interest related to the project being evaluated.