JOB DESCRIPTION

Result of Service
The Evaluation Division of the UNRWA Department of Internal Oversight Services (DIOS) leads the Agency’s evaluation function. Evaluation results are incorporated into decision-making processes in order to strengthen learning and accountability in the Agency with the aim of improving operations. Evaluations determine the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability of ongoing and completed institutional functions by examining expected and achieved accomplishments, result chains, processes, contextual factors and causality. As a Senior Evaluation Consultant, the consultant will provide technical leadership to an evaluation from the Division’s annual work plan and coordinate the work of the evaluation team members. The consultant will provide inputs to finalize the evaluation terms of reference, draft the inception report of the evaluation, lead the data collection, and the drafting of the report. The consultant will be responsible for managing and quality assuring the deliverables of the evaluation team members.

Work Location
The consultant will be home based with travel to UNRWA areas of operation.

Expected duration
The consultant is expected to contribute to one or more evaluations in 2025. The level of effort will be at least 60 days and will be adjusted based on the specific timeline of the evaluations.

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the UNRWA Evaluation Division, the consultant will lead the evaluation processes, including the development of the evaluation methodology, data collection and drafting of the report. 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 inputs in finalizing the evaluation terms of reference. o Lead the drafting of the inception report, including the data collection tools. o Participate as technical experts in the selection of evaluation team members, as necessary. • 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 Lead the data collection and analysis (including missions to UNRWA fields of operation, review of relevant documents, site visits, virtual and in-person interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders). o Lead the analysis and discussion of findings within the evaluation team to reach preliminary conclusions and recommendations. o Coordinate the participation and contributions of the team members in all deliverables as required; Supervising them during the data-collection and analysis through regular meetings and updates; and, Guide/comment on their main outputs (e.g. desk review notes / interview notes / inputs data-collection tools / inputs debriefing / mission reports). • Reporting phase: o Participate in meetings and workshops to discuss and present preliminary evaluation results, as needed. o Lead the drafting and finalization of the evaluation report.

Qualifications/special skills
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: • An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in international development or another field of relevance; • A minimum of 10 years of experience in the conduct of evaluations or in areas relevant to UNRWA programmes; • In-depth knowledge and proven experience in designing and applying various quantitative and/or qualitative research methodologies and tools. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: • Professional work experience in the MENA region; • Familiarity with UNRWA and its programmes; and • Understanding of the Palestinian refugee context would be advantageous. COMPETENCIES: • Professional foundation and technical skills in evaluation, including quality standards, evaluation approaches, methods and data analysis, reporting findings, conclusions and recommendations; • Management skills including work planning; • Demonstrated communication and facilitation skills;

Languages
Excellent analytical, communication and writing skills in English.

Additional Information
• No previous involvement in the design and implementation of the UNRWA activities. • The consultant will be home based with travel to UNRWA areas of operation. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE: • Remuneration for this consultancy will be P4 equivalent and will depend on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. The contract will be deliverable-based; • Work will include home-based assignments, and potential travel for approximately 20 days.

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.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements