Consultant for Evaluation of South-South Learning Exchanges (SSLEs)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations, which was established in 194

• It operates globally with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. The UN has numerous specialized agencies and programs, employing thousands of staff across various countries to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The position involves evaluating the use of South-South learning exchanges (SSLEs) within the Development Account (DA) projects. The consultant will assess the relevance, efficiency, and effectiveness of these exchanges in contributing to capacity-building outcomes in target countries. The evaluation aims to fill existing knowledge gaps and generate evidence to inform future programming under the DA. The consultant will work primarily from home but will need to observe select SSLE events as part of ongoing projects between November 2025 and March 2026, with specific observations determined based on a mapping exercise and in consultation with project managers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks: conducting a mapping of SSLE use in DA projects; selecting a sample of projects for in-depth review; performing a literature review on SSLEs; preparing an inception report detailing the mapping results and evaluation methodology; conducting desk reviews, interviews, and in-depth reviews of selected DA projects; presenting preliminary findings to relevant stakeholders; and developing a comprehensive evaluation report with findings and recommendations on improving SSLE use in DA programming. This includes guidance on promoting capacity-building and developing project results frameworks for monitoring SSLE outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree or higher in a relevant field such as social sciences, political science, economics, sociology, international relations, public policy, or international development. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience is acceptable. Additionally, candidates should have at least 15 years of experience in international development, with a minimum of 10 years in evaluations, and experience in managing evaluations of complex international programs involving various stakeholders, particularly in developing countries and UN entities.

Educational Background:
A master's degree or higher in relevant disciplines such as social sciences, political science, economics, sociology, international relations, public policy, or international development is required. A first-level university degree may be considered if accompanied by two additional years of relevant experience.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience, specifically at least 15 years in international development, with a focus on evaluations. Candidates should have a proven track record in conducting or managing evaluations of complex international programs or projects, particularly those involving developing country governments and UN entities. Experience in capacity development projects related to sustainable development is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other UN languages is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the organization's multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The consultant should not have been directly involved in the planning or implementation of DA-funded projects in the past seven years. The position is home-based with specific travel for project observations. The expected duration of the consultancy is 8.5 months. The United Nations emphasizes that there are no fees associated with the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair hiring procedure.