Evaluation Consultant

Result of Service• Remuneration will be determined based on the candidate's experience and the allocated budget for the evaluation (equivalent to level P4). Work LocationUNRWA- Jordan Field office- Programme Support Office • The incumbent will work remotely but needs to visit the field during data collection phase. Expected duration• The duration of the consultancy is 06 months with 50 working days. The expected start date is January 2025 until June 2025 with possibility of extension, subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance. Duties and ResponsibilitiesBACKGROUND The Evaluation Consultant will conduct the mid-term evaluation of the project “Improving the living conditions of Palestine refugees in Jordan”. The evaluation will be conducted between January 2025 and June 2025, with data collection and field visits tentatively scheduled in February 2025 and March 2025. S/he will work under the direct supervision and close guidance of the Evaluation Manager and under the overall supervision of the Field Programme Support Officer (FPSO). The objectives of the mid-term evaluation are: i. To assess the progress and effectiveness of the activities completed so far. ii. To provide insights into the progress made towards achieving the project outcomes, identify any challenges faced, and provide recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the project in its subsequent phases. The first phase of the project was initiated in December 2021 and concluded in December 2023 with the aim of supporting UNRWA’s Strategic Objective 6 under its Strategic Plan 2023-2028: “Palestine refugees are able to meet their basic human needs of shelter, water and sanitation”, with a particular focus on strengthening UNRWA’s capacity to improve the overall environmental health in Palestine refugee camps. The second phase commenced in December 2022, with a 12-month overlap with the first phase and is expected to be concluded in December 2024. The second phase supports UNRWA’s Strategic Objective 1 under its Strategic Plan 2023-2028: “Palestine refugees are protected through the realization of their rights under international law,” Strategic Objective 2: “Palestine refugees lead healthy lives,” Strategic Objective 5: “the most vulnerable Palestine refugees have access to effective social assistance,” and Strategic Objective 6: “Palestine refugees are able to meet their basic human needs of shelter, water and sanitation.” The project aimed to enhance the living conditions of Palestine Refugees in Jordan through two complementary components. The first component aimed at improving environmental health of Palestine refugees living in Baqa’a and Jerash camps through the enhanced solid waste management, water management, and targeted shelter rehabilitation for People with Disabilities (PwD). The second component aimed at enabling access to justice for Palestine refugees with legal status and legal documentation issues through legal awareness, legal counselling and legal representation • In conjunction with the Evaluation Manager, finalise evaluation ToR, including evaluation methodology, approach, evaluation matrix and data collection tools. Prepare and submit the final inception report; • Lead the development of qualitative and quantitative research tools in line with the final evaluation design; • Implement data collection tools and lead data collection missions to UNRWA Jordan Field Office; • Provide progress reports on implementation of the evaluation to the Evaluation Manager and the Evaluation Reference Group when required; • Lead the final analysis, conduct meetings and workshops to discuss evaluation findings, reaching preliminary conclusions and recommendations. Present the preliminary findings during the debriefing; • Ensure the approach to data analysis is responsive to evaluation questions and appropriate for analysing gender equality, environmental, and human rights issues; • Draft the evaluation report and incorporate feedback from key stakeholders and the Evaluation Reference Group in the draft report; • Finalize the evaluation report, including annexes and executive summary; • Ensure adherence to standards set by UNRWA and the United Nations Evaluation Group, including ethical standards and compliance with Evaluation ToR, timeline and deliverables; • Carry out any other tasks related to the requirements of the Evaluation ToR, as needed. Qualifications/special skills• Advance university degree in social sciences, economics, evaluation, or relevant academic discipline • A minimum of 8 years, of progressively experience in designing, planning and implementation of evaluations, including a minimum of 2 years of relevant international experience outside of the county of which the candidate is a national or holds citizenship. • Experience in leading evaluation is required (have led at least two evaluations and (co-) authored at least three evaluation reports), some knowledge in conducting evaluations involving legal services or environmental issues is required; • Experience in presenting and communicating complex evaluation or research results in a structured manner (in reports, briefs, presentations, etc.) is required; • Extensive skills and experience in mixed methods evaluation, including qualitative evaluation is required; • Extensive experience in mainstreaming cross-cutting issues in evaluation methodologies and analysis and understanding of human rights and ethical issues in relation to evaluation is require. COMPETENCIES • Strong writing skills to prepare clear, concise, and well-structured reports for diverse audiences. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with stakeholders, facilitate meetings, and present findings effectively. • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Languages• Fluency in English and excellent English report writing skills is required, Additional Information• The applicants should submit a cover letter that demonstrates the capabilities and history of the applicant in conducting similar assignments, including pertinent experiences, skills, and competencies. • The cover letter should include contact details of three professional references, links to two evaluation reports authored or co-authored by the applicant and expected all-inclusive lumpsum fees for the assignment. • In the next stage, the shortlisted candidates will receive a detailed ToR and will be requested to submit a technical proposal with a proposed methodology that reflects an understanding of the scope of the assignment and elaborates on the approach and methods that will be used for the evaluation. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS • Familiarity and experience working within the UNRWA fields of operation and other UN agencies; • Knowledge of Arabic No FeeTHE 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.