Result of Service

Inception Report, containing a preliminary analysis of the CF ToC or, in its absence, reconstruction of the CF ToC; an elaboration of the evaluation approach and methods, including the evaluation design matrix; and a detailed evaluation plan and timeline, including a tentative list of interviews to be arranged or plans for field visits. Preliminary findings report or presentation, in a template to be agreed with the Evaluation Manager. Draft and final CF Evaluation Report, including the annexes.

Expected duration

6 month

Duties and Responsibilities

General Assembly resolution A/RES/72/279 designated the United Nations Development Assistance Framework as “the most important instrument for the planning and implementation of United Nations development activities in each country, in support of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. Renamed the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (hereinafter CF or UNSDCF), it forms the centrepiece of UN reform and represents the collective response of the UN to help countries address national priorities and challenges in achieving the 2030 Agenda. The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework in Kazakhstan (CF 2021-2025) represents the collective response of the UN development system to support Kazakhstan address national priorities and challenges in achieving the 2030 Agenda. As outlined on the CF 2021-2025, this evaluation, which is the end of the cycle evaluation will be conducted in 2024, the penultimate year of the CF implementation. Evaluation of the CF is a mandatory independent system-wide country evaluation and is separate from an annual review. CF evaluations ensure accountability, support learning and inform decisions regarding the design of subsequent CF cycles. They systematically assess the contributions of the CF by focusing on achieved development results, as well as internal and external gaps and overlaps in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). CF evaluations are guided by the UN Evaluation Group (UNEG) Norms and Standards for Evaluation (2016). They must be credible and grounded on independence, impartiality and a rigorous methodology. The process should be transparent and inclusive (involving relevant stakeholders) with robust quality assurance. Evaluation results and recommendations are derived from, and informed by the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of the best available, objective, reliable and valid data, as well as the accurate analysis of evidence. CF evaluations require that evaluations are ethically conducted, and managed by independent evaluators who exhibit professional and cultural competencies. Moreover, the Kazakhstan CF evaluation will be guided by the Guidelines for the Evaluation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (September 2021) (https://www.unevaluation.org/document/download/3737), developed by the UNEG and the Development Coordination Office (DCO). This Terms of Reference in its essential form repeats standards established by this Guidance. Through his/her work, the Evaluation Consultant will be guided by the aforementioned Guidelines. CF evaluations are decentralized and country-led, with oversight and technical support provided by the UN Development Coordination Office to guarantee the independence, credibility and utility of evaluations. DCO also ensures accountability by tracking the implementation of recommendations, and public dissemination of the report and management response. UNEG, in its supporting role, provides technical advice and ad-hoc support to any activity during the process upon request. Key audience and users of the evaluation include the UN Country Team, wider United Nations entities, and key partners: the Government of Kazakhstan, civil society and private sector in Kazakhstan. The UN Country Team and the Government of Kazakhstan will be primary users of the CF evaluation to adjust its programming priorities, operational approaches and other aspects of the partnership between the UN and Kazakhstan. The evaluation will use a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including document reviews, analysis of quantitative secondary data, UNINFO (Joint Work Plan) data, individual interviews with key informants and focus groups, existing evaluations and the synthesis of evaluative evidence e.g. project evaluations, agency-specific evaluations, or other types of discussion to collect data. The Independent External Evaluators shall be guided by Annex 1 (standard methodology section) of Appendix 2 (Terms of reference) of the UNSDCF Evaluation Guidelines – Engl – Revised July 2022 to develop the evaluation methodology. They shall also develop the necessary tools to collect data and information to answer the overall evaluation questions. All the approach and methodologies need to be discussed between the Evaluation Consultant and the Evaluation Manager. The methodology should enhance the national ownership of evaluation results; it should ensure involvement of key stakeholders throughout the evaluation process through e.g. interview, focus groups, possibly a stakeholder workshop, debriefing of evaluation users, etc.). Data from different sources need – to the extent possible – to be disaggregated by groups. Triangulation should be adopted where possible. Availability and logistical constraints need to be factored in evaluation planning. Data collection, analysis and presentation of findings should be responsive to and include issues relating to gender equality and empowerment of women, diversity inclusion and non-discrimination, human rights and environmental sustainability The CF evaluation should adhere to and be guided by the UNEG Norms and Standards (2016) and the UNEG Ethical Guidelines (2020) at every stage of the evaluation process including but not limited to informed consent of participants, privacy, and confidentiality considerations. The relevant ethical standards will be identified and the mechanisms and measures to ensure that standards will be maintained during the CF evaluation process should be provided in the inception report. Each Evaluation Team member will also be provided with and sign off on the UNEG Code of Conduct for Evaluators, which provides ethical guidelines for the conduct of evaluations. The RC and UNCT in Kazakhstan hold the overall responsibility of commissioning the CF evaluation and any follow- up actions. The Resident Coordinator/ Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) is responsible to initiate the CF evaluation, support the Evaluation Steering Committee during the various stages of evaluation. The structure proposed below by the UNCT Kazakhstan ensures an independent process. All those involved are accountable for their specific input to the process and clarity of actions. Key actors of the evaluation include: • The Evaluation Manager – the function is performed by the Head of RCO in Kazakhstan, and the individual is responsible for the coordination and day-to-day management of the process. • The Independent Evaluation Consultant – a specially hired expert with experience in complex evaluations, responsible for data collection and preparation of the report. The Independent Expert works in full independence from the RCO and UNCT in Kazakhstan • The Evaluation Steering Committee – main decision-making body for the UNSDCF evaluation and owns the results of the evaluation. The ESC will provide endorsement of the process and validate the final deliverables of the evaluation. The ESC will also endorse the management response to the evaluation. • Evaluation Technical Management Team, comprising current M&E group representatives (identified by the UNCT members) offer routine technical support to the Evaluation Manager throughout the evaluation. • DCO – DCO Evaluation Advisor supports the evaluation manager, the RC and the UNCT in quality assurance of all key products and liaise with UNEG. DCO is responsible for approving all evaluation products including the TOR, inception report, final report and other associated products. • UNEG – is informed about the evaluation by the DCO, and may be engaged in exceptional circumstances. Composition of the evaluation team The Evaluation Team is made up of an independent, international external evaluator (Team Leader) and the independent and external National Team Member. The Team Leader will possess extensive evaluation expertise and a national evaluator with strong expertise on LNOB and cross-cutting issues. During Evaluation Team Leader selection gender considerations will be duly taken into consideration to ensure equal opportunities for potential women and men candidates. The Evaluation Team Member leads the entire evaluation process, working closely with UNCT Kazakhstan team members. He/she will conduct the evaluation process in a timely manner and communicate with the Evaluation Manager on a regular basis and highlight progress made/challenges encountered. The Evaluation Team Member will be responsible for producing the inception report and the draft and final evaluation reports. The National Team Member contributes to the evaluation process substantively through data collection and analysis. He/she will share responsibilities for conducting desk review and interviews and conduct field visits identified and collect data. He/she will provide substantive inputs to the inception report, the presentation of preliminary findings as well as to the draft and final reports. The RCO and UNCT focal points on evaluation will contribute to the evaluation process through supporting data collection. The Evaluation Team is made up of an independent, international external evaluator (Team Leader) and the independent and external National Team Member. The Team Leader will possess extensive evaluation expertise and a national evaluator with strong expertise on LNOB and cross-cutting issues. During Evaluation Team Leader selection gender considerations will be duly taken into consideration to ensure equal opportunities for potential women and men candidates. The Evaluation Team Member leads the entire evaluation process, working closely with UNCT Kazakhstan team members. He/she will conduct the evaluation process in a timely manner and communicate with the Evaluation Manager on a regular basis and highlight progress made/challenges encountered. The Evaluation Team Member will be responsible for producing the inception report and the draft and final evaluation reports. The National Team Member contributes to the evaluation process substantively through data collection and analysis. He/she will share responsibilities for conducting desk review and interviews and conduct field visits identified and collect data. He/she will provide substantive inputs to the inception report, the presentation of preliminary findings as well as to the draft and final reports. The RCO and UNCT focal points on evaluation will contribute to the evaluation process through supporting data collection. The evaluation will consist of 5 phases: Phase 1. Inception. The independent Evaluation Team Leader will map and scope activities leading to the refinement of the evaluation design and questions that will be reflected in the Inception Report. The Team Leader with support of the DCO Evaluation Advisor, will brief the RC and the Evaluation Manager; agreeing or developing theories of change; and drafting the Inception Report through a consultative process. Phase 2. Data collection and analysis The data collection and analysis phases include all primary and secondary data collection and analysis. Phase 3. Reporting During the reporting phase the Evaluation Team compiles and synthesizes findings and prepares the Evaluation Report. Phase 4 Review and validation The report will be shared with all UNCT and Evaluation Steering Committee members who will review and validate outcomes of the evaluation exercise (report). Based on the report, the RC in consultation with UNCT will draft a management response to propose timebound actions and interventions to address recommendations and assign responsibilities for follow up. Phase 5. Dissemination Evaluation results will be disseminated through social media, published on required corporate websites. Moreover, a workshop with key stakeholders, including government and civil society will be organized to facilitate discussion on actioning recommendations and integrating findings into the next CF planning cycle. This phase will be caried out by UNCT Kazakhstan during UNSDCF preparation stage (summary of evaluation will be presented at the UNSDCF validation workshop planned in fall 2024).

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced University Degree (Master or PhD) in the field of political science, governance, public administration, development studies, law, human rights or other relevant field; • Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience is required • Strong data collection and analysis skills; Prior experience in working with multilateral agencies. • Strong experience and knowledge in the UN programming principles including leaving no one behind LNOB, human rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment, disability inclusion, environmental sustainability and resilience, and accountability. • In-depth knowledge and strong research record of country socio-economic development and environment context • Technical competence in undertaking complex evaluations which involve use of mixed methods. • Knowledge of UN role, UN reform process and UN programming at the country level, particularly UNSDCF.

Languages

Fluency in English is required

Additional Information

Interested candidates shall submit documentations demonstrating why they are the best-suited to carry out the above task. This should include: • Latest CV and a sample of previous works. • A brief outline of the strengths and expertise highlighting directly relevant experiences to the assignment, including experience and knowledge in the UN programming principles (LNOB, human rights, GEWE, environmental sustainability and resilience, and accountability) • Approach to work/suggested methodology and work-plan • Financial Proposal (inclusive of expenses related to travels and DSA) as required Administrative Issues The international Team Leader and National Team Member will be responsible for own travel arrangements cross-country. No additional costs outside of the scope of this TOR will be covered. The consultants will have to possess their own laptop and other technical equipment to complete the assignment. The documents produced during the period of this consultancy will be treated strictly confidential and the rights of distribution and/or publication shall solely reside with the UN. Reference documents The evaluation manager will collect all relevant documents to share with the Evaluation Team Leader and National Team Member. The key documents will include: • UNSDCF Evaluation Guidelines – Engl – Revised July 2022 • UNEG Norms and Standards (2016) and the UNEG Ethical Guidelines (2020) • UNSDCF Kazakhstan 2021-2025 • Joint Work Plans • Annual Results Reports • UNINFO data • Steering Committee meeting reports • CF Result Matrix Monitoring document • Common Country Analysis (latest update December 2023) • Information Management Survey Reports

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.