The Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) conducts independent country programme evaluations (ICPEs) to assess UNDP’s contribution to national development priorities and the effectiveness of its strategy. The purpose of an ICPE is to: i) support the development of the next UNDP Country Programme Document; and ii) strengthen UNDP’s accountability to national stakeholders and to the Executive Board.

The IEO will conduct the ICPE for UNDP country programme in Ghana in 2021, covering the period of 2018-2022. Results of the evaluation are expected to feed into the preparation of a new programme starting from 2023.

The IEO is seeking national or international evaluation consultants for the assessment of the following programme thematic/outcome areas as defined in the UNDP Country Programme for Ghana and the United Nations Sustainable Development Partnership (UNSDP). The candidates may apply for one or more areas based on their expertise. Analysis of cross-cutting issues such as gender will be part of all areas. :

1. Inclusive, equitable, and accountable governance: Supports cost-effectiveness and efficiency in institutions related to access to justice, conflict prevention and resolution, electoral processes and national development planning and accountability.
2. Green, equitable and resilient development: Supports strengthening public institutional capacities to reduce environmental degradation and implement climate action, and facilitating access to information, knowledge and tools to promote green jobs, citizen participation in environmental conservation and community resilience.

These two above priority areas translate into three outcome areas of the country programme: (i) Environmental governance at national and local levels is effective, efficient and coherent; (ii) Urban and rural communities have access to affordable services, knowledge and tools to increase their resilience; and (iii) Transparent, accountable institutions at all levels protect the rights of all people.

The evaluation is expected to address the following evaluation questions, based on which data collection and analysis will be carried out. Given that the Global COVID-19 pandemic has presented UNDP with considerable challenges in implementing its ongoing programme of work in line with its initial plan, this ICPE will include the assessment on the degree to which UNDP has been able to adapt to the crisis and support Ghana’s preparedness, response to the pandemic and its ability to recovery meeting the new development challenges that the pandemic has highlighted, or which may have emerged:

1. What did the UNDP country programme intend to achieve during the period under review?
2. To what extent has the programme achieved (or is likely to achieve) its intended objectives?
3. To what extent has UNDP been able to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and support country’s preparedness, response and recovery process?
4. What factors contributed to or hindered UNDP’s performance and eventually, to the sustainability of results?

This is a general call for expression of interest. The Terms of Reference for the specific positions will be provided to the candidates who meet the required qualifications. The IEO has started its preparatory work with the UNDP Ghana country office. The main evaluation phase, including desk reviews, data collection and analysis, report drafting, are expected to take place between Q2 and Q3, starting from May 2021.  The duration of the consultancy will vary depending on the specific assignment but ranging between around 25 to 35 days. The general information about the IEO and its publications, including past ICPE reports, are available at its website: http://web.undp.org/evaluation/.

Duties and responsibilities

The consultants will work closely with the IEO staff as part of the evaluation team. Under the direct supervision of the IEO Lead Evaluator, the consultants will contribute to the analysis of the country programme by providing technical expertise and knowledge in the assigned area(s), including the assessment of cross-cutting areas, e.g. human rights, partnerships, gender equality and women’s empowerment, capacity building, etc. Their responsibilities will include:

• Conduct desk reviews of reference material provided by the IEO and prepare a preliminary analysis based on the provided assessment framework.
• Conduct data collection activities in accordance with the terms of reference for the post, including interviews and meetings with relevant stakeholders (*Virtual and/ or in person, if feasible).
• Prepare individual reports (programme outcome-level analysis).
• Participate in various meetings organized by the IEO Lead Evaluator, including the launch meetings, regular briefings, and those with the country office as required.
• Review and contribute to the draft ICPE report. Once a draft ICPE report has been prepared by the IEO, review and comment on the overall report, including the contextual analysis. Correct any errors and/or misinterpretation in the initial analysis and data. Contribute to the formulation of the ‘recommendations,’ which should be sensible to and reflect Ghana’s context.

For more information please access the ToR here

Competencies

Functional competencies

• Strong analytical and organizational skills, including ability to digest, assess and keep track of a diverse range of information with a discerning sense for quality of data
• Good mastery of information technology required for organized presentation of information.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Adhere to the principle of confidentiality and ethical code of conduct during the evaluation
• Ability to work under pressure, multi-tasking skills with flexibility
• Ability to conduct required analysis in a timely manner, within the agreed timelines.

Corporate Competencies

• Familiarity with UNDP or UN work; and
• Ability to work in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams, acting with professionalism, diplomacy, tact and courtesy.

Education:

• Master’s Degree or higher in each of fields relevant the outcome area(s) that the candidate wishes to collaborate with the IEO under this assignment. The candidate may select one or more of the programmatic and outcomes areas. The areas and required fields of expertise are listed below:

1. Inclusive, equitable and accountable governance: human rights, rule of law, justice, public policy, conflict studies, public management, digital technology for governance, or any other relevant field
2. Green, equitable and resilient development:  environmental studies, climate change, natural resources management, inclusive and sustainable development studies or a relevant field

Professional Experience:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of work experience in the interested topical areas
• Experience in conducting evaluations in development setting, and familiarity with techniques and methods of data collection and quantitative and qualitative analysis
• Knowledge of UN/UNDP mandate, operations, and programme areas, preferably in Ghana or in the West Africa region.
• Familiarity with the Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals, and international development and policy mechanisms.

• Experience in providing strategic, policy-level advisory services; gender analysis for development programmes.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required with strong writing skills.