Background:
The "Empower for Inclusion" (E4I) programme is a 24-month United Nations Joint Programme (UNJP) implemented in Timor-Leste from January 2024 to April 2026, with a total budget of $600,000. It is a collaborative effort between three Participating United Nations Organizations (PUNOs): UN Women, OHCHR/HRAU, and UNICEF. The programme was established to strengthen national capacity for implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and to promote disability-inclusive development through governance, data generation, and policy reform.
Implementation is conducted in close collaboration with the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI) and other line ministries, in partnership with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). The E4I programme aligns with the CRPD, ratified by the Government of Timor-Leste in 2023, and the National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities (DNAP) 2021-2030. Funded by the UNPRPD (United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) Fund, the initiative supports national efforts to ensure that policies, budgets, and services comply with the CRPD, thereby contributing to the achievement of disability-inclusive Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Purpose of the Review:
The primary aim of this assignment is to conduct a learning-oriented end-of-programme review. Departing from formal impact evaluation methodologies, this review focuses on assessing progress against outputs and identifying strategic recommendations for future sustainability. It evaluates the "catalytic" nature of the interventions—specifically how they triggered the mainstreaming of disability inclusion—and informs national stakeholders and the UNPRPD Fund on the appropriateness of the program's strategic priorities.
Specific learning objectives for the end of programme review include the following:
- To assess the overall progress and achievements of the programme against its intended results, objectives, outputs, and indicators, including the extent to which planned activities contributed to expected outcomes and programme commitments.
- To examine the relevance, coherence, and appropriateness of the programme design and implementation approach in addressing identified needs, priorities, and the evolving context of target stakeholders and partners.
- To analyse the effectiveness of programme implementation, including key achievements, challenges, enabling factors, and operational lessons learned to understand what worked well and areas requiring improvement.
- To document good practices, innovative approaches, and lessons learned from programme implementation that can inform future programming, partnerships, and strategic decision-making.
- To review the sustainability and potential continuation of programme results, including institutional capacities, partnerships, ownership, and mechanisms established during implementation.
- To provide practical and forward-looking recommendations to strengthen future programming, resource mobilization, knowledge management, and the scaling or replication of successful approaches.
Scope of the End of Programme Review and key questions
The Programme Review will cover the implementation period of the UN Joint Programme “Empower for Inclusion” in Timor-Leste. The review will be conducted during the period from 07 September to 31 October 2026 and will have a nationwide scope, with specific stakeholders and consultation areas identified in consultation with the Joint Programme team.
The review will focus on assessing programme achievements, implementation progress, challenges, lessons learned, sustainability considerations, and contributions to disability inclusion, gender equality, CRPD implementation, UNPRPD objectives and the One UN approach.
The review framework and guiding questions will be further refined during the inception phase, taking into consideration the purpose of the review, available evidence, timeframe and resources.
Table 1: Framework for country-level end of programme review
|
Dimension |
Key Review Questions |
|
Effectiveness |
To what extent have outputs contributed to intended outcomes and catalytic change in mainstreaming disability inclusion? How successful was the programme in fostering meaningful participation of OPDs in decision-making? |
|
Efficiency |
Did the "One-UN" management structure reduce transaction costs or create bottlenecks? How effective was the collaborative synergy between PUNOs compared to single-agency efforts? Did the operational model allow partners enough time/resources for reporting and engagement? |
|
Relevance |
To what extent did programme priorities remain aligned with the CRPD, the DNAP, and the specific needs of persons with disabilities in Timor-Leste? |
|
Coherence |
How effectively did the PUNOs coordinate to prevent overlaps and leverage each other's technical strengths? Were there clear mechanisms for information sharing and joint advocacy? |
|
Equity and Inclusion |
How well did the programme address the diverse needs of women, children, and marginalized groups within the disability community? How did the role of diverse OPDs vary throughout the programme cycle? |
|
Sustainability |
To what extent has the programme fostered national ownership within the MSSI and other line ministries? What is the likelihood that the partnerships and outputs (such as CRPD-compliant budgeting) will be maintained? |
Programme Review Approach
The consultant will utilize a variety of data collection methods to ensure a comprehensive, learning-oriented review:
- Desk Review: Analysis of key programme documents, the DNAP, and the broader disability inclusion landscape.
- Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): Consultations with stakeholders including MSSI officials, PUNO staff, and OPD representatives.
- Online interview: Engaging a broader range of representatives and participants across the Joint Programme.
- Site Visits: Physical verification of activities in specific regions identified by the project team.
Note: All data collection tools and sessions must be designed inclusively and be fully accessible to persons with disabilities. The review is managed by UN Women, in collaboration with HRAU and UNICEF.
Programme Review Deliverables and Timeline
The End of Programme Review assignment consists of 15 working days for the International Consultant, structured to ensure rigorous quality assurance and effective coordination with relevant stakeholders and any supporting technical personnel engaged by the consultant. The International Consultant will work under the supervision of the UN Women Monitoring and Coordination Analyst, who will coordinate the End of Programme Review process and accompany all official consultations and meetings with line ministries and government counterparts.
| Review stage |
Deliverable |
Description |
|
Phase 1: Inception and Preparation week 3 September 2026) |
|
|
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Phase 2: Consultation, Data Collection and Analysis (30 September 2026) |
|
|
| Phase 3: Review, Finalization and Submission (31 October 2026) |
|
|
Payment Schedule
Payment will be made upon satisfactory completion and acceptance of the agreed deliverables in accordance with the specified requirements.
Payments are linked to the successful submission and certification of deliverables by the Joint Programme Coordinator.
- 30% Payment: Upon submission and acceptance of the Inception Report.
- 30% Payment: Upon completion of data collection and submission of the Interim Findings Report (including transcripts and workshop synthesis).
- 40% Payment: Upon approval of the Final Review Report and the summary PPT.
Note:
Payment will be made upon submission of all required deliverables, including relevant consultation materials, notes, supporting documents and reports in English, subject to review, acceptance and certification by the UN Women Monitoring and Coordination Analyst Analyst.
Inputs
- The consultant is expected to use her/his own computer and have all needed software for related tasks.
- The cost of mobile phone communication needs to be covered by the consultant.
- UN Women will cover covers travel costs during the review process and completion of the task in municipality.
- UN Women and Project OHCHR/HRAU and UNICEF will support resource materials and reference documents as relevant.
Competencies Core Values:
- Respect for Diversity
- Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
- Creative Problem Solving
- Effective Communication
- Inclusive Collaboration
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Leading by Example Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies: https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-values-and-competencies-framework-en.pdf
Functional Competencies:
- Strong commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women, with demonstrated experience of researching or working on gender issues;
- Strong research and writing skills, with strong analytical skills and creative thinking;
- Ability to think and work logically and work precisely with attention to detail;
- Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members of different national and cultural backgrounds.
- Previous experience (also volunteer experience) from the non-profit sector is an advantage.
- Ability to multi-task and address competing priorities
- Ability to produce quality deliverables in a timely manner
- Strong computer skills, including Word, Excel, and Power Point
Performance evaluation:
The consultant’s performance will be evaluated based on timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, and the quality of the deliverables.
Required experience and qualifications: Education:
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in social sciences, development studies, international relations, public policy, human rights, disability studies, gender studies, law, or other related fields relevant to inclusive development and human rights.
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in disability inclusion, inclusive development, and CRPD-related work
- Proven experience in drafting human rights reports, programme reviews, or inclusive policy analysis.
- Experience in capacity development for government organizations (specifically in disability mainstreaming) and CSOs.
- Prior experience with UNPRPD frameworks or the UN system is a strong asset.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical and reporting skills.
- Highly skilled in data analysis and interpretation.
- Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology and equipment, IT tools, Internet, and email.
How to apply
Interested candidates are requested to submit an electronic application via UN women e-Recruitment system, by August 7th, 2026, at the latest, referring to this advertisement.
Including;
- Cover letter
- Completed and signed P-11 form (available from http://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment)
- A copy of latest educational certificates
- Financial proposal: The financial proposal shall specify lumpsum amount breaking down the professional fee and associated cost of for each deliverable and travel related costs.
- Sample of at least two relevant survey reports (mandatory and must be author or co-author)
- preferably in the areas of gender equality, gender-based violence (GBV), disability inclusion, or social inclusion.
All applicants must include (as an attachment) of item 1-5. Application with missing required documents (item 1-5) will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment.
Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Values and Competencies Framework:
Functional Competencies:
Will be added separately for each position
Statements :
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Diversity and inclusion:
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If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.
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Note: Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form, including the sections on education and employment history, are completed. If all sections are not completed the application may be disqualified from the recruitment and selection process.