International Consultant/Evaluator

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is a global champion for women and girls, established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to advance women's rights, gender equality, and empowerment. The organization works to shift laws, institutions, social behaviors, and services to close the gender gap and build an equal world for all women and girls. UN Women operates in multiple countries, focusing on areas such as leadership, economic empowerment, freedom from violence, and women, peace, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. In Georgia, UN Women supports both state and non-state partners to achieve substantive gender equality, working on policies, legislation, and grassroots initiatives to empower women economically and socially. The organization is committed to ensuring that women's rights are at the center of global progress, advocating for their equal participation in all aspects of life.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant/Evaluator involves conducting a final evaluation of the Women’s Economic Empowerment in the South Caucasus (WEESC) project, which aims to economically empower women, particularly the poor and socially excluded, in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The consultant will assess the achievement of project results and performance, focusing on the effectiveness of strategies and approaches used in the project. The evaluation will also identify lessons learned, best practices, and challenges faced during the project implementation. The consultant will work closely with national evaluators and UN Women to ensure a comprehensive evaluation process that includes stakeholder participation and adherence to ethical guidelines. The evaluation will inform future programming in women's economic empowerment and contribute to building an evidence base for effective strategies in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The International Consultant/Evaluator will be responsible for overall coordination and management of the evaluation team, including providing guidance and support to national evaluators in Georgia and Armenia. Key responsibilities include developing an inception report outlining the evaluation design and methodology, conducting online interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders, analyzing collected data, and preparing a final evaluation report that includes case studies. The consultant will also present preliminary findings to the Management Group and incorporate feedback into the final report. The evaluation process will involve multiple phases, including preparation, data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings, ensuring a consultative and participatory approach throughout.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) in fields such as economics, social sciences, gender studies, political science, or development studies. A first-level university degree combined with nine years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have at least seven years of practical experience in conducting evaluations of strategies, policies, and projects, with a strong focus on women's economic empowerment and gender equality. Proven experience in evaluations for international organizations and knowledge of gender issues in the South Caucasus region are essential. Excellent report-writing, analytical, facilitation, and communication skills are required, along with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) in economics, social sciences, gender studies, political science, social policy, development studies, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with nine years of relevant experience may be accepted. The educational background should reflect a strong understanding of gender issues and economic empowerment.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in conducting evaluations, particularly in the context of women's economic empowerment and gender equality. Experience with international organizations, NGOs, and similar entities is crucial. Familiarity with the socio-political context of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia is highly desirable, along with a proven track record of producing clear and analytical reports.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, with no travel required. The evaluation process will be conducted in accordance with UN Women Evaluation Policies and Ethical Guidelines. The consultant will work under the supervision of UN Women and in collaboration with the Evaluation Task Manager. The evaluation will be consultative and participatory, ensuring the involvement of project beneficiaries and stakeholders throughout the process. The deliverables include a series of reports and presentations, with specific deadlines outlined for each phase of the evaluation.