Consultant for Evaluation of the Joint Programme Empower for Inclusion

Job Posting Organization:
The UN Joint Programme 'Empower for Inclusion' is a collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in Timor-Leste. This program is a joint effort involving UN Women, OHCHR/HRAU, and UNICEF, and it operates in partnership with various national ministries and organizations representing persons with disabilities. Established to address the needs of individuals with disabilities, the program is funded by the UN Partnership on the UNPRPD Fund, which aims to mobilize resources for disability inclusion. The program is set to run for 24 months, from January 2024 to April 2026, with a total budget of 600,000 USD. It aligns with the national action plan for persons with disabilities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing inclusive governance and evidence-based policymaking.

Job Overview:
The primary function of this consultancy is to conduct an external evaluation of the 'Empower for Inclusion' joint programme. The evaluation aims to assess the program's achievements and its overall contribution to advancing the implementation of the CRPD in Timor-Leste. The consultant will evaluate the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, coherence, sustainability, and impact of the program. This evaluation will not only focus on output levels but will also provide insights into how the program's priorities have contributed to desired outcomes. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders, including government officials and organizations of persons with disabilities, to gather data and assess the program's effectiveness in fostering meaningful participation and addressing the needs of marginalized groups within the disability community. The evaluation will be conducted over a specified period, with a nationwide scope and specific regions identified for visits in consultation with the project team.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a comprehensive evaluation of the joint programme, which includes the following duties:

• Conducting a desk review of key programme documents and relevant materials related to disability inclusion.
• Engaging in key informant interviews with stakeholders, including governance members, joint program partners, and representatives from organizations of persons with disabilities.
• Facilitating workshops and focus group discussions to analyze collected data and validate findings.
• Developing an inception report detailing the evaluation framework, guiding questions, and methodology.
• Collecting and analyzing data through various methods, including surveys and site visits.
• Documenting successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the programme.
• Producing a final evaluation report that presents findings, analysis, and actionable recommendations for advancing disability inclusion in Timor-Leste.
• Ensuring that all data collection tools and sessions are designed inclusively and are fully accessible.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in law, political or social science, or a related field relevant to human rights. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of experience working on disability inclusion, inclusive development, and the rights of persons with disabilities. Experience with the UNPRPD program is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate strong research and writing skills, analytical abilities, and experience in capacity development of government organizations and civil society organizations, particularly in the context of disability inclusion. Familiarity with international and government policy frameworks related to disability is essential, as is experience in facilitating high-level dialogues and consultations with government counterparts.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in law, political or social science, or a relevant field related to human rights is required for this position. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree must have at least five years of relevant experience in the field. Educational qualifications should reflect a strong foundation in human rights, social justice, or related disciplines, with a focus on disability rights and inclusion.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in areas related to disability inclusion, inclusive development, and the rights of persons with disabilities. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with government organizations and civil society organizations, particularly in the context of capacity development and policy analysis. Experience in producing inclusive analyses of international and government policies is essential, as well as experience in drafting human rights reports and facilitating consultations with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Proficiency in both oral and written Tetum and English is mandatory for this position. Candidates should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with strong analytical and reporting capabilities. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last approximately 13 working days, from April 14, 2026, to April 30, 202

• The work will be divided into three phases: inception and preparation, data collection and analysis, and documentation and finalization. Payment will be made in three installments based on the successful completion of deliverables, with 30% upon submission of the inception report, 30% upon submission of the interim findings report, and 40% upon submission of the final evaluation report. The consultant is expected to cover their own travel costs and communication expenses during the evaluation process. All deliverables must be submitted in English and will be subject to acceptance and certification by the UN Women and JP Coordinator.