Evaluation Consultant (Multiple Positions)

Result of Service

The overall objective of the evaluation is to assess as objectively and systematically as possible the performance of the project vis-à-vis its overall objective as defined in the project document. In addition, it will identify intended and unintended project results and progress made towards results in the project outcome areas. Specifically, the evaluation will: i) Assess the performance of the project in terms of its relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, impact and mainstreaming of gender, human rights, disability inclusion as well as integrating environmental sustainability considering its goal and objectives. ii) Identify and document lessons learned, good practices and provide clearly targeted recommendations for improvement for design of similar projects. iii) Identify areas of opportunity for future projects.

Work Location

ECA

Expected duration

4 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background: The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is responsible for promoting the economic and social development of its member States, fostering regional integration and promoting international cooperation for the development of Africa. It plays critical role in providing innovative solutions to its member States and regional economic communities in pursuit of sustainable development and rise of prosperous societies. ECA interventions include cutting-edge research and policy analysis, technical assistance and advisory, capacity building, convening and support for the operationalization of regional initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). These calls for assessing whether the interventions at programme and project levels are relevant, coherent, effective and efficient; it also calls for measuring the results and impacts of the interventions. ECA’s evaluation policy requires that programmes and projects are evaluated to inform programme management and contribute to development results. ECA evaluations include programme and project level evaluations. ECA facilitates the evaluation (internal and external) of its projects and programmes through the Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation Section of SPORD. Independent consultants are engaged to support the process. The MRES/SPORD develops annual evaluation plan articulating the evaluation to be carried out during each year; about 10 evaluations are carried out annually in line with the evaluation policy of the commission. To facilitate the timely completion of several evaluations for programmes and projects, ECA therefore has several consultancy positions to be recruited for in 2024 and also to develop a roster of evaluation consultants that can be engaged in subsequent years. ECA seeks to engage highly experienced and capable evaluation consultants to carry out independent external evaluation. Under the guidance of the Chief of the MRES, and the immediate supervision of the Evaluation Manager, the consultant will be required to undertake an evaluation of assigned project. Specifically, the consultant will assume the following duties and responsibilities: -Conduct preliminary desk review and consultation with relevant stakeholders to finalize the evaluation design and plan and submit an inception report. -Conduct data collection activities, including interviews, focus group discussions, observations with relevant project stakeholders, key informants, and partners -Prepare and conduct debriefing on the main findings and preliminary conclusions for validation and also filling any data/information gaps. -Analyse key findings, draw conclusions and recommendations, and identify lessons learned and best practices leading to the preparation of the final report. -Draft the evaluation report, using an approach agreed upon with the Evaluation Manager, and delivered in accordance with ECA’s specifications and timeline. -Prepare and deliver the final stakeholders’ debriefing on the evaluation findings and recommendations, online or, if judged necessary, at ECA or other venues, on dates to be agreed, in line with the work outlined in the ToR and to be agreed in the inception phase. The consultants will be expected to conduct desk research with relevant documents and may be required to undertake field visits to conduct interviews with key stakeholders. Prior to the submission to the Chief of Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation of ECA, all deliverables of the consultancy will be produced in English and cleared by the Evaluation manager.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in evaluation, development economics, social sciences, business/public administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 7 years of experience evaluating international development interventions

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written language of English is required for this task. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.