Consultant for Interim Evaluation of ODIHR Project

Job Posting Organization:
The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is an institution of the Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) that was established to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in the OSCE region. ODIHR's mission is to assist participating States in their efforts to uphold their commitments to democratic governance and human rights. The organization operates in multiple countries, particularly focusing on Eastern Partnership countries, and has developed a comprehensive package of tools to bolster democratic governance systems. ODIHR employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to enhancing public trust in institutions and promoting inclusive political processes.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Interim Evaluation of the ODIHR project involves conducting an independent assessment of the project's progress and its potential to achieve intended results. The consultant will be responsible for evaluating the effectiveness and impact of the project, identifying lessons learned, and providing actionable recommendations for future interventions. The evaluation will utilize a mixed-methods approach, including desk reviews, participatory workshops, and interviews with stakeholders. The consultant will also design the evaluation framework and prepare data collection tools to meet the evaluation objectives. This role is crucial in ensuring that the project aligns with ODIHR's mandate and the political context in which it operates, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of democratic institutions in Eastern Partnership countries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key tasks throughout the evaluation process. Initially, they will engage in an inception phase that includes planning with ODIHR staff, reviewing project documents, and identifying stakeholders. Following this, the consultant will facilitate a one-day workshop with internal stakeholders to validate findings and gather insights. They will conduct semi-structured interviews with selected stakeholders to collect qualitative data on project performance. The consultant will analyze the collected data, identify lessons learned, and draft an interim evaluation report that synthesizes findings and recommendations. The evaluation will focus on effectiveness, emerging impact, relevance, coherence, and added value of the project interventions, ensuring that all findings are context-sensitive and actionable.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as law, political science, international relations, or human rights. In lieu of a degree, a combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience may be accepted. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in designing and conducting evaluations of international projects, particularly those related to democratization, rule of law, and human rights. Experience in facilitating workshops and focus groups for data collection is essential, along with a comprehensive understanding of gender mainstreaming in projects. Knowledge of democratization topics, including elections and political participation, is also required. Professional fluency in English is mandatory, and experience in intercultural environments is highly valued.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, such as a Master’s degree, in law, political science, international relations, human rights, or other relevant disciplines. Candidates with a combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience may be considered in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of democratic governance and human rights issues that the consultant will be evaluating.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience, specifically a minimum of 10 years, in designing and implementing evaluations of international projects. Candidates should have a proven track record in projects related to democratization, rule of law, and human rights. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the consultant can effectively assess the project's progress and impact, as well as provide informed recommendations for future actions.

Languages:
Professional fluency in written and spoken English is required for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, conducting interviews, and preparing evaluation reports. While English is mandatory, knowledge of additional languages relevant to the Eastern Partnership countries may be considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The assignment duration is set for 30 days, divided into three main tasks: the inception phase, data collection and analysis phase, and report writing phase. The consultant will be expected to conduct introductory calls, facilitate workshops, and prepare comprehensive reports based on the evaluation findings. The position is classified under a Special Service Agreement (SSA) and does not have a specific grade. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and confidentiality throughout the evaluation process, ensuring that all participants' information is protected.