Consultant for Evaluation of Infrastructure and Camp Improvement Programme

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Position Title: Consultant for Evaluation of Infrastructure and Camp Improvement Programme
Location: Amman
Country: Jordan
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 194

• Its mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.7 million registered Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. UNRWA operates as the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members, most of whom are directly involved in service delivery to refugee communities. The agency is primarily funded through voluntary contributions, which underscores its reliance on international support to fulfill its mandate.

Job Overview:
The consultant will lead an evaluation of the Infrastructure and Camp Improvement Programme (ICIP) at UNRWA, focusing on the design, construction, and maintenance of UNRWA schools. This evaluation aims to assess the effectiveness of the Agency's processes and systems from 2019 to 2023, with particular attention to the challenges faced in conflict-affected areas such as Syria and Gaza. The consultant will be responsible for developing the evaluation methodology, leading data collection efforts, and drafting the final evaluation report. This role requires a deep understanding of the context in which UNRWA operates, as well as the ability to analyze and synthesize complex information to provide actionable recommendations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include:

• Planning Phase: Finalizing the evaluation terms of reference, drafting the inception report, and participating in the selection of evaluation team members.
• Implementation Phase: Providing guidance and technical support to the evaluation team, leading data collection efforts through site visits, interviews, and focus group discussions, and analyzing findings to reach preliminary conclusions.
• Reporting Phase: Leading the drafting and finalization of the evaluation report, participating in meetings to discuss preliminary results, and ensuring that all deliverables meet quality standards. The consultant will also be responsible for managing the contributions of team members and ensuring effective communication throughout the evaluation process.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in development studies, architecture, construction engineering, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of experience in conducting evaluations and managing construction projects is essential. Candidates should have in-depth knowledge and proven experience in designing and applying various quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and tools. Desirable qualifications include professional experience in the MENA region, knowledge of school construction and maintenance, familiarity with UNRWA's programs, and an understanding of the Palestinian refugee context.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited institution in a relevant field such as development studies, architecture, or construction engineering. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities involved in the evaluation of construction projects and the specific needs of the Palestinian refugee population.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least 10 years of relevant experience, particularly in conducting evaluations and managing construction projects. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the consultant can effectively lead the evaluation process, provide technical guidance to team members, and deliver high-quality outputs that meet the expectations of UNRWA and its stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as the consultant will need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, draft reports, and present findings. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will work remotely but will be required to travel to UNRWA areas of operation as necessary. The expected duration of the consultancy is from July to December 2024, with approximately 75 days of work allocated for the evaluation. The consultant must not have any previous involvement in the design and implementation of UNRWA activities related to the Infrastructure and Camp Improvement Programme. Additionally, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.