UNSDCF Evaluation - International Team Leader - Consultant

Result of Service1. Assess the Contribution of the Cooperation Framework to National Development Results through Evidence-Based Judgments Evaluate the extent to which the Cooperation Framework contributed towards national development priorities and SDG commitments, using evaluation criteria of relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and orientation toward impact. This assessment will also consider cross-cutting issues, such as gender equality, human rights, and non-discrimination, including disability inclusion, and LNOB. 2. Identify Factors Affecting the Cooperation Framework Contribution Examine the key factors—such as institutional, operational, financial, and contextual elements—that have influenced the achievement of results. The evaluation will explore why performance unfolded as it did, highlighting systemic enablers, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement. 3. Draw Conclusions on the UN’s Contributions to National Development Synthesize the evaluation findings to provide clear, evidence-based conclusions about the collective contributions of the UN development system. This includes evaluating the overall coherence and added value of the UN’s efforts in addressing development challenges. 4. Provide Actionable Recommendations for Future Programming Generate actionable recommendations to inform the design and implementation of the next programming cycle. These recommendations will incorporate lessons learned to improve coordination, enhance systemic impacts, and address evolving development needs. Work LocationBangkok Expected duration1 July - 31 Oct 25 (35 working days) Duties and ResponsibilitiesImportant Note: For the full Terms of Reference for the Evaluation, please copy and paste this link into a browser https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-Av4dD6GA2T3pWWkR7n0AvDKzK_nUW3f/view?usp=sharing Background An external final evaluation will be conducted through an independent consultancy during its penultimate year of implementation. The evaluation will assess the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, orientation towards impact, and sustainability while ensuring alignment with the principles of Human Rights, Gender Equality, and Leaving No One Behind (LNOB). The evaluation serves two primary purposes: 1. Promote greater learning and operational improvement: The evaluation will identify areas for enhancing programming and delivering results in the country. Findings will inform planning and decision-making for the next programming cycle and strengthen UN coordination. This process will provide valuable lessons learned, which can also be shared with the Development Coordination Office to benefit other countries. 2. Support greater UNCT accountability: By providing objective evidence of results achieved within the Cooperation Framework assessing the effectiveness of strategies and interventions, the evaluation will enhance accountability to key stakeholders, including the government, national counterparts, and development partners. Focus of the Evaluation The evaluation will assess the collective contributions of the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Thailand under the Cooperation Framework 2022–2026. The evaluation will not assess individual agency programmes or activities but may include thematic deep dives based on stakeholder consultations. Special attention will be given to contributions toward Thailand’s SDG targets, with a focus on cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, human rights, non-discrimination, disability inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Humanitarian actions during the period—including COVID-19 response, disaster risk reduction, and support to refugees and displaced persons—will be examined. The evaluation will also consider contributions from non-resident agencies, signatories without country programmes, and regional or cross-border initiatives. Evaluation Methodology The evaluation will employ a rigorous methodology to assess the Cooperation Framework’s relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact. The methodology will be based on a mixed-methods, integrating quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis to ensure a thorough and balanced assessment of Cooperation Framework performance and contributions. This will provide evidence-based insights to inform decision-making and enhance future Cooperation Frameworks. The Evaluation Team will develop the methodology to collect appropriate disaggregated data and information as strong, evidence-based answers to the overall evaluation questions. The methodology will account for the needs of the evaluation’s different socio-economic groups of beneficiaries. The methodological design will include sampling, participation and inclusion strategies, theory of change analysis and reconstruction, data collection tools, the evaluation matrix, data collection strategy, data quality assurance (control and validation), data analysis, and reporting, including data provided via UN Info. This methodology is designed to be participatory, inclusive, and gender-responsive, adhering with UNEG Norms and Standards for Evaluation and the Guidelines for the Evaluation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. In addition, the evaluation will adhere to: • the UNEG Guidance on Integrating Human Rights and Gender Equality in Evaluations (2014), • the UN Women Evaluation Handbook on How to Manage Gender-Responsive Evaluation (2015), • the UN-SWAP 2.0 Framework and Technical Guidance (2023), • the Guidance on Integrating Disability Inclusion in Evaluations and Reporting on the UNDIS Entity Accountability Framework Evaluation Indicator, and • the UNEG Good Practices for Integrating Gender Equality and Human Rights in Evaluation (2017). Qualifications/special skills- Advanced university degree in political science, economics, public administration, development studies, or another relevant field. - At least 10 years of proven experience in leading complex evaluations at the international level, including evaluations of UNDAF/ Cooperation Framework’s or UN agency country programs. - Strong expertise in SDGs and UN programming principles, including Leave No One Behind, the human-rights-based approach to development, gender equality and women’s empowerment, disability inclusion, meaningful youth engagement, environmental sustainability, and resilience. - Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing evaluations using mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative). Solid understanding of political economy, financing for development, and socio-economic and geopolitical analysis. - Previous experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations, including government, civil society, and development partners. - Knowledge of the UN reform process and UN programming at the country level. LanguagesExcellent command of English. 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.