Thematic evaluation experts (Retainer)

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 resources and mandates of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM. UN Women operates in multiple countries and is dedicated to eliminating discrimination against women and girls, promoting accountability on gender equality, and enhancing the impact of its work through evaluations and learning. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and adheres to strict ethical guidelines in its operations.

Job Overview:
The position of Thematic Evaluation Expert is designed for individuals with expertise in gender equality and related fields. The consultant will work on evaluations managed in the Asia and the Pacific region, contributing to various phases of the evaluation process, including inception, conduct, and reporting. The role requires the consultant to engage with stakeholders, lead interviews, and synthesize findings to produce high-quality evaluation reports. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Regional Evaluation Specialist and will be expected to leverage their thematic expertise to inform evaluation design and execution. The position is home-based, allowing for flexibility, but may require travel for specific missions. The contract duration is from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2029, with a maximum of 200 days of assignment during this period.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Thematic evaluation experts will be responsible for supporting the scoping and design of evaluations, conducting interviews and focus group discussions, leading case studies, and synthesizing data for evaluation reports. They will also be tasked with designing data collection instruments, conducting preliminary analyses, and drafting sections of evaluation reports. The consultants must ensure that all deliverables meet high-quality standards and adhere to UN Women’s ethical guidelines. They will be expected to communicate effectively with stakeholders and contribute to the overall evaluation process by providing insights and recommendations based on their thematic expertise. The role requires a commitment to producing concise and analytical evaluation reports that capture results, challenges, and learning pertinent to gender equality and women's empowerment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Human Rights Law, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, or International Development. 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 at least 10 years of experience in conducting mixed-methods gender-responsive evaluations, with substantial experience as an Evaluation Team Leader. They should demonstrate expertise in leveraging global normative frameworks on gender equality and possess technical experience in cross-cutting areas such as disability inclusion and human rights-based approaches. Familiarity with results-based management principles and evaluation methodologies is essential, along with experience in survey design and quantitative data analysis.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in relevant fields is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have additional qualifying experience. The educational background should align with the thematic areas of expertise required for the evaluations, particularly in gender equality and women's empowerment.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of demonstrable experience in conducting evaluations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Candidates should have experience in analyzing complex data and producing synthesis reports that inform policy and program decision-making. Experience in the Asia and the Pacific region is considered an asset, as is familiarity with gender statistics and quantitative data analysis.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of another language from the Asia and the Pacific region is desirable, which would enhance communication and engagement with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based, with the possibility of travel for missions as required by UN Women. The contract duration is from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2029, with a maximum of 200 days of assignment. The position is categorized as an International Consultant, and applicants must ensure that their application is complete to avoid disqualification. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.