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. It also supports the strengthening of the methodology and conduct of decentralized evaluations, i.e., evaluations carried out by the programme units of UNDP. The evaluations assess UNDP’s contributions to development results and related factors, and are carried out within the overall provisions contained in the UNDP Evaluation Policy.

The IEO is seeking a Research Consultant for its Independent Country Programme Evaluations (ICPEs) 2018-2019. Each ICPE is led by an IEO evaluation manager who establishes an independent evaluation team typically comprising external subject matter experts. The Research Consultant is responsible for providing critical background research support to the evaluation managers by collecting internal and external reference material relevant to country programmes, conducting preliminary analysis, and providing any direct support required by the evaluation managers completing the analysis and preparation of the reports. The position is under IEO’s Country Programme Evaluation Section.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Consultant should have excellent research and organizational skills and the ability to work independently under tight deadlines. The position – under the Country Programme Evaluation (CPE) Section – will be based in the IEO office. This position is initially for 4 months, with possible renewal of a maximum of two years. Spanish and English skills are required for the post.

The Research Consultant will be responsible for supporting research and data collection/ analysis for multiple ICPE countries. The Consultant will work directly with respective IEO evaluation managers under the overall guidance of Chief of CPE Section. The Research Consultant’s work will be guided by IEO’s standard ICPE research and process manuals.

Specific tasks include, but not limited to the following:

  • Survey and gathering of both external and corporately-available documents, data, and information relevant to the countries and programmes under review;
  • Compilation of required country-specific data and uploading of background material to IEO’s common document portal, in accordance with the ICPE research manual;
  • Preparation of a set of preliminary research and analytical material as required for each country, including country context, stakeholder analysis, and a list of projects and programmes with validation with country office focal points;
  • Support to the development of data collection instruments;
  • Preparation of tables, figures, graphs, and annexes for the reports;
  • Translation of documents, as required; and
  • Provision of general support as required by the evaluation managers.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the overall efficiency, effectiveness and success of IEO’s work. The Research Consultant’s work contributes to the immediate execution of ICPEs planned for each year, establishment of strong and reliable research base within IEO, as well as to the timely and efficient implementation of IEO’s work plan.

Competencies

Core Competencies

  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling UN values and ethical standards;
  • Acts as a team player and facilitate team work; and
  • Maintains confidentiality.

Functional Competencies

  • Strong research and analytical skills, including ability to collect reliable, valid and accurate information; and quickly digest and analyze a diverse range of information and data collected from varied sources;
  • Use of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint;
  • Knowledge of software packages available for quantitative analysis, including databases, spreadsheets and statistical packages; and
  • Ability to prioritize tasks; and plan, organize, and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals (project management skills).

Development and Operational Effectiveness

  • Strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Time management and ability to handle a large volume of work; and
  • Knowledge sharing and lesson learning; and
  • Manages conflict

Required Skills and Experience

Education

  • Master’s Degree or equivalent in Social Science, Public Administration, Political Science, International Relations, or other relevant areas.

Experience

  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in conducting research in the international development context;
  • Experience in the use of various research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative);
  • Experience in designing and implementing programme monitoring and evaluation, a significant advantage;
  • Prior experience with or knowledge of UNDP or other UN agencies, an advantage;
  • Knowledge of current international development issues; and
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Language Requirements

  • Fluency in English and Spanish is required for the position. Knowledge of other UNDP working languages (e.g. Arabic, French and Russian) is an asset.

Application Instructions

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

Please ensure that all required documents are combined and uploaded as one file as the system does not permit multiple uploads.