Consultant for Independent Evaluation

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which was established in 196

• UNCTAD is a part of the United Nations Secretariat and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization focuses on trade, investment, and development issues, aiming to promote the integration of developing countries into the global economy. UNCTAD operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering sustainable development and economic growth. Its mission is to support developing countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable development through trade and investment.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Independent Evaluation involves conducting a thorough evaluation of the project titled 'EU4Business: Support to CEFTA for Non-Tariff Measures monitoring and reporting and support to the implementation of the CEFTA Dispute Settlement Mechanism.' The consultant will work under the supervision of the Chief of the Independent Evaluation Unit of UNCTAD and is expected to produce a comprehensive evaluation report that addresses key evaluation criteria such as relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and the integration of gender, environmental sustainability, and disability inclusion. The consultant will need to highlight successful aspects of the project, identify challenges and constraints, and provide actionable recommendations for future initiatives. The evaluation process will require adherence to UNEG guidelines and UNCTAD’s Evaluation Policy, ensuring that human rights and gender equality perspectives are integrated wherever possible. The consultant will also need to maintain objectivity and fairness throughout the evaluation process, reporting any issues to the Chief of IEU promptly.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have several key responsibilities, including: conducting an independent evaluation of the project, producing a detailed evaluation report that addresses the evaluation terms of reference (TOR), and focusing on criteria such as relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and inclusivity. The consultant will highlight successful elements of the project that can be replicated, identify specific achievements that provide additional value, and indicate any shortcomings or constraints encountered during implementation. Furthermore, the consultant will be expected to offer pragmatic recommendations to enhance future work, ensuring that the needs of beneficiaries are met and fostering collaboration with UNCTAD divisions and other relevant organizations. The consultant will also review exit strategies to assess their alignment with the needs of member states and implementing entities, and will submit a final report that encapsulates the key findings from the evaluation TOR. Throughout the evaluation, adherence to UNEG guidelines and UNCTAD’s Evaluation Policy is essential, ensuring a comprehensive, fair, and unbiased evaluation process.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree in economics, trade, development, public administration, or a related field. Additionally, candidates must have at least 7 years of experience in conducting or managing evaluations or in program management, preferably in areas related to trade-related technical assistance and capacity building. A solid understanding of the UN context and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is essential, along with experience in conducting public policy and development program evaluations. Candidates should also possess a strong understanding of gender-responsive and equity-focused evaluation design, as well as data collection and analysis methods. The ability to develop clear, realistic, and feasible recommendations is considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree in a relevant field such as economics, trade, development, public administration, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of trade and development issues that the consultant will be evaluating.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in conducting or managing evaluations or in program management. This experience should preferably be in the context of trade-related technical assistance and capacity building, providing the consultant with the necessary skills and insights to effectively evaluate the project in question. A solid understanding of the UN context and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is also important, as it informs the evaluation process and the recommendations that will be made.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. This requirement ensures that the consultant can effectively communicate findings and recommendations in the evaluation report. While not specified, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is from July 15, 2026, to April 30, 202

• The position is home-based, allowing for flexibility in work location. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and ethical recruitment process.