Evaluation of Development Account Project: Expanding the Potential of SMEs

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. ESCWA aims to promote inclusive and sustainable development in the Arab region through various initiatives and projects. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, focusing on enhancing regional cooperation and addressing socio-economic challenges. ESCWA employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to achieving its mission and has a significant impact on member states and their citizens.

Job Overview:
The position involves conducting an evaluation of the project aimed at expanding the potential of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Arab region. The evaluator will assess how the project has contributed to achieving its intended results, the pathways to these results, and the significant elements that facilitated their achievement. The evaluation will also explore any unintended results that emerged during the project implementation. This role is crucial for evidence-based decision-making, accountability to ESCWA’s Executive and member states, and organizational learning to enhance future projects. The evaluator will work closely with ESCWA’s Strategic Planning, Accountability, Results and Knowledge (SPARK) Section and will be expected to integrate best practices for promoting gender equality, human rights, disability inclusion, and environmental sustainability into the evaluation process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The evaluator will be responsible for conducting a systematic assessment of the project’s performance based on established evaluation criteria, including relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability. The evaluation will cover the period from January 2024 to December 2026 and will involve refining evaluation questions, developing a Theory of Change (ToC), and employing a mixed-methods approach to gather qualitative and quantitative data. The evaluator will also ensure that gender, human rights, disability inclusion, and environmental issues are adequately addressed throughout the evaluation process. The evaluator will collaborate with various stakeholders, including ESCWA, UN Country Teams, and relevant government institutions, to gather insights and feedback. Additionally, the evaluator will be responsible for ensuring quality assurance throughout the evaluation process and adhering to ethical guidelines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in management, evaluation, or a related field. A minimum of five years of experience in conducting impact evaluations, particularly with Arab governmental bodies, is required. Proven competency in both quantitative and qualitative research methods is essential, including experience with self-administered surveys, document analysis, and informal and semi-structured interviews. Familiarity with the UN environment and experience in policy-making related to SMEs are desirable. Excellent oral and written communication skills are necessary to convey complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.

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

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in conducting impact evaluations, particularly in projects involving Arab governmental bodies. Candidates should demonstrate a strong background in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, showcasing their ability to analyze data effectively and derive actionable insights from evaluations.

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 be able to speak, read, write, and understand both languages proficiently. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be remote or hybrid, with an anticipated duration of six months. The evaluation will be conducted in accordance with ESCWA’s Evaluation Policy and the UNEG Norms and Standards for Evaluation. The evaluator will be required to adhere to ethical guidelines throughout the evaluation process, ensuring the confidentiality and rights of information providers are prioritized. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates should be aware that the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.