National Individual Consultant for Rwanda's NST2 Mid-Term Review

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network established in 1965, working in over 170 countries to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities. UNDP's mission is to help countries achieve sustainable development by providing expert advice, training, and support to develop local capacity. The organization focuses on several key areas, including democratic governance, poverty reduction, crisis prevention and recovery, environment and sustainable development, and gender equality. UNDP operates in various countries, including Rwanda, where it collaborates with the government and other stakeholders to implement development programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The National Individual Consultant for Rwanda's NST2 Mid-Term Review will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) during its initial two years of implementation. This role is crucial as it aims to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and relevance of NST2 in achieving Rwanda's long-term development goals outlined in Vision 205

• The consultant will analyze various aspects of the NST2, including its institutional arrangements, coordination mechanisms, and governance structures, while also evaluating the impact of NST2 interventions on economic transformation, social development, and environmental sustainability. The consultant is expected to provide actionable recommendations based on the findings of the review to enhance the achievement of NST2 objectives and targets for the remaining implementation period.

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

• Assessing the progress made toward achieving NST2 outcomes, outputs, and key performance indicators.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of institutional arrangements, coordination mechanisms, and governance structures supporting NST2 implementation.
• Analyzing the relevance of NST2 interventions to national priorities, Vision 2050, Agenda 2063, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and emerging development challenges.
• Examining implementation efficiency, including the utilization of financial, human, and institutional resources.
• Identifying key achievements, lessons learned, bottlenecks, risks, and factors influencing performance.
• Assessing the contribution of NST2 interventions to economic transformation, social development, governance, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and inclusive development.
• Reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and accountability mechanisms supporting NST2 implementation.
• Evaluating cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, youth empowerment, disability inclusion, climate change, digital transformation, and citizen engagement.
• Assessing the likelihood of achieving NST2 targets by 2029 based on current performance trends. 1
• Proposing strategic recommendations and corrective actions to improve implementation during the remaining period of NST2.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this position should possess a strong background in national planning, monitoring, and evaluation, with a deep understanding of Rwanda's development context. The consultant should have proven experience in conducting evaluations or reviews of national strategies or programs, particularly in the areas of economic development, social policy, and governance. Additionally, the candidate should demonstrate strong analytical skills, the ability to synthesize complex information, and excellent report writing capabilities. Familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Rwanda's Vision 2050 is essential, along with experience in stakeholder engagement and consultation processes.

Educational Background:
A master's degree or higher in a relevant field such as public policy, development studies, economics, or social sciences is required for this position. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in research methodologies, data analysis, and evaluation techniques, which are critical for conducting the mid-term review effectively.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in national planning, monitoring, and evaluation, with a focus on development programs and policies. Experience working with government institutions, international organizations, or NGOs in Rwanda or similar contexts is highly desirable. The candidate should also have a track record of successfully managing and delivering evaluation projects within specified timelines and budgets.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be required to produce reports and communicate findings effectively. Knowledge of Kinyarwanda is an asset, as it will facilitate engagement with local stakeholders and enhance the quality of the review process. Proficiency in French is also considered a plus, given the multilingual context of Rwanda.

Additional Notes:
The assignment is expected to last for a period of 60 calendar days, from September 31 to October 29, 202

• The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) and UNDP throughout the review process. This position is classified as an individual contractor role, and the consultant will be compensated based on the agreed terms outlined in the contract. The recruitment process is open to both national and international candidates, and applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals through the UNDP supplier portal by the specified deadline.