Consultant External Evaluator for JFITDHE

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. The organization has a workforce of over 2,000 employees and operates in more than 190 countries, focusing on building peace in the minds of men and women. UNESCO's core values include commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism. The organization is dedicated to fostering inclusive, just, and peaceful societies through education, cultural diversity, and the protection of heritage.

Job Overview:
The Consultant External Evaluator for JFITDHE will play a crucial role in assessing the project 'Consolidating the Gains in Policy Development and Capacity Building for the Preservation and Accessibility of Documentary Heritage.' This project, supported by the Japanese Funds-in-Trust for the Memory of the World Programme, aims to safeguard documentary heritage against disasters and enhance universal access. The evaluator will utilize the OECD-DAC criteria to evaluate the project's performance, focusing on relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability. The evaluation will provide actionable recommendations to inform future initiatives and strengthen UNESCO's work in this area. The evaluator will engage with various stakeholders, including memory institutions and policymakers, to gather insights and perspectives on the project's impact and effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of the Consultant External Evaluator include conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the project, which involves:

• Mapping evaluation stakeholders and maintaining regular communication with them.
• Organizing and conducting stakeholder meetings, both group and individual, as necessary.
• Drafting and conducting stakeholder interviews to gather qualitative data.
• Analyzing data collected through various methods, including document reviews, surveys, and interviews.
• Drafting a preliminary and final evaluation report, incorporating stakeholder feedback.
• Preparing a concise summary of evaluation findings and actionable recommendations.
• Developing a communication plan tailored to different users and audiences.
• Ensuring that the evaluation adheres to UNESCO's quality criteria and ethical guidelines.
• Facilitating an online validation meeting to discuss preliminary findings and next steps.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in social sciences, information, communication, archival science, records management, or a related discipline. A minimum of five years of experience in qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods in social sciences research is required. Experience in conducting evaluations in the information or cultural sectors is essential. A strong understanding of UNESCO’s mandate and knowledge of the 2015 Recommendation for the Preservation of and Access to Documentary Heritage is desirable. Candidates should also have relevant professional experience in UNESCO’s programmes and/or normative tools in the field of communication and information, along with at least two references or examples of relevant evaluations previously completed.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in social sciences, information, communication, archival science, records management, or related disciplines such as history, archaeology, sociology, or heritage studies is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of documentary heritage and the methodologies required for effective evaluation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of experience in qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods within social sciences research. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting evaluations specifically in the information and/or cultural sectors. Familiarity with UNESCO’s mandate and its normative tools is highly desirable, as is experience working with UN agencies or similar international organizations.

Languages:
A high level of proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory to ensure clear communication and the production of high-quality reports and materials. Proficiency in French and/or any other UN languages is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication with a broader range of stakeholders and facilitate the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will be conducted remotely throughout the entire period, with no travel required. The candidate must ensure availability during Central European Time (CET) working hours for meetings and consultations. The contract duration is set for four months, concluding no later than December 14, 202

• The application process requires candidates to submit a comprehensive PDF document that includes an updated CV, a cover letter, a short approach to work, and a proposed daily rate for consultancy fees. The deadline for applications is July 24, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Paris time.