Cooperation Framework Mid-Term Review Consultant

Organizational Context

The UN Secretariat's Resident Coordinator System in Lesotho is undergoing a mid-term review of its 2024-2028 Cooperation Framework. This review is critical due to a significantly changed environment, including economic fragility, climate vulnerability, and a reduced UN physical presence in the country. The framework is delivered through various inter-agency structures.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct a mid-term review of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (Cooperation Framework) 2024–2028 in Lesotho. This review will assess the framework's progress, relevance, and effectiveness in the context of evolving national and global challenges, including economic shifts and reduced UN presence. The consultant will evaluate inter-agency coordination mechanisms and the validity of the Theory of Change. The ultimate goal is to provide actionable recommendations for adaptive programming for 2026–2028, ensuring alignment with national priorities and the UN 2.0 vision for enhanced SDG impact.

Responsibilities

The consultant will assess progress against Cooperation Framework outcomes and outputs across its three strategic pillars. This includes evaluating the framework's continued relevance given national and global shifts, and examining the coherence, efficiency, and effectiveness of UNCT inter-agency coordination mechanisms and collective accountability systems. The consultant must determine if the Theory of Change remains valid amidst evolving risks and assess the current UNCT coordination architecture's implications on normative support and policy engagement. Finally, the consultant will provide actionable recommendations for adaptive programming for 2026–2028, including opportunities for joint programmes, and deliver a final mid-term review report with an executive summary, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of experience with UN programmatic reviews, analysis, and evaluations is required. Experience in complex multi-agency evaluations and knowledge of Least Developed Country (LDC) contexts are desirable. Expertise in gender-responsive evaluation methodologies, UN Coordination systems, and integrated programming approaches is also desirable.

Skills

Expertise in gender-responsive evaluation methodologies, UN Coordination systems, integrated programming approaches, governance, food systems, climate, and social sectors. Ability to conduct programmatic reviews, analysis, and evaluations within UN frameworks. Understanding of LDC contexts and complex multi-agency evaluations.

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