UN Women Country Program Evaluation (CPE) Consultant - International Evaluator

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. It consolidates the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system focused on gender issues. UN Women operates in multiple countries, including Kyrgyzstan, where it aligns its strategic initiatives with national priorities and international commitments. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting mutual respect, and ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and competence. UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability in its operations.

Job Overview:
The UN Women Country Program Evaluation (CPE) Consultant will play a crucial role in assessing the effectiveness and impact of the UN Women Kyrgyz Republic Country Office's Strategic Note for 2023-202

• This evaluation aims to provide evidence-based insights that will inform future programming and decision-making processes. The consultant will evaluate the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and human rights and gender equality dimensions of the Strategic Note. The evaluation will also capture lessons learned and best practices to guide the development of the next Strategic Note for 2028-203
• The consultant will work within a complex socio-political environment, addressing challenges such as gender inequalities and violence against women, while ensuring that the evaluation aligns with international frameworks and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the UN Women Kyrgyz Republic Country Office's Strategic Note. This includes assessing the alignment of interventions with national policies and international commitments, evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the Strategic Note, and identifying lessons learned and best practices. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organizations, and program beneficiaries, to gather qualitative and quantitative data. The evaluation will involve field visits, stakeholder consultations, and the application of OECD/DAC evaluation criteria. The consultant will also be tasked with preparing an inception report, conducting data analysis, and presenting findings to relevant stakeholders. Additionally, the consultant will ensure that the evaluation process is inclusive and participatory, adhering to UN Women’s ethical guidelines and standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in social science, sociology, international development, gender/women studies, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of practical experience in conducting gender-responsive evaluations of development strategies, policies, and programs is required. Extensive experience in applying qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods is essential, along with a strong record in designing and leading evaluations. Knowledge of UN Women’s programming and its normative and coordination roles at the regional and country levels is considered an asset. Familiarity with the socio-political context of the Kyrgyz Republic and the ECA region will be advantageous.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in social science, sociology, international development, gender/women studies, or a related area is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender equality and women's empowerment in the context of development evaluations.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of relevant experience in conducting evaluations, particularly those that are gender-responsive and focused on development strategies and policies. Candidates should have a proven track record in designing and leading evaluations, as well as experience in applying both qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods. Familiarity with the UN system and its operations, particularly in the context of gender equality, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in both written and spoken English is mandatory. Knowledge of Russian is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
The evaluation will cover the implementation period from 2023 to 2026, with a focus on assessing all activities under the Strategic Note. The consultant may conduct field visits in selected locations within the Kyrgyz Republic, subject to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and feasibility considerations. The evaluation process will be guided by UN Women’s established quality assurance mechanisms and will involve stakeholder participation throughout. The final evaluation report should not exceed 7,000 words, excluding annexes, and will undergo review by various stakeholders, including the Evaluation Reference Group and the Evaluation Management Group.