Background

The United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) is an interagency professional network that brings together the evaluation units of the UN system, including UN departments, specialized agencies, funds and programmes, and affiliated organizations. It currently has 50 such members and observers. UNEG's current operational strategies are outlined in the UNEG Principles of Working Together (PWT) (2019) and UNEG Strategy 2020-2024. UNEG’s strategy is implemented through working groups and task forces.  

The United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) National Evaluation Capacity Development (NECD) Working Group (WG) has been tasked with preparing a report on progress on implementation of UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/69/237 on “Building capacity for the evaluation of development activities at the country level.” This resolution confirms the importance of building national capacity for the evaluation of development activities and invites UN agencies, with the collaboration of national and international stakeholders, to support efforts to further strengthen the capacity of Member States for evaluation in accordance with their national policies and priorities. 

The UNEG NECD WG is seeking an expert in national evaluation capacity development to assist in completing the report, in close consultation with the WG.  

Duties and Responsibilities

The UNEG NECD WG has already done significant background work including a preliminary report based on a mapping of UN support to NECD and other resources, as well as developing the conceptual framework for and a detailed outline for the full report.   However, the WG requires assistance in expanding the literature review, refining the conceptual framework, gathering additional data on results and lessons learned from a sample of NECD initiatives, and drafting the full report.  

For detailed information including expected tasks and deliverables, please refer to the Terms of Reference.

Competencies

Functional Competencies

  • Strong analytical skills, including ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information with a discerning sense for quality of data;
  • Good mastery of information technology required for organized presentation of information;
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Proven organizational skills and ability to handle a large volume of data;
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate and present results in clear, user-friendly ways
  • Excellent teamwork skills including the ability to facilitate conversations, mediate between differing viewpoints, accept feedback and adapt to team decisions.

Corporate Competencies

  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling UN values and ethical standards, including UNEG norms;
  • Acts as a team player and exercises diplomacy, tact and politeness; and
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

  • a PhD or Master’s degree in a relevant field (such as but not limited to evaluation, international development, economics, political science or social policy)

Experience

  • At least seven years of professional experience in the field of evaluation, including national evaluation capacity development.
  • Proven, practical experience in national evaluation capacity development, including working with national governments to strengthen M&E systems;
  • Solid understanding of global geopolitical issues as they relate to evaluation and evaluation systems;
  • Solid understanding of the UN context and the Sustainable Development Goals;
  • Experience conducting public policy and/or development programme evaluations;
  • Solid understanding of evaluation design, data collection and analysis methods;
  • Ability to develop clear, realistic, feasible recommendations;

Language

  • English is required. Excellent analytical and writing skills in English required. Ability to work in French and/or Spanish a significant advantage.

Application Instructions

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

  • CV in the format known as  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 that indicates your daily rate for this consultancy; and;
  • A brief cover letter (250-400 words) that highlights previous experience in evaluation including in the UN and with experience with capacity development for evaluation.