Evaluation Specialist for the Mid-Term Evaluation

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), which is a global development network of the United Nations. Established in 1965, UNDP aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. It operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and communities to address development challenges. UNDP's mission is to help countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote inclusive growth, resilience, and environmental sustainability. The organization employs thousands of professionals worldwide, contributing to various projects and initiatives that align with its mission.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Specialist for the Mid-Term Evaluation will play a crucial role in assessing the effectiveness and impact of ongoing projects within the UNDP framework in Pakistan. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of evaluation methodologies and the ability to analyze data critically. The specialist will be responsible for designing and implementing evaluation strategies that align with UNDP's goals, ensuring that evaluations are conducted systematically and ethically. The role involves collaborating with project teams, stakeholders, and beneficiaries to gather relevant information and insights. The specialist will also be expected to provide recommendations based on evaluation findings to enhance project performance and inform future planning. This position is vital for ensuring accountability and transparency in UNDP's operations in Pakistan, contributing to the overall mission of sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Evaluation Specialist will be tasked with the following duties and responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive evaluation framework for the mid-term evaluation of ongoing projects.
• Collaborate with project teams to define evaluation objectives, questions, and methodologies.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative data collection through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions.
• Analyze data and synthesize findings to produce clear and actionable evaluation reports.
• Present evaluation results to stakeholders, including UNDP management, project teams, and external partners.
• Provide recommendations for project improvement based on evaluation outcomes.
• Ensure that evaluations adhere to ethical standards and UNDP guidelines.
• Facilitate capacity-building workshops for project staff on evaluation practices and methodologies.
• Maintain communication with the Procurement Unit and other relevant departments to ensure alignment with organizational policies. 1
• Prepare and submit progress reports on evaluation activities and outcomes to the UNDP management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• A strong background in evaluation methodologies, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Proven experience in conducting evaluations in development contexts, preferably within UN or international organizations.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and present findings clearly.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with UNDP's mission, values, and operational frameworks is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in using evaluation software and tools for data analysis.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of a Master's degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, development studies, public policy, or a related discipline. A Ph.D. in a relevant area would be an advantage, particularly for candidates with extensive research experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of professional experience in evaluation, research, or a related field. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the context of development projects, is highly desirable. The candidate should demonstrate a track record of successfully managing evaluation processes and producing high-quality evaluation reports.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of Urdu or other local languages is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as an individual contractor role, with a contract duration of 40 working days spread over a period of 7 months. The position is based in Islamabad, Pakistan, and requires the contractor to work closely with UNDP teams and stakeholders. The role is part-time, and the contractor will be expected to manage their time effectively to meet project deadlines. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and in line with UNDP's policies for individual contractors.