Result of Service

Deliverables:

• Inception Report, containing a preliminary analysis of the CF ToC or, in its absence, reconstruction of the CF ToC; an elaboration of the evaluation approach and methods, including the evaluation design matrix; and a detailed evaluation plan and timeline, including a tentative list of interviews to be arranged or plans for field visits.
• Preliminary findings report or presentation, in a template to be agreed with the Evaluation Manager.
• Draft and final CF Evaluation Report, including the Executive Summary and Annexes.

Work Location

Remotely and field travel to Moldova

Expected duration

March-August 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a robust, mixed-methods evaluation methodology, including an inception report, evaluation matrix, and data collection tools, adhering to UNEG Norms, Standards, and Ethical Guidelines. – Conduct a comprehensive desk review of relevant documents (UNSDCF, reports, CCA, etc.). – Lead and carry out data collection through mixed methods (interviews, focus groups, secondary data analysis). – Analyze the UNSDCF’s Theory of Change and assess its performance against evaluation criteria (Relevance and Adaptability, Coherence, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Coordination, Sustainability, Orientation towards Impact, Coverage, Connectedness). – Ensure integration of UN programming principles (LNOB, Human Rights, Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment, Disability Inclusion, Sustainability & Resilience, Accountability) throughout the evaluation. – Produce high-quality deliverables (Inception Report, Preliminary Findings presentation, Draft and Final Evaluation Reports, including clear findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations). – Collaborate effectively with the Evaluation Manager, Evaluation Steering Committee, UNCT, government counterparts, and other stakeholders.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Masters level or higher) in evaluation or a field relevant to one or more Cooperation Framework priority areas, such as international development, economics, political science, public administration, social sciences, or other relevant field is required. Minimum of ten years of experience in designing and leading evaluations of UNSDCF or UN agency Country Programme, or major bilateral donor country programmes is required. Extensive knowledge of, and experience in applying, qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods, with demonstrated familiarity with UNEG Norms and Standards and Ethical Guidelines is required. Strong experience and knowledge of UN programming principles including LNOB, human rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment, disability inclusion, environmental sustainability and resilience, and accountability is required. Previous experience of working in Eastern Europe and/or specific experience in Moldova is considered an asset.

Languages

Excellent command of English is required. Knowledge of Romanian and/or Russian is considered an asset.

Additional Information

Conduct the final evaluation of the UN Cooperation Framework 20232027, covering January 2023-April 2026, focusing on the collective contribution of the UNCT, including non-resident agencies, and CF implementation instruments incl. the Joint Work Plans. It will assess cross-cutting issues and the application of UN programming principles, including leaving no one behind, human rights, gender equality and womens empowerment, disability inclusion, environmental sustainability and resilience, and accountability. The evaluation will also consider emerging issues, such as the energy crisis and the influx of Ukrainian refugees, assessing the UNCTs responsiveness and adaptability. The ultimate result of this service is a comprehensive Final Evaluation Report providing evidence-based findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations. This report will serve dual purposes of informing learning and improvements for the next UNSDCF 2028-2032 and strengthening accountability to the Government of Moldova, donors, and other stakeholders regarding the collective UN results achieved during the current framework. The evaluation will be conducted primarily remotely, with travel to Chisinau, where most key programme stakeholders are based. If relevant and agreed with the RCO, field visits to development may also be considered.

No Fee

THE 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.