Background

In 2014, UNDP Communities Programme (CP) has started implementation of 3 years project “Livelihood improvement of rural population in 9 districts of the Republic of Tajikistan (LIRP)” funded by the Government of Russian Federation. The project aims to promote socio-economic development in the 9 districts (Isfara, Istaravshan, Ayni, Penjikent districts of Sughd Region, Vose and Temurmalik districts of Khatlon Region, Rasht, Tajikabad and Lakhsh districts of Republican Subordination Districts.

 “Livelihood improvement of rural population in 9 districts of the Republic of Tajikistan” project is financed by the Government of the Russian Federation and implemented by UNDP in the Republic of Tajikistan over three years. The overall objective of “Livelihood Improvement of Rural Population in 9 districts of the Republic of Tajikistan” project is to address socio-economic issues, which contribute to improvement of livelihood of population, according to priorities at national and local levels.

The project assists local authorities in the effective planning and monitoring of socio-economic development of the districts through the process of development and updating of district development programs and implementation of about 50 priority initiatives emanating from these programs. The project helps to improve the efficiency of producers and processor of agricultural goods and will help to increase employment and development of business practice in nine of the most vulnerable districts of Tajikistan, taking into consideration their social and economic needs. The focus is given also on issues related to enabling business environment by developing a platform of public-private dialogue at the local level, capacity building of local authorities and businesses on local economic development. Development of entrepreneurship and investment promotion are relevant to rural areas of Tajikistan.

The main long-term outcome (impact) of the project is livelihood improvement of 1 million rural population in 9 districts of the Republic of Tajikistan. To achieve this result, in the medium term (Project outcome), project will directly contribute to increasing employment and business development in nine of the most vulnerable districts of Tajikistan, in view of their economic capacity. Indirectly, the project will help to reduce the flow of unskilled labor migrants from Tajikistan to other CIS countries, including the Russian Federation.

The above goal achieved through following Outputs:

  1. District authorities are capable efficiently plan and monitor local socio-economic development. Under this component the Project promotes participatory approach in planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluating of district development programmes. On the other hand, it makes the local officials to deliver services that are more responsive to people’s needs in transparent manner, which increases trust between the population and local government.   
  2. Support development of favorable investment climate, entrepreneurship and employment at the local level. Under this component the Project creates an advisory council of local economic development of the number of representatives of local authorities and the private sector, conducts analysis of the investment capacity of each target areas. In parallel, it provides vocational training for unemployed youth, women and people with disability on the most demanded areas, such as agribusiness, entrepreneurship, sustainable economic management, etc.
  3. Support rural initiatives aimed to address the local population priorities, creation of new jobs and entrepreneurship development. Under this component the Project supports provision of grant support to at least 50 small-scale economic projects such as the rehabilitation of irrigation facilities and land reclamation, purchase of agricultural machinery, establishment of processing workshops, etc., which can significantly improve the productivity, provide long-term benefit and creates jobs and income opportunities to rural people. On the other hand, microcredit aimed at creating jobs and additional income for the unemployed and the development of micro-entrepreneurship provided to target population.

These three areas altogether contribute to build resilience of people living in rural areas.

Duties and Responsibilities

Goals and objectives:

Under general supervision of the UNDP CP Manager, the consultant is required to work in close consultation with and under the guidance of the CP Senior Economic Development Officer based at the UNDP Tajikistan. The purpose of this assignment is to conduct final evaluation of the LIRP Project.  

Duties and responsibilities:

TThe final evaluation will assess the progress of the Project “Livelihood improvement of rural population in 9 districts of the Republic of Tajikistan” against stated outputs, as well as identify issues and recommend course corrections. It will also highlight issues and challenges affecting effective and efficient implementation of outputs and their contribution to project outcomes and impact.

For detailed information, please refer to annex 1- Terms of Reference of the below link. 

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
  • Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Functional Competencies

  • Maintains and establishes network of contacts with national counterparts and development partners for information sharing and responding to capacity development request;
  • Analyzes and selects materials for strengthening strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders;
  • Technical expertise in area based development process;
  • Demonstrates good knowledge of Integrated Rural Development strategies, and good understanding on Local Development issues;
  • Relevant international experience and cross-cultural communication skills;
  • Proven interpersonal skills;
  • Attitude and ability to motivate people;
  • Flexibility and resourcefulness;
  • Computer skills (common software programmes).

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced university degree (at Master level or equivalent) in social sciences, economic development, management, sustainable development or related field is required.

Experience:

  • More than 10 years of technical background in poverty reduction, economic development, good governance, public administration, local development issues, pro-poor economic development, private sector in development;
  • Experience and expertise in project design, management, implementation and monitoring and evaluation, policy analysis, development aid and technical cooperation, as well as development management /organizational capacity building programming; 
  • Knowledge of UN procedures and programme implementation strategies will be additional asset;
  • Good report writing skills and advanced computer literacy;
  • Ability to make recommendations focused on results and impact, with a strong understanding of value for money concepts;
  • Familiarity with the political, economic, social and gender situation in Central Asia (preferably Tajikistan).

Language:

  • Fluency in English, knowledge of Russian is an asset. 

Application Procedure:

Please follow the link to the Individual Consultant Procurement Notice: http://www.undp.tj/va/upload/va/ICPN%20International%20Consultant_LIRP%20Final%20Evaluation.docx

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence