Consultancy- Development of a Centralized and Decentralised level Evaluation Quality Assurance Directive (EQAD) for the UNICEF Evaluation Office, NYHQ, One Month

The UNICEF Evaluation Office seeks a consultant to develop Evaluation Quality Assurance Directive (EQADs) for the centralized and decentralized level, which will be instrumental in enhancing quality assurance procedures of UNICEF Evaluation Function. In consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of evaluators, we are seeking an individual with proven capacity for flexible and remote work arrangements.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.
 
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
 
And we never give up.

For every child, evaluate

The UNICEF revised Evaluation Policy presents key principles that govern the Evaluation Function’s planning, conduct, and use of program evaluations. The Policy calls for increasing the quality, independence, credibility and utility of evaluation evidence for learning, decision making and accountability. Quality Assurance is one of the core elements for implementing the Evaluation Policy and a means of ensuring independence, credibility and utility of evaluations.

In 2019, the UNICEF Evaluation Office conducted a Quality Assurance Review which delivered the following products; 1) a map and detailed description of current practices for Quality Assurance within the UNICEF Evaluation Function, both at centralized and decentralized level, with commentary on strengths and weaknesses; 2) an analysis of current practice for a number of comparator organizations, both UN entities and others; 3) a proposal for options for improved for Quality Assurance at central and decentralized level.

How can you make a difference?

To take forward the recommendations from the above-mentioned Review, the UNICEF Evaluation Office is seeking a consultant to develop Evaluation Quality Assurance Directive (EQADs) for the centralized and decentralized level, which will be instrumental in enhancing quality assurance procedures of UNICEF Evaluation Function.

Aimed at supporting UNICEF Evaluation Function, the Evaluation Quality Assurance Directive (EQAD) will:

1) Enable UNICEF to standardize all evaluations undertaken by its central Evaluation Office and its consultants at the centralized and decentralized level, aligned to a common definition of Quality. 

2) Provide guidance on QA/Quality Control of UNICEF evaluation staff and its consultants, at central and decentralized level, covering all key stages of the evaluation cycle.
       • This should cover all UNICEF’s types of evaluations: (i) Corporate-level evaluations with global multi-country scope and mix                      methods designs, and (ii) Humanitarian Evaluations. Joint evaluation and at evaluation at the decentralized level.

3) Provide clarity on UNICEF’s Quality Assurance management system.

In addition, the Directive will clarify the rationale and expected outcomes of quality assurance, and related accountabilities, roles and responsibilities with respect to all steps of the evaluation process that are the object of quality assessment, at central and decentralised level.

Key Deliverables:

1. An Inception Report detailing the scope of the directives, methodology and approach to develop the UNICEF Evaluation Quality Assurance Directive, including consultations and an annotated outline of the EO directive for both centralized and centralized levels.
2. The final draft Directive on UNICEF’s Quality Assurance management system. 
   • The final deliverable will also consider striking a balance between minimizing the transaction costs and administrative burden of the propose guidance, while improving the quality of UNICEF evaluation products at central and decentralized level.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have...

• Advanced post-graduate degree, at least Master’s Degree, in economics, public policy, social sciences or related fields;

• At least 15 years of recognized international experience in leading evaluations or evaluative enquiries;

• Experience in advising evaluation functions of the UN agency, is considered an asset.

• Familiarity with Evaluation Quality assurance procedures

• Knowledge of the UN evaluation system, including the UNEG Evaluation norms and standards;

• Excellent communication and facilitation skills

• Excellent written and oral English.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

How to apply:

The deadline for applications is midnight of 31 October 2020 (New York time). 

Applications must include:

• Candidate’s CV, which should include up-to-date contact details of at least three reference persons.

• A cover letter (2-page maximum) with the following information:

• Availability as per indicative timeline, and an outline of how the applicant matches the required skills and  experience outlined in the terms of reference.
• A short technical proposal identifying how the consultant intend to approach the assignment, and the deliverables.

•A financial proposal including the daily consultancy fee (USD).

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.