Background

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. One consultant will be hired for reviewing impact evaluation approaches and methods suitable for UNDP.

[1] UNDP Evaluation Policy, 2016

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope

The consultant will outline impact evaluation approaches and methods suitable for the UNDP evaluations based on analysis of approaches and methods in other relevant organisations and global literature. The approaches and methods outlined should be appropriate for evaluating the scale and scope of UNDP programmes.

Tasks

The consultant will conduct a rapid review of key existing documents, including the review of relevant literature, manuals and training materials, and will remotely conduct any necessary interviews. The consultant will deliver a report of 15-20 pages.

Timeframe

The consultancy will be for 15 working days from date of contract signing to 30 November 2017. This a desk-based consultancy.

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; and
  • 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 multiple impact 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: