Evaluation Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment globally. It merges the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system focused on gender issues. UN Women operates in numerous countries worldwide, advocating for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and promoting gender equality as a fundamental human right. The organization works in various sectors, including development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, with a mission to ensure that every woman and girl can live free from violence and discrimination.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Consultant will play a crucial role in assessing the effectiveness and impact of the LEAP Project, which aims to engage traditional and cultural leaders in Nigeria and West Africa to combat gender-based violence (GBV). The consultant will evaluate the project's relevance, effectiveness, sustainability, and contribution to social norms change. This position requires a deep understanding of gender issues, particularly in the context of GBV, and the ability to analyze complex social dynamics. The consultant will be responsible for designing the evaluation framework, conducting fieldwork, and synthesizing findings to provide actionable recommendations for future programming. The evaluation will focus on the project's activities from April 2023 to March 2026, examining both immediate and long-term impacts on social norms and community behaviors regarding GBV.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop an inception report outlining the evaluation design, methodology, and detailed work plan.
• Conduct participatory meetings with stakeholders, partners, and beneficiaries to gather qualitative and quantitative data.
• Analyze data to assess the project's effectiveness in achieving its objectives and its contribution to social norms change.
• Document good practices, challenges, and lessons learned throughout the evaluation process.
• Prepare and present preliminary findings to UN Women and key partners for feedback.
• Draft a comprehensive evaluation report, incorporating feedback and ensuring alignment with UN Women’s standards.
• Provide actionable recommendations for future programming and partnerships with traditional and cultural institutions.
• Ensure that the evaluation process adheres to ethical standards and respects the rights and dignity of participants.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in social sciences, gender studies, international development, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience in conducting evaluations, particularly in GBV, social norms change, or governance programs.
• Strong technical competencies in gender equality and women's empowerment.
• Proven experience in designing and leading gender-sensitive evaluations.
• Familiarity with UN programming processes and coordination mechanisms.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to prepare clear and concise reports and presentations.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as gender studies, business administration, international development, human rights, political science, international relations, or peace and conflict studies. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of gender issues and the socio-cultural dynamics at play in the context of the LEAP Project.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience, particularly in conducting evaluations related to gender-based violence, social norms change, or governance programs. Candidates should have a strong technical background in gender and women's empowerment, with a proven track record in designing and leading evaluations that are sensitive to gender issues. Experience in both qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods is essential, along with a solid understanding of results-based management principles.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and communities involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The evaluation will focus on the LEAP Project's activities from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 202

• The consultant will be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including traditional and cultural leaders, civil society organizations, and government partners. The position may involve travel within Nigeria and potentially to other West African countries involved in the project. The consultant will be required to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures, including a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct. The evaluation process will be guided by the OECD/DAC evaluation criteria, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the project's impact and effectiveness.