International Consultant - Evaluation Expert (SSA)

Background:

Please note that this is a home-based consultancy assignment of a temporary nature. 

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, combating human trafficking, national minorities, and democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

The OSCE works for stability, peace and democracy for more than a billion people, through political dialogue about shared values and through practical work that aims to make a lasting difference. With its institutions, expert units and network of field operations, the OSCE addresses security issues, including arms control, terrorism, good governance, energy security, human trafficking, democratization, media freedom and national minorities. 

The Evaluation Section of the Office of Internal Oversight has started a special evaluation that is focused on capturing OSCE’s impact over the last decade in the field by collecting and analyzing impact stories. It is currently developing a repository of potential impact stories based on evaluations conducted to date and document review. In the next phase it aims to engage OSCE staff and other stakeholders in evaluative thinking by cross-checking stories generated through document review and collecting additional impact stories through participatory methods. After classifying the stories collected, a sample of stories will then be analyzed in depth, substantiating the outcomes identified and analyzing OSCE contribution claims.  

Objective of Assignment: 

To harvest impact stories from across the OSCE, and subsequently substantiate and analyze at least 4 impact stories in depth, OIO is looking for an evaluation expert consultant that has experience with 1) participatory evaluation methods such as Storytelling and Outcome Harvesting, and 2) methods to analyze causality, such as contribution analysis and process tracing. Please note that local consultants will be hired to collect primary data for the 4 impact stories that will be analyzed in depth, and with whom the international consultant will closely collaborate. Depending on resource availability the contract can be extended to analyze more impact stories.  

Duration of Assignment:

01 May 2024 - 30 September 2024

Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Evaluation, Deputy Director, Office of Internal Oversight, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Based on the Terms of Reference develop a short inception report outlining the implementation of the next phases of this evaluation, including evaluation matrix and a detailed workplan;
2. Provide training to Evaluation Focal Points and other OSCE staff to facilitate harvesting of Impact Stories from the various Executive Structures;
3. Lead participatory harvesting of impact stories, using appropriate methods and tools and ensuring the most relevant impact stories from OSCE’s work in the field over the last decade are included in the repository by engaging with OSCE staff from different Executive Structures, including Field Operations, Institutions and Secretariat departments;
4. Classify impact stories in the repository on a number of criteria and select an initial sample (15 stories) for in-depth analysis;
5. Lead in-depth analysis of 4 impact stories, by managing local experts conducting primary data-collection, and analyzing both primary and secondary data to substantiate outcomes and analyze contribution claims, using relevant evaluation methodologies.

Deliverables:

The consultant will deliver:

1. Short inception report;
2. Training on outcome harvesting;
3. Repository of impact stories from OSCE's work in the field over the last decade;
4. Classify impact stories and select a sample for substantiation and analysis;
5. Four detailed story reports, with substantiated outcomes and examined contribution claims.

Necessary Qualifications:

• A second-level (Masters or higher-level) degree in social sciences or a related field (political sciences, evaluation, etc.);
• At least 10 years of professional experience conducting complex evaluations and/or applied research;
• Prior experience with evaluation or applied research in priority areas related to OSCE’s mandate is highly desirable;
• Knowledge of UNEG evaluation norms and standards, ethical guidelines, and evaluation theory and practice, including knowledge of integrating human rights and gender equality perspectives into evaluation processes, and ability to apply them in practice;
• Knowledge of and proven experience with 1) participatory evaluation methods such as Storytelling and Outcome Harvesting, and 2) methods to explore causality, such as contribution analysis and process tracing;
• Experience providing training on participatory evaluation methods;
• Professional fluency in the English language, both oral and written. Knowledge of other OSCE languages is desirable;
• Digital literacy and proficient use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and evaluation-related software.
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. 

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.