Consultant, Independent Evaluation of training/learning-related projects, Roster, Planning,

Overview:

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a principal training arm of the United Nations, with the aim to increase the effectiveness of the United Nations in achieving its major objectives through training and research. UNITAR’s mission is to bridge gaps in knowledge and skills through impactful training, research and innovative learning solutions.

UNITAR’s evaluation function is performed at the central and decentralized levels, and is guided by the Evaluation Policy and a set of guidance documents and tools. Under the Division for Strategic Planning and Performance, the Planning, Performance Monitoring, and Evaluation Unit (PPME) works to strengthen the Institute’s accountability, programme effectiveness and efficiency, and organizational learning. In addition to performing strategic planning, corporate monitoring and reporting functions, the unit acts as the custodian of the independent evaluation function and undertakes/manages independent project evaluations and other corporate evaluations in accordance with the Evaluation Policy. PPME also provides guidance and support to UNITAR Programmes applying the decentralized, self-evaluation function in conjunction with their respective projects.

When starting a new evaluation, PPME will review roster applications and contact candidates accordingly.

General objectives of the contract:

The consultant will assess the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability of a UNITAR project or several projects; identify any problems or challenges; suggest recommendations, and identify lessons to be learned on the project design, implementation, and management. The evaluation’s purpose is to provide findings and conclusions to meet accountability requirements, and recommendations and lessons learned to contribute to the initiative’s improvement and broader organization learning. The evaluation should not only assess how well the project has performed, but also seek to answer the ‘why ‘question by identifying factors contributing to (or inhibiting) successful delivery of the results.

Responsibilities/description of professional services:

The consultant shall undertake a desk review based on the related documents including analytical reports; collect data using appropriate tools, including surveys, interviews and focus groups; analyze data using quantitative and qualitative methods as appropriate to the evaluation questions; and submit deliverables in accordance with the schedule.

Measurable outputs/deliverables/indicative schedule of deliverables:

• Initial data collection, including desk review, stakeholder analysis, synthesis evaluation
• Evaluation design/ question matrix
• Data collection and analysis, including survey(s), interviews, focus groups
• Zero draft evaluation including case studies
• Draft evaluation including case studies
• Final evaluation including case studies
• Presentation of findings

Experience

• At least 3 years of professional experience conducting evaluation.
• Knowledge and experience in evaluating training, including in areas related to broader development cooperation undertakings.
• Knowledge of the OECD DAC Criteria, the United Nations Norms and Standards for Evaluation and Ethical Guidelines for Evaluation.
• Knowledge of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and awareness of other outcomes of 2015 international conferences.
• Field work experience in developing countries.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, including experience in a variety of evaluation methods and approaches.
• Experience in evaluation using Kirkpatrick/Phillips or similar method for evaluating training is an advantage. Certification of Kirkpatrick/Phillips is an asset.
• Experience in assessing programme efficiency through the application of quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods, including benefit–cost analysis (BCA), cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), and return on investment (ROI) assessments.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Cross-cultural awareness and flexibility.

Education level

MA degree or equivalent in evaluation, development, international relations or a related discipline.

Language skill

Fluency in oral and written English. Knowledge of French or Spanish is an asset.

Other information