Evaluator (Consultant) for the Evaluation of the Development Account use of South-South learning exchanges to support capacity development

Result of ServiceThe evaluation is designed to map out the use of SSLEs in the recently-completed and ongoing DA projects, assess its relevance, efficiency and effectiveness in contributing to the capacity-building outcomes in the target countries and the sustainability of the results achieved, and find ways of improving the approach to supporting capacity-building in the target countries. The evaluation will directly address the existing knowledge gap, and aim at generating the evidence required to inform future programming under the DA. Work LocationHome-based with the exception of observations of select SSLE events to be undertaken as part of the ongoing projects between November 20205 and March 2026, which will be determined based on the results of the mapping exercise as part of the evaluation, and in consultation with the relevant project managers. Expected duration8.5 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Development Account (DA) is a mechanism to fund capacity development projects of the 10 economic and social entities of the United Nations Secretariat. The DA-funded projects provide capacity development support to developing countries in their implementation of priority areas of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as recommendations and decisions made in intergovernmental processes and by relevant governing bodies. The consultant will conduct the evaluation of the DA use of South-South learning exchanges (SSLEs) to support capacity development. The consultant is required to deliver the following tasks, under the supervision of the Evaluation Officer with the Development Account Programme Management Team in the Capacity Development Programme Management Office of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA): 1. Conduct a mapping of the SSLE use in DA projects 2. Select a sample of projects to be included in an in-depth review, including SSLE activities to be observed, as part of the evaluation data collection and analysis phase, based on the results of the mapping exercise (the sample will be refined and finalized in the inception report, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, including the project managers) 3. Conduct a literature review on the use of SSLEs within and beyond the UN 4. Prepare an inception report, presenting the results of the mapping exercise and literature review, as well as the evaluation approach, methodology and questions that are refined and finalized based on the results of the mapping exercise and literature review 5. Conduct a desk review, key informant interviews and an in-depth review of a sample of DA projects to generate evidence on the relevance, efficiency and effectiveness of the DA use of SSLEs in contributing to the capacity-building outcomes in the target countries, and the sustainability of the results achieved, as well as identify lessons learned and good practices in the SSLE use 6. Present preliminary findings to the Evaluation Reference Group and DA Focal Points of the implementing entities at a virtual meeting, as and if requested by the Evaluation Manager 7. Develop an evaluation report, presenting the findings and recommendations on how to improve the SSLE use in DA programming, including, but not limited to: a. Guidance on the use of SSLEs in promoting capacity-building of project target countries b. Guidance on the development of intended outcomes, indicators of achievement and means of verification, as part of the project results framework, for the monitoring on SSLE outcomes. Qualifications/special skillsThe consultant should have a master’s or higher degree in a relevant discipline (social sciences, e.g., political science, economics, sociology, international relations, public policy, international development), or a first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience. The consultant should also possess the following qualifications/skills: - At least 15 years of demonstrated experience in international development, including at least 10 years of experience in evaluations - Experience conducting or managing evaluations of complex international programmes/projects or organizations, involving a wide range of stakeholders, particularly developing country Governments and UN entities - Experience in implementing or evaluating capacity development projects in the area of sustainable development - Knowledge of the United Nations Secretariat entities and their work in the area of sustainable development LanguagesFluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage. Additional InformationThe applicant should not have been directly responsible for the planning and/or implementation of DA-funded projects over the last seven years. 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.