Consultant for Evaluation

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 operates under the auspices of the United Nations and is dedicated to fostering regional dialogue, policy analysis, and technical cooperation among member states. ESCWA was established in 1973 and has since been instrumental in addressing socio-economic challenges in the region. The organization employs a diverse team of professionals and operates across multiple countries in the Arab region, focusing on various developmental issues.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting an independent evaluation of selected aspects of ESCWA's performance, particularly in relation to the ongoing UN80 reforms. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of the Commission's organizational structure, governance, and delivery modalities. The consultant will assess the effectiveness of current planning processes and provide actionable recommendations to enhance institutional coherence and performance. The evaluation will involve analyzing strengths, gaps, and systemic issues within ESCWA's operations, ultimately aiming to inform senior management on necessary improvements and strategic directions.

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

• Develop an Inception Note within one week of contract start, detailing the understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, workplan, and interview list.
• Draft an Evaluation Report that includes key findings, analysis of strengths and gaps, and preliminary recommendations aligned with UN80 reforms.
• Produce a Final Evaluation Report that incorporates feedback from ESCWA management, presenting clear conclusions and prioritized recommendations for implementation.
• Conduct a thorough review of ESCWA's strategic and operational planning processes, assessing alignment with mandates and regional needs.
• Evaluate the organizational structure and governance arrangements to ensure they support effective mandate delivery.
• Analyze the implications of current work modalities for sustainability and institutional learning.
• Engage with senior officials and diverse stakeholders to gather insights and facilitate discussions throughout the evaluation process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in public administration, development studies, economics, evaluation, management, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in evaluation, organizational review, institutional reform, or strategic management is required, 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 necessary, along with the proven ability to engage effectively with senior officials and diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field such as public administration, development studies, economics, evaluation, or management is mandatory. Candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree as part of their application, as incomplete applications will not be considered.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in evaluation, organizational review, institutional reform, or strategic management. Candidates should have a strong background in conducting evaluations or reviews at a senior level, ideally within the UN or similar international organizations. This experience should demonstrate the ability to analyze complex organizational structures and provide actionable recommendations for improvement.

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, while knowledge of Arabic is considered desirable. This multilingual capability is essential for effective communication and engagement with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 2 months, and the work will be conducted remotely. There are no additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation provided in the job description. 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.