National Consultant for Mid-Term Review

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. The organization merges the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM. UN Women operates in numerous countries, working towards the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, the empowerment of women, and the achievement of gender equality as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and competence, and adheres to a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct. UN Women has a significant presence in Albania, where it has been actively involved in promoting gender equality and addressing the challenges faced by women, particularly in rural areas, through various targeted interventions and projects.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant for Mid-Term Review (MTR) involves conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the project "Empower Women for Rural Development in Northern Albania". The consultant will assess the project's progress towards achieving its intended outcomes, focusing on the effectiveness of the implementation strategy, the relevance of the project design in the current socio-economic context, and the identification of barriers to success. The MTR aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for improving project implementation and ensuring sustainability beyond the project lifecycle. The consultant will work closely with UN Women and various stakeholders, including government ministries and local organizations, to gather data and insights necessary for the review. This role is crucial in informing the remaining implementation period and ensuring that the project aligns with broader strategic goals related to gender equality and women's empowerment in Albania.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review the project design and implementation to assess its relevance and coherence in light of current socio-economic developments.
• Evaluate progress towards results and outcomes by analyzing indicators from the program's results framework and identifying barriers to achieving targets.
• Assess project management efficiency, including communication mechanisms and staffing structures, to facilitate effective implementation.
• Evaluate the sustainability of project results beyond the lifecycle, including financial, institutional, and social dimensions.
• Provide clear conclusions and actionable recommendations based on the findings of the review, including a recommendation matrix summarizing priorities and responsible parties.
• Prepare and submit deliverables, including an inception report, draft and final MTR reports, and presentations to stakeholders.
• Engage in collaborative and participatory approaches to ensure stakeholder involvement throughout the review process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in social sciences, human rights, gender/women's studies, international development, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have strong analytical skills, the ability to synthesize complex information, and excellent communication skills. Experience in developing guidance materials and knowledge products tailored to specific audiences is also essential.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as social sciences, human rights, gender/women's studies, or international development is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted. The educational background should reflect a strong understanding of gender issues and development practices.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of experience in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects or programs, particularly in gender programming. Experience in conducting research and assessments related to gender equality and women's empowerment is highly desirable. Familiarity with UN agencies or international development organizations is an asset, as is experience in using results-based management methodologies.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Albanian is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is strong communication skills in both English and Albanian to effectively engage with stakeholders and produce reports.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, with the expectation of up to two trips to the target project municipalities. The consultant will be expected to adhere to UN Women's values and competencies framework, which emphasizes integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. The contract duration aligns with the project timeline, with deliverables due by specific dates, including an inception report by April 15, 2026, a draft report by June 1, 2026, and a final report by July 1, 202

• The position is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for a collaborative working environment with various stakeholders.