Evaluation Team Leader for Development of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Botswana 2022-2026 (International Consultant)

Result of ServiceThe Team Leader is accountable for delivering a methodologically sound, participatory, independent, and strategically valuable evaluation that: 1. Informs the planning and design of the next UNSDCF cycle in Botswana. 2. Provides evidence-based conclusions and recommendations that enhance the UNCT’s effectiveness, coherence, accountability, and alignment with national priorities and the SDGs. 3. Demonstrates professional rigor by producing the following high-quality deliverables: - Inception Report with a detailed methodology and evaluation plan. - Preliminary findings presented to stakeholders. - Draft and Final Evaluation Reports (max 60 pages excluding annexes). - Stakeholder Dissemination Workshop Presentation. The final evaluation report must meet the standards of the UNSDCF Evaluation Guidelines and be deemed credible, useful, and of high quality by the Evaluation Steering Committee, the Resident Coordinator’s Office, and DCO. Work LocationBOTSWANA Expected duration45 days Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground The United Nations Cooperation Framework (CF) 2022-2026 has guided the work of the UN in Botswana through significant shocks that has rocked both the socio-economic and to some extent the political landscape of the country. This CF was co-created with marbled and increased levels of input from government, development partners, CSOs amongst others, marking a departure from the preceding CF to ensure greater ownership in Government, better alignment with National policies (NDP 11, Vision 20236), the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. In with principles of accountability and transparency, the CF is independently evaluated within the penultimate year of implementation in time for and to inform the development of the next CF. This evaluation process affords Partners and stakeholders a platform for reflecting on implementation and opportunities missed or optimally utilized in the achievement of the SDGs & 20230 Agenda in Botswana. In addition to being an additional layer of accountability, evaluation of the CF fosters learning and knowledge exchange between and amongst Partners and the communities served. The UNSDCF evaluation will be based on the Guidelines for the Evaluation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. Following a participatory and consultative approach, the primary stakeholders of the UNSDCF evaluation include UNCT, national authorities, contributing and implementing partners, as well as beneficiaries. The Team Leader has the overall responsibility for leading the entire evaluation process of the UNSDCF (2022–2026) in Botswana. They are responsible for delivering high-quality outputs, overseeing the methodology, ensuring coordination with stakeholders, and delivering timely deliverables. The Team Member (Local Individual Contractor) will be supervised by the Team Leader. Detailed Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Evaluation Design and Leadership - Lead the evaluation process in a participatory, consultative, and methodologically sound manner. - Develop the Inception Report including Theory of Change analysis, evaluation design matrix, data collection plan, and stakeholder engagement strategy. - Design and validate the methodological framework, ensuring it aligns with the UNEG Norms and Standards and Ethical Guidelines. 2. Management and Coordination - Coordinate closely with the National Team Member to ensure smooth implementation of evaluation activities and robust triangulation of findings. - Serve as the primary interface between the Evaluation Team and the Evaluation Managers, and participate in regular consultations and progress reviews. - Lead and manage interactions with the Evaluation Steering Committee and facilitate theory-of-change workshops, debriefs, and stakeholder presentations. 3. Data Collection and Analysis - Conduct document reviews, interviews, field visits, and focus groups as needed (in part physically in Botswana). - Ensure quality control, consistency, and methodological rigor in data collection and analysis processes. - Integrate quantitative and qualitative methods in assessing the performance of the CF across multiple thematic and strategic areas. 4. Reporting - Draft all evaluation deliverables, including the Inception Report, Preliminary Findings Report, Draft Evaluation Report, and Final Evaluation Report (maximum 60 pages excluding annexes). - Incorporate feedback from stakeholders and the Evaluation Steering Committee. - Present key findings and recommendations during the stakeholder dissemination workshop. 5. Ethical and Quality Standards - Ensure ethical conduct in all evaluation activities, including informed consent, confidentiality, and protection of participants. - Uphold quality standards as per the UNSDCF Evaluation Guidelines and UNEG Code of Conduct. Qualifications/special skillsAt least an advanced university level of education (Master’s or PhD) in political science, economics, public administration, development studies or another relevant field. A PhD is an asset. Minimum ten years of proven experience in conducting evaluations of complex programmes and themes, previous experience in designing and/or leading evaluations of UNDAF/UNSDCF or UN agency Country Program is strongly desired. Extensive knowledge of and experience in applying qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods and familiarity with UNEG Norms and Standards and Ethical Guidelines desired. Strong experience and knowledge in SDGs and the UN programming principles, including LNOB, the human-rights based approach to development, gender equality and women’s empowerment, disability inclusion, meaningful youth engagement, environmental sustainability and resilience, sustainability, and accountability desired. Previous experience of working in Europe and Central Asia is desired. LanguagesFluency in spoken and written English is required. Additional InformationNot available. 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.