Evaluation Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), which was established in 197

• ESCWA aims to promote economic and social development in the Arab region through regional cooperation and integration. The organization focuses on various areas including sustainable development, economic growth, and social justice. ESCWA operates in 17 member states across the Arab region and employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by these countries. The organization emphasizes the importance of evidence-based decision-making and aims to enhance the capacity of member states to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Consultant will be responsible for conducting an evaluation of the Debt Financing Strategies project, which aims to enhance fiscal space and provide financing for the SDGs in the Arab region, particularly in the context of the repercussions of COVID-1

• The consultant will assess how the project has contributed to its intended results, the pathways to these results, and any unintended outcomes. The evaluation will focus on evidence-based decision-making, accountability, and organizational learning, ensuring that lessons learned can inform future ESCWA projects. The consultant will work remotely for a duration of five months, conducting a systematic assessment of the project's performance in terms of relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability. The evaluation will also consider the integration of gender, human rights, disability inclusion, and environmental sustainability into the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Debt Financing Strategies project, assessing its relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability.
• Develop a Theory of Change (ToC) for the project results and test the causal links using available evidence.
• Engage with stakeholders to gather qualitative and quantitative data through interviews, surveys, and document analysis.
• Analyze the project's alignment with the strategic needs and priorities of member states and the SDGs.
• Identify lessons learned and actionable recommendations to strengthen future ESCWA projects in debt management and fiscal policy.
• Ensure that the evaluation process is gender-sensitive and adheres to ethical guidelines.
• Prepare and present evaluation reports that communicate findings and recommendations clearly to both governmental and UN audiences.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in management, evaluation, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of experience in conducting impact evaluations, particularly with Arab governmental bodies, is required. Proven competency in both quantitative and qualitative research methods is essential, including experience with self-administered surveys, document analysis, and informal and semi-structured interviews. Familiarity with the UN environment is desirable, as is a high level of expertise in communicating and reporting findings effectively. Excellent oral and written communication skills are necessary to convey complex information clearly and concisely.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in management, evaluation, or a related area is required for this position. Candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree as part of the application process. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed, emphasizing the importance of meeting this educational requirement.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of experience in undertaking impact evaluations, particularly in projects involving Arab governmental bodies. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of evaluation methodologies and the ability to work effectively in diverse contexts, particularly within the UN framework.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in Arabic is desirable, given that it is a working language of ESCWA. Candidates should be able to speak, read, write, and understand both languages at a high level. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for five months. There are no additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation provided in the job ad. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information.