Historique

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

From the local to the global level, opportunities for women’s leadership and political participation are restricted. Women are underrepresented as voters, as well as in in elected or appointed positions, as parliamentarians, as ministers or as heads of state and/or Government. This occurs despite their proven abilities as leaders and agents of change, and their right to participate equally in governance and decision-making bodies. Women face several obstacles to participating in political life. Structural barriers, discriminatory laws and gendered institutions still limit women’s options to run for, and be elected to, political office. Capacity gaps mean women are less likely than men to have the education, contacts and resources needed to become effective leaders.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) of UN Women serves as the custodian of the evaluation function in line with the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) Norms and Standards. It deploys quantitative and qualitative approaches to evaluate transformative changes in gender equality and human rights and UN Women’s contribution therein. It undertakes corporate evaluations and promotes their use at decision making levels; supports decentralized evaluations for improved programming and evidence generation on what works for gender equality; supports evaluation capacity development within the organization and of regional and country partners, and promotes coordination with the UN system on joint evaluation of gender equality and the inclusion of gender in system wide evaluation.

As part of its implementation of the UN Women Corporate Evaluation Plan (2014 – 2017), the UN Women Independent Evaluation Office is seeking to recruit four evaluation consultants to support the conduct of a forthcoming Corporate Evaluation of Women’s Leadership and Political Participation.

The evaluation will assess UN Women’s contribution over the last six years under Impact Area 1 of the UN Women Strategic Plans (2011 – 2013) and (2014 - 2017). The evaluation will be conducted from August 2016 to July 2017 and will be presented to UN Women’s Executive Board in September 2017.

For further information on this evaluation, please refer to the full ToR at the link hereafter: https://gate.unwomen.org/Evaluation/Details?evaluationId=8095

Devoirs et responsabilités

The team roles are defined as: Lead Evaluator; Senior Evaluator; Senior/Intermediate Evaluator; and a Junior Evaluator. Additional expertise may be added to the team during the process, such as national evaluators/researchers for the field visits of the evaluation or additional thematic or methodological expertise. The team should be gender balanced and include regional and/or evaluators from countries within which UN Women is operating.

The below provides indicative detailed expected duties and responsibilities for each team member. Once the team selection is finalized, some roles and responsibilities outlined below may be subject to change based on complementarity of skills amongst the team. The roles and responsibilities will be reviewed by the IEO at the beginning of each stage of the evaluation process, and modified in consultation with all team members. The team members are expected to allow for flexibility within the evaluation process to ensure quality and timeliness of final products.

The core team members will be directly managed and supervised by IEO task managers. However, they will be responsible for collaborating and supporting each other according to their assigned roles and responsibilities.

Detailed qualifications and responsibilities for each core team member are outlined here below and in Annex 2 of the full ToR at the link hereafter: https://gate.unwomen.org/Evaluation/Details?evaluationId=8095

Each team members will also be required to sign the “Evaluation consultants’ agreement form" to demonstrate their understanding and commitment to follow the UNEG Ethical Guidelines and Code of Conduct for Evaluation in the UN system (see Annex 1 of the full ToR https://gate.unwomen.org/Evaluation/Details?evaluationId=8095).

Responsibilities of Lead Evaluator:

The Lead Evaluator will lead the evaluation starting with the Inception Phase. S/he will be responsible for finalization of the evaluation design and the implementation of the evaluation according to the agreed plan. S/he will lead the coordination and collaboration amongst team members to produce key deliverables as outlined in Section X of the full ToR (https://gate.unwomen.org/Evaluation/Details?evaluationId=8095). This will include ensuring coherence and quality of outputs, application of methodology, as well as timely delivery of all products. S/he will also act as the primary liaison between the IEO and core team members. S/he will have additional responsibilities in regards to presentation of findings, communication and facilitation of dialogue around the evaluation. More specifically, the responsibilities of the Lead Evaluator will include, but not be limited to:

• Finalizing the Inception Report to IEO quality, which includes refining and finalizing the approach and methodology of the evaluation and coordinating the team to develop frameworks and tools to implement the evaluation methodology.

• Leading, coordinating and participating in the conduct of field visits and ensuring the quality and cohesion of Briefing Notes.

• Leading the analysis of the evaluation evidence gathered, identifying data gaps and proposing additional data collection activities to address these. Finalize the Preliminary Findings Paper/PPT and cover note and co-present these at stakeholder workshop.
• Lead the development of the preliminary synthesis report, specifically coordinating and quality assuring the inputs from other team members.
• Work in conjunction with IEO Task Managers and team members to develop the final draft report and co-present this at a stakeholders meeting.

• Quality assure the finalization of evaluation briefs, PPT presentation and other communication products.
• Contributing to the report dissemination and communication by participating in webinars and providing inputs to evaluation magazines or newsletters.

Responsibilities of Senior Evaluator: Expert on Women’s Leadership and Political Participation

• The Senior Evaluator must possess extensive knowledge and experience in the area of women’s leadership and political participation. S/he will be responsible for supporting the Lead Evaluator in finalization of evaluation products to quality in all phases of the evaluation and specifically in providing substantive advice on the integration of WPP issues and analysis throughout the evaluation, including aspects of emerging importance in the field. S/he will support the Lead Evaluator in the coordination of the team members to complete deliverables.

Responsibilities of Senior/Intermediate Evaluator

• The senior/intermediate evaluation expert will provide input into the design and implementation of the evaluation methodology and draft the methodology annex for the synthesis report. In addition, he/she will contribute to the preparation of the final report, evaluation briefs, PPT presentation, evaluation magazine and newsletter as necessary, and will support the Lead Evaluator in the supervision of the research assistant/s work.

Responsibilities of Junior Evaluator

• The Junior Evaluator will provide support to the overall evaluation process as requested by the other team members. In particular, s/he will assist in the implementation of the methodology, including maintaining data collection systems, organization of meetings and site visits, supporting implementation of the overall methodology and reporting. S/he will also support the team members in communications and the implementation of the communication and dissemination strategy to ensure a participatory and utilization-focused process.

Compétences

Guiding principles:

Ethics:

• Acts according to the standards of ethical conduct for evaluators, including policies on receiving and giving gifts, conflicting financial interests, outside employment and activities, misuse of position, impartiality in performing official duties and related statutory authorities. Acts with integrity and honesty in relationships with all stakeholders.

Integrity:

• Demonstrating consistency in upholding and promoting the values of UN Women in actions and decisions, in line with the UN Code of Conduct.

Cultural Sensitivity/Valuing diversity:

• Demonstrating an appreciation of the multicultural nature of the organization and the diversity of its staff. Demonstrating an international outlook, appreciating differences in values and learning from cultural diversity.

Professionalism:

• Demonstrate professional competence and expert knowledge of the pertinent substantive areas of work.

Core competencies:

Work in teams:

• Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multi ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Communicating and Information Sharing:

• Facilitate and encourage open communication and strive for effective communication.

Self-management and Emotional Intelligence:

• Stay composed and positive even in difficult moments, handle tense situations with diplomacy and tact, and have a consistent behavior towards others.

Conflict Management:

• Surface conflicts and address them proactively acknowledging different feelings and views and directing energy towards a mutually acceptable solution.

Appropriate and Transparent Decision Making:

• Demonstrate informed and transparent decision making.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge of UN context and gender equality:

• Has a detailed knowledge of the role of the UN and its components and UN Women’s mandate with the UN system. Has a detailed understanding of the Organization, funds and programs and the distinctions between them. Has a good knowledge of key UN topics.

Technical and professional skills:

• Evaluation design - Has a good understanding of various methodologies in evaluation, both qualitative and quantitative, such as surveys, record reviews, focus groups and case studies and is able to contribute to the development of the most efficient and effective methodology for the design, with minimal guidance. Has a good understanding of various sampling techniques and their applications and is able to develop the most accurate sampling technique for the methodology. Has grounded knowledge of how to address gender equality on evaluation design;
• Data collection and analysis - Has the required competencies to collect reliable, valid and accurate information in an objective way. Masters effective interviewing skills and is able to conduct interviews independently. Has a good understanding of questionnaire design and is able to develop questionnaires and other review instruments that will address issues identified in the design, independently. Masters effective interviewing skills and is able to conduct interviews independently. Has the skill to use programme data and documents and to design and conduct case studies independently. Is able to guide and direct junior staff in data collection and to ensure the data analysis addresses evaluation issues;
• Gender analysis – has experience in conducting gender analysis; has grounded knowledge of gender equality and women’s human rights.

Oral and written communication:

• Has the required competencies to: articulate relevant subject matter in a clear and concise way; pose basic questions and contribute information appropriately in formal settings; effectively use appropriate support items, including charts, graphs, audio-visual techniques, and hand-outs; conceptualize ideas and issues during the evaluation reporting process; and use critical thinking to formulate findings and recommendations based on the results of both qualitative and quantitative data, and the broader context of evaluation issues. Is able to develop clear, concise and compelling evaluation reports that meet UNEG reporting standards, with minimal guidance.

Evaluation process management:

• Masters the skills of evaluation management, including developing a plan and schedule, assigning tasks, ensuring milestones are met on a timely basis, ensuring project costs are within and approved budget and ensuring evaluation objectives are adequately addressed. Is able to independently assume responsibility for managing complex evaluations and to coordinate with evaluation team members.

Leadership and Self-Management:

• Focuses on result for the client; Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills; Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure; Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities; Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.

Qualifications et expériences requises

Combined Team Qualifications:

The combined qualifications of the core team should include the knowledge and skills as outlined below.

Education:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, business, public administration, international relations, communications, women's studies, or a related field.

Evaluation Experience:

• Advanced evaluation expertise and experience in a wide range of relevant evaluation approaches such as: theory-based, utilization-focused, outcome harvesting, systems thinking, gender and human rights responsive, cost-effectiveness analysis, mixed methods, and culturally-responsive.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement a range of evaluation methods, and to respond to changing circumstances, in particular in the field.
• Previous experience in conducting thematic evaluations, preferably at the global/ corporate level for the UN system.

Women’s Leadership and Political Participation Expertise:

• Knowledge of the relevant international and regional frameworks pertaining to gender equality and women’s empowerment, gender mainstreaming and in gender analysis.
• Specific knowledge of and experience in women’s leadership and political participation thematic area, including the outcome and priority areas for UN Women outlined in Section V, other emerging areas of work/trends/strategies on this topic, and the key stakeholders/women’s groups/global and regional groups working on this area. ?
• Strong experience and knowledge of human rights issues, the human rights-based approach to programming, human rights analysis and related UN mandates.

Communication and Facilitation Expertise:

• Excellent analytical, facilitation and communications skills; ability to negotiate with a wide range of stakeholders and demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to convey complex and sensitive issues in a balanced and constructive manner
• Strong writing skills and experience in drafting concise evaluation reports with actionable recommendations.
• Ability to substantively support the dissemination and communication strategy for the evaluation, through use of innovative communication tools, e.g. social media.

Language:

• Fluency in English required, and working knowledge other official UN languages desired, particularly, Spanish, French and Arabic.

Other:

• Knowledge and experience with RBM processes, programme design, and the development of monitoring and measurement tools (including indicators).
• Understanding or experience in developing of knowledge management systems.
• Facility with using data analysis software.

Team Members Qualifications:

Qualifications of Lead Evaluator:

• At least 15 years advanced evaluation expertise and experience in a wide range of relevant evaluation approaches such as: theory-based, utilization-focused, outcome harvesting, systems thinking, gender and human rights responsive, cost-effectiveness analysis, mixed methods, and culturally-responsive.
• Demonstrated ability to lead the development and implementation of a range of evaluation methods, and to respond to changing circumstances, in particular in the field
• Previous experience as a Lead Evaluator conducting thematic evaluations, preferably at the global/ corporate level for the UN system.
• Excellent analytical, facilitation and presentation skills, the ability to negotiate amongst a wide range of stakeholders at different levels; and demonstrated cultural sensitivity
• Strong writing skills and experience in drafting concise evaluation reports with actionable recommendations

Qualifications of Senior Evaluator, Expert on Women’s Leadership and Political Participation:

• At least 10 years advanced evaluation expertise and experience in a wide range of relevant evaluation approaches such as: theory-based, utilization-focused, outcome harvesting, systems thinking, gender and human rights responsive, cost-effectiveness analysis, mixed methods, and culturally-responsive.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement a range of evaluation methods, and to respond to changing circumstances, in particular in the field
• Specific knowledge of and experience in women’s leadership and political participation thematic area including the outcome and priority areas for UN Women outlined in Section V, other emerging areas of work/trends/strategies on this topic, and the key stakeholders/women’s groups/global and regional groups working on this area; some experience with practical implementation of related programmes desirable
• Knowledge of current discourse of feminist political leadership and participation, including legal and institutional frameworks? at national and local levels;
• Knowledge and experience with RBM processes, programme design, and the development of monitoring and measurement tools (including indicators), specifically for women’s political participation.
• Strong analytical, facilitation and communications skills and ability to negotiate amongst a wide range of stakeholders;
• Facility with using data analysis software

Qualifications of Senior/Intermediate Evaluator:

• At least 7-10 years advanced evaluation expertise and experience in a wide range of relevant evaluation approaches such as: theory-based, utilization-focused, outcome harvesting, systems thinking, gender and human rights responsive, cost-effectiveness analysis, mixed methods, and culturally-responsive.
• Ability to implement a range of evaluation methods, and to respond to changing circumstances, in particular in the field
• Previous experience in conducting thematic evaluations within the UN system
• Knowledge of the relevant international and regional frameworks pertaining to gender equality and women’s empowerment, gender mainstreaming and in gender analysis.
• Preferably knowledge of and experience in women’s leadership and political participation thematic area, including the outcome and priority areas for UN Women outlined in Section V, other emerging areas of work/trends/strategies on this topic, and the key stakeholders/women’s groups/global and regional groups working on this area.
• Strong experience and knowledge of human rights issues, the human rights-based approach to programming, human rights analysis and related UN mandates.
• Excellent analytical and communications skills including developing communications products and support the dissemination and communication strategy for the evaluation, through use of innovative communication tools, e.g. social media
• Knowledge and experience with RBM processes, programme design, and the development of monitoring and measurement tools (including indicators)
• Understanding or experience in developing of knowledge management systems
• Facility with using data analysis software

Qualifications of Junior Evaluator:

• At least 5 years’ experience related to evaluation and/or gender equality and women’s empowerment issues.
• Experience in a range of relevant evaluation approaches such as: theory-based, utilization-focused, outcome harvesting, systems thinking, gender and human rights responsive, cost-effectiveness analysis, mixed methods, and culturally-responsive.
• Knowledge of the relevant international and regional frameworks pertaining to gender equality and women’s empowerment, gender mainstreaming and in gender analysis. Specific experience related to women’s political participation an asset.
• Knowledge and/or experience in the UN an asset;
• Understanding or experience in developing of knowledge management systems
• Strong analytical and drafting skills, with the ability to quickly grasp and synthesize information;
• Ability to work interactively with a team, often responding to varying requests under pressure;
• Facility with using data analysis software
• Good mastery of information technology required for organized presentation of information, including quantitative information and graphical presentations, and for organizing information and materials on the internal website;
• Ability to translate evaluation tools and documents into official UN languages is desired.