UNDP Jobs - 74221- Evaluation Consultant, Review of Evaluation Method

Evaluation Consultant, Review of Evaluation Methodology (2 positions)

Location :

Home-based

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

15-Sep-2017

Application Deadline :

06-Sep-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

15 September - 30 November 2017

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

35 working days divided between two positions

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. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) conducts Independent Country Programme Evaluations (ICPEs), corporate thematic evaluations (global and regional level), and institutional evaluations. In addition, the IEO also supports the Administrator’s efforts to strengthen the methodology and conduct of decentralised evaluations, i.e., evaluations carried out by the programme units of UNDP. The evaluations capture and demonstrate UNDP contributions to development results and related factors, and are carried out within the overall provisions contained in the UNDP Evaluation Policy[1].

To strengthen methodological quality and consistency of evaluations and standardise evaluation processes, IEO is commissioning background methodology papers in select areas for which it is seeking external consultants.

[1] UNDP Evaluation Policy, 2016

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope

Two consultants will be hired to produce the following background methodology papers. Tasks will be divided among them based on their skillsets and time availability.

Methodology review of corporate thematic evaluations: IEO has used a variety of methods in its previous evaluations including country case studies, surveys, desk reviews and meta-synthesis of evaluations. The consultant will provide methodology (approach and theory of change) and methods suggestions for improvements based on a review of approaches and methods used in IEO corporate thematic evaluations, as well as relevant methods and approaches used by other evaluation organisations that conduct evaluations of similar scale and scope.
Review of the use of evaluation criteria: In 2005, the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) adopted the OECD/DAC criteria of relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability, and impact to frame its evaluations. According to the UNEG standards, OECD/DAC criteria and questions should serve as a guide, but it is not compulsory to use all criteria in an evaluation. UNDP evaluations over the past decade largely used relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability criteria in both independent as well as decentralised evaluations. The consultant will analyse the application of these criteria (relevance, usefulness and measurement issues) in the UNDP evaluations and re-think their use in future evaluation, especially in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The review should include recommendations on alternative criteria.
Review of country case study method in corporate thematic evaluations: The consultant will review the application of country case studies in UNDP corporate thematic evaluations, relevant external organisations and wider literature. The consultant will present approaches and options that can be used for future corporate evaluations.

Tasks

The consultant will conduct a rapid review of key existing documents, including the review of IEO evaluations, other relevant literature, manuals and training materials, and will remotely conduct any necessary interviews. Background methodology papers of 15-20 pages will be produced on each topic.

Timeframe

The consultancy is a combined 35 working days from date of contract signing to 30 November 2017. This will be divided between the two consultants, according to their specific tasks.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies

Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP;
Demonstrates integrity by modelling UN values and ethical standards; and
Acts as a team player and exercises diplomacy, tact and politeness

Functional Competencies

Strong analytical skills, including ability to rapidly analyse and integrate diverse information from varied sources; and
Shares knowledge and experience.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle a large volume of work;
Strong oral and written communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

A social or behavioral science education at the master’s level and above.

Experience:

Over 15 years of international development experience;
An evaluation expert who has conducted extensive development evaluation or complex evaluations;
Familiarity with IEO’S corporate thematic evaluations and ICPEs (previously, ADRs); and
Strong background in both quantitative and qualitative methods for evaluation.

Language:

Fluency in English required.

Application Instructions

The following documents should be uploaded as one document onto UNDP Jobs site:

Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of at least three (3) professional references;
A completed Confirmation of Interest and Submission of Financial Proposal Form.