Evaluation Consultant

The United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services, Inspection and Evaluation Division (OIOS-IED) is conducting an evaluation of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC).

The frame of reference for this evaluation is in accordance with General Assembly resolution 48/218B of 29 July 1994, which established OIOS and, in paragraph 5 C (iii), mandated inspection and evaluation as distinct oversight functions. Further provisions on OIOS are contained in General Assembly resolutions 54/244 of 23 December 1999 and 59/272 of 23 December 2004. The objective of IED evaluations is to determine, as systematically and objectively as possible, the Secretariat programmes’ relevance, efficiency, effectiveness and impact. OIOS undertakes evaluations that involve, as part of their methodology, the collection, compilation, analysis and presentation of data from a variety of sources. Subject matter expert input and guidance is another method utilized in OIOS-IED evaluations.

Objective

The evaluation objective is to assess, as systematically and objectively as possible, the extent to which UNVMC achieved its expected outcomes, and the relevance, effectiveness, coherence and sustainability of the mission’s activities in relation to its outcomes. The details of the evaluation are specified in the inception paper of the evaluation.

Responsibilities

OIOS-IED will engage the consultant during the data collection, analysis, report drafting and finalization phases for approximately six months subject to availability of funds and continued need of the project. Under the supervision and guidance of the project leader, the consultant will serve as member of the evaluation team. In that capacity, she/he will:

• Analyze and research relevant UN and non-UN documents through content analysis;
• Assist and/or lead staff and stakeholder interviews in order to gain a better understanding of the role of UNVMC and their engagement with beneficiaries;
• Undertake other data collection initiatives and/or data analysis in support of the evaluation;
• Participate in field mission(s) to Colombia and conduct interviews/survey of key stakeholders and beneficiaries in Spanish;
• Prepare and administer surveys using Qualtrics;
• Assist with translation of key documents and interview notes from Spanish to English;
• Liaise and follow-up with key evaluation stakeholders and potential interviewees in Colombia;
• Search for relevant evidence in non-UN sources pertinent to evaluation issues;
• Analyze the data collected using quantitative and qualitative tools and summarize evidence in a clear and well-organized manner;
• Present data in charts, graphs, and other appropriate forms that are easy to understand and as required;
• Participate in evaluation team brainstorming sessions aimed at synthesizing the results of data analysis;
• Draft relevant sections of the evaluation report; and
• Undertake other tasks as assigned by the team leader and/or Section Chief.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic Qualifications: An Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political, peace and justice studies, international affairs, security studies, social sciences, law or a related field. A first level university degree with a combination of relevant academic qualifications and experience in evaluation or related area may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Experience in research and/or evaluation, including qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods is required;
• Experience in evaluation data collection and analysis, including use of survey tools, NVivo and quantitative analysis techniques is required;
• Working experience in the UN system, UN Secretariat and familiarity with UN peacekeeping/ political operations is desirable;
• Working experience in or in-depth understanding of UN Special Political Mission in general and UNVMC in particular is an advantage;
• Excellent reading and writing skills in English and Spanish required. Native Spanish speakers would be desirable;

Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English and Spanish is required.

Duration: The duration of the consultancy will be tentatively from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023 and entail approximately 120 working days during this period, subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

The consultant should not commence work until the relevant individual contract has been duly approved, signed by both parties and returned to the responsible department, office or mission, together with the required documents and certifications. Should the start of the consultancy be delayed due to administrative procedures and the consultancy starts after the indicated start date, only actual days worked will be remunerated. The consultant will report and work directly with the team leader under the overall supervision of the Chief of Section.