Independent Evaluation Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional commission established to promote inclusive and sustainable development in the Arab region. It focuses on policy analysis, technical cooperation, and regional dialogue to address various socio-economic challenges. ESCWA plays a crucial role in facilitating cooperation among member states and providing a platform for dialogue on development issues. The organization is committed to enhancing the effectiveness of its operations and ensuring that its initiatives align with the broader goals of the United Nations. ESCWA operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, working closely with governments and stakeholders to implement its mission.

Job Overview:
The Independent Evaluation Consultant will be tasked with conducting an independent evaluation of selected aspects of ESCWA's performance. This role is critical in assessing how effectively the Commission's organizational, governance, delivery, and workforce arrangements support the preparation and implementation of an integrated vision aligned with the UN80 Initiative. The consultant will be expected to provide objective insights that inform senior management about strengths, gaps, and areas for improvement. The evaluation will focus on planning processes, delivery modalities, organizational structure, and governance arrangements, ultimately aiming to enhance ESCWA's performance and institutional coherence. The consultant will produce several key deliverables, including an inception note, draft evaluation report, and final evaluation report, all of which must be submitted in English and in electronic format. The expected duration of this consultancy is two months, and the work is to be conducted remotely.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Develop an Inception Note within one week of contract start, outlining the understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, workplan, interview list, and data sources.
• Prepare a Draft Evaluation Report that includes key findings across the agreed scope, analysis of strengths, gaps, and systemic issues, and preliminary recommendations aligned with UN80 reforms.
• Finalize the Evaluation Report by incorporating feedback from ESCWA management, ensuring it includes clear conclusions, action-oriented and prioritized recommendations, and considerations for implementation and change management.
• Conduct a thorough assessment of ESCWA's planning processes, delivery modalities, organizational structure, and governance arrangements, applying internationally recognized evaluation standards.
• Engage effectively with senior officials and diverse stakeholders to gather insights and feedback throughout the evaluation process.
• Ensure that all deliverables are submitted in a timely manner and adhere to the required standards of quality and comprehensiveness.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in public administration, development studies, economics, evaluation, management, or a related field. Additionally, candidates must have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in evaluation, organizational review, institutional reform, or strategic management, preferably within the UN system or similar international organizations. Demonstrated experience in conducting independent evaluations or institutional reviews at a senior organizational level is essential. Strong analytical, drafting, and facilitation skills are required, along with a proven ability to engage effectively with senior officials and diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in public administration, development studies, economics, evaluation, management, or a related field is required for this position. All 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 providing all necessary documentation.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in evaluation, organizational review, institutional reform, or strategic management. This experience should preferably be within the UN system or similar international organizations. The consultant must demonstrate a strong background in conducting independent evaluations or institutional reviews at a senior organizational level, showcasing their ability to provide valuable insights and recommendations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also necessary, as it is another working language. Additionally, knowledge of Arabic is desirable, which may enhance communication and engagement with stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of two months, and the work will be conducted remotely. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Furthermore, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and ethical recruitment process.