Evaluator for Subprogramme 4: Statistics, the Information Society and Technology

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) was established in 1973 with the mission to support the economic and social development of its member states in the Arab region. ESCWA aims to promote regional integration and cooperation, enhance the capacity of member states, and provide a platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing. The organization operates in 17 member countries and employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing regional challenges and advancing sustainable development goals. ESCWA's work encompasses various sectors, including statistics, technology, and social development, with a focus on evidence-based policymaking and capacity building.

Job Overview:
The position of Evaluator for Subprogramme 4 involves conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the subprogramme aimed at strengthening official statistical systems and advancing the information society in the Arab region. The evaluator will be responsible for assessing the effectiveness, relevance, coherence, efficiency, impact, and sustainability of the subprogramme's initiatives from January 2020 to December 202

• The evaluation will provide insights into the extent to which the subprogramme has achieved its intended results and will identify lessons learned and recommendations for future actions. The evaluator will employ a mixed-method approach, ensuring that gender equality and human rights considerations are integrated throughout the evaluation process. The role requires collaboration with ESCWA's Strategic Planning, Accountability, Results and Knowledge team and engagement with various stakeholders to gather data and insights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The evaluator will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Developing a draft Inception Report that outlines the evaluation methodology, sampling strategies, and work plan.
• Conducting a desk review and stakeholder consultations to gather relevant data and insights.
• Organizing a debriefing meeting to present preliminary findings to the project team.
• Submitting a Draft Evaluation Report that summarizes the evaluation methodology, data collection approach, and findings, along with actionable recommendations.
• Finalizing the Evaluation Report by incorporating feedback from ESCWA's management and ensuring it addresses key cross-cutting issues such as gender equality and human rights.
• Assessing the performance of the subprogramme in terms of its relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability.
• Evaluating the integration of gender, human rights, disability inclusion, and environmental concerns into the subprogramme's design and implementation.
• Ensuring adherence to ESCWA's Evaluation Policy and UNEG Norms and Standards for Evaluation throughout the evaluation process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in management, evaluation, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of experience in conducting assessments, reviews, or evaluations of projects, programmes, or policies in a UN or international context is required. Candidates should demonstrate a high level of proficiency in distilling and communicating findings, as well as formulating forward-looking recommendations and best practices. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely to both governmental and UN audiences. Experience in statistics and/or issues related to the information society and technology is desirable.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in management, evaluation, or a related area is mandatory for this position. Candidates must provide a copy of their educational qualifications as part of their application. Incomplete applications will not be considered for review.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in conducting evaluations or assessments within the UN system or in an international context. Candidates should have a proven track record of evaluating projects, programmes, or policies, with a strong emphasis on statistical and technological issues. Experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders and facilitating participatory evaluation processes is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in Arabic is desirable, given that it is a working language of ESCWA. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is also advantageous, as it is another working language of the UN.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for a duration of 5 months. The evaluation will be conducted by an external consultant or team of consultants, and all methodologies will be reviewed and approved by ESCWA's SPARK Section. The evaluation process will adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring the confidentiality and rights of all information providers are protected. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.