Evaluation Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA), which was established to promote economic and social development in the region. UNESCWA works with member states to enhance their capacities and foster regional cooperation. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Western Asia region, focusing on various development issues, including trade, technology, and sustainable development. UNESCWA collaborates with other UN regional commissions and international organizations to ensure a comprehensive approach to development challenges.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Consultant will be responsible for conducting an evaluation of a project aimed at enhancing trade competitiveness through blockchain technology. This project, running from January 2022 to December 2025, involves multiple UN entities and focuses on improving trade facilitation in five developing countries, including Lebanon. The consultant will assess the project's effectiveness, relevance, and sustainability, as well as its impact on member states and their populations. The evaluation will also explore unintended results and provide evidence-based recommendations for future initiatives. The consultant will work remotely and is expected to employ a mixed-method approach to gather qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring that the evaluation is inclusive and participatory.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include:

• Conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the project, focusing on its relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability.
• Assessing how the project has integrated gender, human rights, disability inclusion, and environmental concerns into its design and implementation.
• Developing a Theory of Change (ToC) to illustrate the causal links between project activities and outcomes.
• Engaging with stakeholders to gather insights and feedback on the project's performance.
• Analyzing data collected through various methods, including surveys, interviews, and document reviews.
• Preparing an Inception Report outlining the evaluation methodology and refined evaluation questions.
• Presenting findings and recommendations to UNESCWA and other stakeholders, ensuring clarity and accessibility of complex information.
• Ensuring compliance with UNEG Ethical Guidelines for Evaluation throughout the evaluation process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in management, evaluation, or a related field. A minimum of seven years of experience in program/project evaluations is required, with a strong background in evaluations involving international development organizations. Experience with Regional Commissions and UN projects, particularly Development Account projects, is highly desirable. Proven competency in both quantitative and qualitative research methods is essential, along with excellent communication skills to convey complex information effectively to diverse audiences.

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 considered for review.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of experience in conducting program and project evaluations. Candidates should have experience in at least five evaluations with international development organizations. Experience in evaluating joint projects across multiple regions and familiarity with UN projects, especially those funded through the Development Account, is highly desirable. The consultant should also demonstrate proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in Arabic is desirable, as it is a working language of ESCWA. Candidates should be able to speak, read, write, and understand both languages proficiently. Knowledge of French is also beneficial but not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for six months. The evaluation will be conducted in accordance with ESCWA’s Evaluation Policy and UNEG Norms and Standards for Evaluation. The consultant will be expected to adhere to ethical guidelines throughout the evaluation process. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair selection process.