Evaluation Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations, specifically the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). Established to promote sustainable development and improve living standards globally, the UN has a mission to foster international cooperation and address global challenges. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, with a significant presence in various regions, including Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. The UN employs thousands of individuals across different sectors, focusing on humanitarian aid, development, and peacekeeping efforts.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Consultant will be responsible for conducting a final evaluation of the Development Account Project titled 'Smooth transition beyond graduation for least developed countries in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific in a post-COVID-19 environment.' This evaluation aims to provide evidence-based guidance to DESA, beneficiary countries, and UN partners to enhance future support for LDC graduation and transition strategies. The consultant will work independently, utilizing documentation related to the project and engaging with national stakeholders through interviews and online communication. The evaluation is expected to take place from November 2025 to April 2026, with the consultant expected to produce a comprehensive evaluation report that reflects the findings and recommendations based on the evaluation criteria outlined in the project guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Evaluation Consultant will undertake a variety of tasks as part of the evaluation process. These include conducting a thorough desk review of all relevant project documents, such as project documents, progress reports, training materials, and technical assistance outputs. The consultant will develop a detailed evaluation methodology and work plan, which will be presented in an Inception Report. Data collection will involve designing and conducting interviews with key stakeholders, including government officials and partners, as well as administering surveys or questionnaires as necessary. The consultant will analyze the findings against the evaluation questions and criteria, preparing preliminary results and recommendations. Participation in debriefing sessions with DESA/EAPD and CDPMO will be required to present emerging findings. The consultant will also prepare a Draft Evaluation Report and finalize the report based on feedback received from stakeholders. Deliverables include an Inception Report, Draft Report, and Final Report, with specific percentages allocated to each stage of the evaluation process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, social sciences, development, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of work experience in monitoring and evaluation of programs or projects related to economics, sustainable development, trade, and issues concerning LDCs and graduation is required. Knowledge and experience in sustainable development within developing countries, particularly LDCs, as well as experience in capacity building and training activities, are advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate excellent analytical, writing, and interpersonal communication skills, which are essential for effective engagement with stakeholders and the production of high-quality evaluation reports.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or its equivalent, in fields such as economics, social sciences, development, or related disciplines. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the evaluation process and the specific challenges faced by least developed countries in their transition strategies.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 7 years of relevant work experience in monitoring and evaluation, particularly in the context of programs or projects that focus on economics, sustainable development, trade, and issues related to LDCs and their graduation processes. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the consultant can effectively assess the project's outcomes and provide valuable insights for future initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is mandatory for this position, as the evaluation consultant will need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders and produce comprehensive reports. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of participants involved in the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of 5 months. The consultant will be engaged on a contractual basis, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. This ensures that the recruitment process is transparent and accessible to all qualified candidates.