UNDP Jobs - 96643- National/International Consultancy (2 Positions) -

National/International Consultancy (2 Positions) - Independent Country Programme Evaluation (ICPE) Moldova

Location :

Home-based

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Mar-2021

Application Deadline :

14-Feb-21 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

International Consultant (40 days) and National Consultant (35 days) spread between March- December

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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) to capture and demonstrate evaluative evidence of UNDP’s contributions to national development priorities, as well as the effectiveness of UNDP’s strategy in facilitating and leveraging national efforts for achieving development results. The purpose of an ICPE is to:

Support the development of the next UNDP Country Programme Document
Strengthen accountability of UNDP to national stakeholders
Strengthen accountability of UNDP to the Executive Board

This is the second ICPE for UNDP Moldova, the previous ones being conducted in 2012. The evaluation will be conducted in 2021 towards the end of the current UNDP programme cycle of 2018-2022, with a view to contributing to the preparation of UNDP's new programme starting from 2023. The ICPE will be conducted in close collaboration with the Government of Moldova and UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS. The IEO is recruiting an independent international evaluation consultant support the ICPE team.

IEO is seeking two evaluation consultants (01 international and 01 national based in Moldova) to put together a team of evaluation experts to undertake the ICPEs. The consultants should have substantial work experience and knowledge of the region and preferably the country under review. In addition to the country experience, the consultants should demonstrate evaluation expertise in one or more UNDP work areas in the country, which include: (i) governance, human rights and gender equality; (ii) sustainable and inclusive growth; and (iii) climate change, environment and energy.

The international consultant will focus on the overall design, planning and conduct of the evaluation including undertaking high level analysis and synthesis of the data, while the national consultant (Moldova based) will contribute mainly in data and information collection in the country, undertaking stakeholder and beneficiary interviews and field visits and supporting the ICPE team in data analysis and report writing.

All consultants should indicate in their Expression of Interest the position they are applying for (international or national consultant). Based on the proposals/CVs, IEO will put together a team to undertake the ICPE in Moldova. Specific evaluation Terms of Reference will be shared with consultants selected for the interviews. For more information on IEO, visit http://web.undp.org/evaluation

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the IEO Lead Evaluator (LE), the consultant will contribute to the research, data collection and analysis of the country programme by providing their technical expertise and knowledge in all outcome areas including cross-cutting areas like gender, human rights, partnerships and capacity building, and contribute in the analysis of findings, conclusions and recommendations leading to the preparation of the draft and final ICPE report.

While the international consultant will focus on the overall design, planning and conduct of the evaluation including undertaking high level analysis and synthesis of the data, the Moldova based national consultant will contribute mainly in data and information collection in the country, undertaking stakeholder and beneficiary interviews and field visits and supporting the ICPE team in data analysis and report writing.

The consultants will:

Conduct preliminary research and desk review on the CPD outcomes.
Prepare pre-mission draft country analysis paper covering all three outcomes (based on secondary review of literature, advance survey questionnaire and preliminary stakeholder discussions) on emerging findings, data gaps, and prepare in-country data collection and validation plans with the support from national consultant.
Participate in data collection activities (virtual land in person, if possible). These include interviews and meetings with relevant stakeholders (virtual, Skype/telephone, and in person by the national consultant).
Prepare a debriefing presentation on the main findings, preliminary conclusions, and areas for recommendation at the conclusion of data collection activities.
Prepare and contribute in the analysis of findings by outcomes, conclusions, and recommendations (as per comments received from the IEO, CO, Regional bureau and other stakeholders) leading to the preparation of the draft and final ICPE report.

Competencies

Functional competencies

Strong analytical skills, including ability to quickly assess a diverse range of information with a discerning sense for quality of data;
Good mastery of information technology required for organized presentation of information.
Adhere to the principle of confidentiality and ethical code of conducts during the evaluation;
Ability to work under pressure, multi-tasking skills;
Available to travel and conduct required analysis within the agreed timelines; and
Excellent proven oral and drafting skills in English, with excellent analysis and synthesis skills.

Corporate Competencies

Knowledge of UNDP work in the country and sub-region
Knowledge of the country and regional context, development issues and challenges
Ability to work in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams, acting with professionalism, diplomacy, tact and courtesy

Required Skills and Experience

Education

A post-graduate degree or higher in thematic area(s) indicated above, Social Sciences, Public Policy, International Relations, or other relevant fields.

Experience

Substantive knowledge and experience on issues related to (i) governance, rule of law, human rights and gender equality; (ii) sustainable and inclusive growth; and (iii) climate change, environment and energy;
Good understanding of development cooperation/assistance, South-South and triangular cooperation issues;
Extensive experience in program evaluation in development settings, mastery of qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques, methods and analysis;
Experience in gender-sensitive programming and/or evaluations;
Experience in evaluating programme evaluations for UNDP or other development cooperation agencies in the country or region will be an asset.

Languages

Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of Moldovan/ Romanian/ Russian is an advantage.

Application Instructions

Applicants are invited to upload as one combined document the following documents to the UNDP Jobs site:

A brief cover letter (250-400 words) specifying (a) the post you are applying for (i.e. national or international consultant); (b) your thematic areas of expertise and previous experience in evaluation and data collection and any experience related to the UNDP areas of work in the country/ region/ globally; and (c) details of any potential conflict of interest in having worked in a programmatic capacity for UNDP over the last 5 years;
Personal CV or P11, indicating all experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of at least three (3) professional references; and
A completed Confirmation of Interest and Submission of Financial Proposal Form that indicates your daily rate for this consultancy;

Candidates not sending any of the requested information will be disqualified. Please note that the system can only accept one uploaded document therefore all documents must be combined into a single document for upload.