Evaluation Consultant – Technical Specialist (International)

Result of Service

1. Inputs on the finalizations of data collection instruments and inception report, 20th September 2024 2. Notes and summaries based on the desk review, interviews and focus group discussions, 30th November 2024 3. Inputs for the presentation of preliminary results, 15st December 2024 4. Inputs for the drafting of the final report, 15th February 2024

Work Location

Headquarter Amman

Expected duration

• The consultant is expected to work between September 2024 and March 2025; • Remuneration for this consultancy will depend on the qualifications and experience of the candidate, and will be deliverable-based; • Work will include home-based assignments, and travel to two UNRWA fields of operation for up to 35 days.

Duties and Responsibilities

BACKGROUND The Evaluation Division of the Department of Internal Oversight Services (DIOS) is conducting an evaluation of the construction and maintenance work of the Infrastructure and Camp Improvement programme (ICIP). The evaluation will focus on the design, construction and maintenance of UNRWA schools to assess the quality of school construction and its impact on education as well as the Agency’s processes and systems to provide generalizable findings and conclusions for the programme. In doing so, it will assess the work of the ICIP at UNRWA headquarters as well as across its fields of operation. The evaluation will cover work completed from 2019 to 2023 across all fields. Activities in Syria will be assessed to gather evidence in a post-conflict context. Given the ongoing war, coverage of Gaza will be limited. However, the evaluation team will aim to capture lessons that may be applicable to future work in Gaza. The evaluation will assess key processes in place within ICIP for construction projects and maintenance work, from community participation to end user feedback. The evaluation will cover aspects related to coordination between fields and headquarters, planning and project management, and procurement. It will include an assessment of the quality of UNRWA guidelines and standards for technical design, cost effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. The evaluation will also cover how the design, construction and maintenance of these schools contributes to the Agency’s strategic objectives, in particular, on providing inclusive and equitable quality basic education to Palestine refugees. As the Technical Specialist, the Consultant will provide technical support to the evaluation by providing technical inputs to the evaluation methodology; participating in data collection through two in-person field visits and virtual interviews; and contribute towards the data analysis participate in any team meetings and presentations; and provide inputs where necessary to the draft and final evaluation reports. The consultant is expected to contribute up to 35 days to the evaluation between September 2024 and March 2025 with data collection activities between September and November 2024. The evaluation report is to be finalized by March 2025. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the overall guidance of the UNRWA Evaluation Division and working closely with the Evaluation Team Leader, the Technical Specialist will support the evaluation by providing key technical inputs to support the design of the methodology, conducting data collection, and contributing to data analysis and the development of the draft and final evaluation reports. Other duties may be assigned by the Chief of the Evaluation Division, as needed. Specific activities for each evaluation phase include: • Planning phase: o Provide technical inputs on the methodology to support the drafting of the inception report and data collection tools. • Implementation phase: o Provide overall guidance and technical support to the evaluation team. o Participate in meetings to discuss the evaluation approach, as needed. o Participate in the data collection and analysis (including two missions to UNRWA fields of operation, review of relevant documents, site visits, virtual and in-person interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders where necessary). o Contribute to the analysis and discussion of findings within the evaluation team to reach preliminary conclusions and recommendations. • Reporting phase: o Participate in meetings and workshops to discuss preliminary evaluation results, as needed. o Contribute where needed to the drafting and finalization of the evaluation report.

Qualifications/special skills

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE • An advanced degree or professional certification in architecture, civil engineering, or another field of relevance. First degree or equivalent with additional years of experience could be considered. • A minimum of eight years or of hands-on experience in designing, constructing, and/or renovating educational facilities • Experience working in the region with a strong understanding of the construction tools and methods used across the region. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS • Previous experience working with the United Nations • Previous experience working with UNRWA • Experience working in humanitarian and/or refugee setting • Understanding of the Palestinian refugee context • Familiarity with UN guidelines and standards for technical design, cost effectiveness, and environmental sustainability of infrastructure projects. COMPETENCIES • Strong understanding of construction and infrastructure processes and quality standards both across the region and globally • Strong understanding of infrastructure design, electricity, heating, and water and waste management • Ability to demonstrate a cultural perspective and environmental perspective with respect to the design and maintenance of schools • Ability to conduct cost analysis of infrastructure projects • Ability to work independently and as part of a team • Excellent communication skills in English. Ability to speak Arabic considered an asset.

Languages

Not available.

Additional Information

• No previous involvement in the design and implementation of the UNRWA activities related Infrastructure and Camp Improvement.

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.