Background

The facilitation of structured dialogue has been recognised as one of the three main priority areas in the UNDP Country Programme and Action Plan, as well as the ZUNDAF. The Dialogue Financing Facility (DFF) was established in 2004 by UNDP and the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) as a strategic fund to promote dialogue initiatives amongst Zimbabweans. The key objective for the DFF for the period under review was to support the transition process and the development of Zimbabwe, by strengthening existing local community systems to enhance the role of dialogue.  

UNDP is currently redesigning its support framework to peace building and sustainable livelihoods, with an overall aim of strengthening the national peace architecture furnished by collaborative dialogue mechanisms and consensus building initiatives at national and local levels. The support for dialogue therefore remains a key pillar and cross cutting tool to enable a conducive environment for development in the country. The results of this end of project evaluation will inform and feed into the ongoing re-design process.

The purpose of the end of project evaluation is therefore to assess the level of achievement of the project performance for the years 2012-2013, while identifying challenges and lessons learned, and provide concrete recommendations on how to strengthen support to dialogue initiatives as an enhancer for development and peace in Zimbabwe.

The assignment will aim for a fair, objective and accurate assessment of the project performance, with clear and comprehensive recommendations to be implemented in future support framework. The evaluation results will be used by UNDP’s management team to inform the current intervention and their formulation.

Duties and Responsibilities

The recruited consultant is responsible for conducting the end of project evaluation under the supervision of UNDP. The aim is to assess the achievements of the project against its stated outcomes and outputs, as well as its contribution the achievement of the broader ZUNDAF outcomes. The evaluation covers the period 2012-2013 and will aim at reflecting on what the DFF has achieved while identifying entry-points to inform ongoing programme re-design and engagement.

To conduct the evaluation, the consultant is expected, but not limited to:
  • Conduct a desk study review of all relevant Project documents;
  • Hold consultations with key project staff;
  • Conduct site visit (if necessary );
  • Hold Interviews with key stakeholders; Project staff & partners, affiliated projects and initiatives, Project donors and  Government representatives.
The consultant will also be expected to: 
  • Employ study techniques that ensure internal validity of study results;
  • Utilize social science methods and tools that reduce the need for evaluator-specific judgments;
  • Employ standardized recording and maintenance of records from the evaluation (e.g., focus group transcripts).
  • Collect data on variables corresponding to inputs, outputs, outcomes and were appropriate, financial data that permit computation of unit costs and analysis of cost structure;
  • Produce evaluation findings that are based on facts, evidence and data. This precludes relying exclusively upon anecdotes, hearsay and unverified opinions. Findings should be specific, concise and supported by quantitative and/or qualitative information that is reliable, valid and generalizable.
As a result of the evaluation, the consultant will be accountable for producing the following deliverables:
  • An Evaluation Inception Report: By the end of week one (the initial five days), an inception report should be prepared by the consultant before embarking on a fully fledged evaluation exercise. The inception report will detail the consultant’s understanding of what is being evaluated and why, as well as proposed methods, sources of data and data collection procedures intended to answer each evaluation question. The inception report should also include a proposed schedule of tasks, activities, timeline, deliverables and key issues. The draft inception report will be shared with the project staff to ensure that all have the same understanding about the evaluation;
  • A Draft Evaluation Report: the consultant will deliver a draft evaluation report;
  • A power point presentation to donors and key stakeholders of this process.
  • A Final Evaluation Report: Once feedbacks have been provided by UNDP and Sida on the Draft Evaluation Report, the consultant will be expected to revise adequately and provide a final evaluation report.
  • A Brief on the role of dialogue as an enabler for development in the Zimbabwean context (5p.)

Competencies

  • Strong analytical and research skills with sufficient understanding of survey design, quantitative/qualitative methods and data analysis. Extensive experience in conducting evaluations, with a strong working knowledge on dialogue, conflict and peace building;
  • Familiarity with UN (preferably UNDP) evaluation guidelines and processes is a plus;
  • Human capital consulting experience is a plus;
  • Excellent written and spoken English. Writing skills that include an attention to detail as well as a grasp of conceptual frameworks;
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills, teamwork, and competency to operate in a multi-cultural and diverse environment.
  • Familiarity with the region and the country are strongly preferred.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • At least a Master’s degree or equivalent in the field of development studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, public policy, public administration, or any related field of social sciences.

Experience:

  • A minimum of 7 years relevant work experience in Peace and Dialogue Facilitation, with at least half working with developing countries and demonstrate an understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by post conflict countries.

Language Requirement:

  • Written and oral proficiency in English is required.

Any other relevant information regarding the post:

Follow the link for further instructions on how to submit the required documents:

http://www.zw.undp.org/content/zimbabwe/en/home/operations/procurement/