International Consultant for Sri Lanka UNSDCF Evaluation 2023-2027

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN operates in various countries worldwide, with a focus on sustainable development, human rights, and humanitarian assistance. The organization employs thousands of individuals across diverse fields, working collaboratively to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for the UNSDCF Evaluation in Sri Lanka is pivotal in assessing the effectiveness and impact of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the period 2023-202

• This role involves leading a comprehensive evaluation process that aims to provide an independent assessment of the UN's contributions to Sri Lanka's development priorities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that the evaluation adheres to UNEG norms and standards, focusing on key evaluation criteria such as relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact. The consultant will also engage with various stakeholders to gather insights and feedback, ensuring that the evaluation findings are credible and actionable. The expected duration of the consultancy is four months, from June 20 to October 20, 2026, during which the consultant will produce several key deliverables, including inception reports, evaluation findings, and final reports, all aimed at informing future UN support in Sri Lanka.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The International Consultant will undertake a range of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Leading the evaluation process and ensuring the timely submission of all deliverables as outlined in the Terms of Reference (ToR).
• Designing the evaluation framework, refining core evaluation questions, and selecting appropriate methods for data collection and analysis.
• Supervising the data collection process, ensuring methodological integrity and the production of evidence-based findings.
• Developing a detailed evaluation work plan and timeline to manage activities within the approved budget.
• Coordinating with the evaluation team and engaging with key stakeholders to incorporate their feedback into the evaluation process.
• Upholding high standards of quality and ethical integrity throughout the evaluation, ensuring alignment with UNEG norms and ethical principles.
• Facilitating stakeholder consultations to reflect diverse perspectives and ensure broad participation.
• Drafting and finalizing a comprehensive evaluation report that presents evidence-based conclusions and actionable recommendations for the next UNSDCF cycle.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or PhD) in Political Science, Public Administration, Development Studies, Law, Human Rights, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of experience in designing and leading evaluations of UNSDCF, UN agency, or donor country programs is required. Candidates should have extensive knowledge and experience in applying qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods, as well as familiarity with UNEG norms, standards, and ethical guidelines. Strong experience in UN programming principles, including Leave No One Behind (LNOB), human rights, gender equality, sustainability, and accountability, is essential. Knowledge of the 2018 UN Development System reforms is considered an asset, along with previous experience working in middle-income country contexts, particularly in South Asia. Experience in Sri Lanka and expertise in at least one of the six UNSDCF outcome areas are highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, either a Master’s degree or a PhD, in relevant fields such as Political Science, Public Administration, Development Studies, Law, or Human Rights. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of development evaluation and the UN's role in promoting sustainable development.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 10 years in the field of evaluation, particularly related to UNSDCF, UN agency, or donor country programs. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading evaluations and applying both qualitative and quantitative methods effectively. Experience in middle-income countries, especially in South Asia, is preferred, with a strong emphasis on familiarity with the local context and development challenges.

Languages:
An excellent command of English, both verbal and written, is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, the preparation of reports, and the presentation of findings. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context in Sri Lanka.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for four months, from June 20 to October 20, 202

• The position is full-time and may involve both in-person and remote work. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.