Programme - level evaluation

Organizational Context

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) seeks a consultant to assess project proposals for the SPECA MPTF. This role supports the SPECA MPTF Steering Committee in making informed, transparent, and objective funding decisions by providing independent, high-quality, evidence-based assessments and recommendations, ensuring the credibility of the proposal assessment process.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct independent, high-quality, and evidence-based assessments of eligible project proposals submitted under the SPECA MPTF 2026 First Call for Proposals. The consultant will provide well-justified scores and recommendations to the SPECA MPTF Steering Committee, enabling informed, transparent, and objective funding decisions. This role is crucial for maintaining the consistency and credibility of the overall proposal assessment process. The findings will directly inform the Steering Committee's decisions on project approval, conditional approval, or rejection. The consultant will also contribute to a Consolidated Assessment Report, comparing and reconciling human and AI-assisted assessments, ensuring human judgment prevails where necessary.

Responsibilities

Independently assess all eligible project proposals under the SPECA MPTF 2026 Call for Proposals, applying the established assessment and scoring framework objectively and based on evidence. Prepare detailed individual assessment reports for each proposal, including specific justifications for scores and actionable recommendations for improvement. Contribute to the Consolidated Assessment Report by comparing human and AI assessments and reconciling any differences. Support final scoring and recommendations, ensuring human judgment is prioritized. Identify key strengths, weaknesses, and disqualifying issues in proposals. Define clear conditions for conditionally approved proposals. Present findings to the Steering Committee and respond to technical queries. Maintain confidentiality, impartiality, and compliance with conflict-of-interest requirements. Deliver all outputs on time and in the required formats.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience is required. This includes demonstrated expertise in evaluating development projects funded by UN system organizations, multilateral development banks, or similar entities. Experience with regional or multi-country programs, gender mainstreaming, LNOB principles, and environmental/climate safeguards is desirable.

Skills

Project assessment and scoring, evidence-based analysis, report writing, results-based management, Theory of Change, SMART indicators, regional/multi-country program experience, gender mainstreaming, LNOB principles, environmental and climate safeguards, analytical skills, information reconciliation, confidentiality, impartiality, conflict-of-interest management.

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