Result of ServiceUNSDCF 2022-2026 Final Evaluation Report Work LocationUNRCO Expected duration5 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesINTRODUCTION The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022–2026 is the guiding document that shapes the UN Country Team’s (UNCT) collective support for Eritrea’s national development priorities. Established under General Assembly Resolution A/RES/72/279, the UNSDCF replaces the former United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and represents a coherent, strategic response to the country’s development challenges while ensuring alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The evaluation of the UNSDCF is a mandatory, independent, system-wide process designed to assess the framework’s contributions to national development priorities and the SDGs. This evaluation aims to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, relevance, and sustainability of the UNSDCF’s implementation. The findings will inform future programming, enhance accountability, and facilitate evidence-based decision-making for the next Cooperation Framework cycle. The evaluation will adhere to the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) Norms and Standards for Evaluation (2016) and DCO UNSDCF Evaluation Guidelines-Engl-2024.pdf and be conducted with credibility, impartiality, and methodological rigor. It will ensure a transparent and inclusive process, engaging relevant stakeholders to provide accurate, evidence-based insights into the UN’s contribution to Eritrea’s national development priorities and SDG progress. This evaluation is mainly aimed at primary users such as the Government of The State of Eritrea (GoSE), UNCT, development partners, donors, and other development actors and secondary users, including the general public, academia interested in its use for different purposes, including, among others, formulation of proposals for development interventions, preparation of academic papers, mobilization of resources, etc. BACKGROUND - COUNTRY CONTEXT AND UNSDCF HIGHLIGHTS Eritrea, a low-income nation in the Horn of Africa, has a population of 3.5 million, nearly half under 15. Despite progress in health, education, and poverty reduction, the country faces significant socio-economic challenges. Eritrea met the health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), reduced child and maternal mortality, and achieved gender parity in primary education. By 2015, 85% of the population had access to safe drinking water. However, the economy remains heavily reliant on agriculture, which employs a large workforce but contributes less to GDP than the services sector. Limited economic diversification and vulnerable employment—affecting 57.4% of jobs, particularly among women and rural communities—hinder sustainable growth. Climate change further threatens food security, with rising temperatures, droughts, and deforestation exacerbating vulnerabilities. Institutional and infrastructure gaps also pose major constraints. Weak institutional capacities limit policy implementation, while underdeveloped energy infrastructure restricts economic expansion. Only 42% of the population has electricity, with rural areas lagging behind. Social inequality persists, affecting marginalized groups, while weak data systems hinder evidence-based policymaking. Despite these challenges, Eritrea has significant opportunities for growth. Its strategic location supports regional trade, and its rich mineral and marine resources offer economic diversification potential. With investments in education and job creation, the country’s youthful population could become a key driver of development. Eritrea’s agricultural potential, along with its commitment to social justice and gender equality, provides a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth. Against this background, the Government of the State of Eritrea and the UN system signed a Cooperation Framework in December 2021. The UNSDCF 2022–2026 serves as the strategic framework guiding the UNCT-GOSE in supporting Eritrea’s national development priorities and advancing progress toward the SDGs. The UNSDCF 2022-2026 is aligned with Eritrea’s national development priorities, as well as global and regional frameworks, including Agenda 2030, Agenda 2063, and the African Union’s development goals. The framework reflects Eritrea’s commitment to the principles of “Leaving No One Behind” (LNOB), gender equality, and human rights. It also emphasizes the importance of resilience, sustainability, and accountability in achieving the SDGs. Developed through an inclusive consultation process involving the GoSE, UN agencies, civil society, and development partners, the UNSDCF 2022-2026 focuses on two strategic priority areas, each with specific outcomes and outputs designed to address Eritrea’s development challenges and contribute to the SDGs: 1. Human Development and Wellbeing: 2. Inclusive, Diversified, and Climate-Resilient Economy: The UNSDCF integrates cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, youth empowerment, disability inclusion, and social justice. These themes are embedded across all strategic priorities to ensure that no one is left behind. The framework also emphasizes the importance of innovation, digital technology, and human rights in driving sustainable development. The UNSDCF 2022-2026 was developed in a normal development setting, with a focus on long-term sustainable development rather than a transition from humanitarian or recovery phases. Theory of Change (ToC) and Results Framework The UNSDCF’s Theory of Change is premised on the assumption that strong, resilient institutions and inclusive economic growth are essential for achieving sustainable development in Eritrea. The framework envisions that by 2026, more people will benefit from equitable access to quality social services, public institutions will be more accountable and efficient, and economic growth will be more inclusive and climate resilient. The UNSDCF’s intervention logic is based on addressing the root causes of development challenges, leveraging the UN’s comparative advantage, and fostering partnerships with national and international stakeholders. The UNSDCF outlines four outcomes and seven outputs, supported by a results framework that includes performance indicators, baselines, and targets. Key outcomes include: Human Development and Wellbeing: Outcome 1: Equitable access to quality essential social services. Outcome 2: Strengthened public sector institutions and accountability. Inclusive, Diversified, and Climate-Resilient Economy: Outcome 3: Increased livelihoods through inclusive and diversified economic growth. Outcome 4: Climate-resilient sustainable environment and natural resources management. The UNSDCF 2022-2026 involves 21 UN agencies, funds, and programmes (AFPs). These agencies bring complementary expertise in areas such as health, education, agriculture, climate resilience, and governance. Key stakeholders include the Government of Eritrea, particularly the Ministry of Finance and National Development (MFND), which provides overarching oversight and guidance. Other stakeholders include Implementing Partners (Ips), development partners, and local communities, all of whom play a critical role in the implementation and monitoring of the UNSDCF. Contextual Issues: Gender Equality and Human Rights Gender equality and human rights are central to the UNSDCF, with a focus on addressing the needs of marginalized groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The framework emphasizes the importance of gender-sensitive programming, social justice, and the protection of vulnerable populations from harmful practices such as gender-based violence (GBV) and female genital mutilation (FGM). The UNSDCF also aligns with international human rights standards, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Evaluative Knowledge and Assessments The UNSDCF builds on lessons learned from the previous Strategic Partnership Cooperation Framework (SPCF) 2017-2021, which highlighted the need for stronger partnerships, improved data collection, and enhanced institutional capacities. The evaluation of the UNSDCF will also consider findings from country programme evaluations of UN agencies operating under the framework, as well as the Voluntary National Review (VNR) conducted by Eritrea in 2022 and 2024. The VNR highlights the country's progress toward the SDGs, focusing on health (SDG 3) and climate action (SDG 13). Key findings include significant reductions in maternal and child mortality, expanded access to healthcare, and progress in combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. It also highlights progress in education, gender equality, and water/sanitation, with increased school access, improved literacy rates, and near-gender parity in education. Gender equality efforts include laws against harmful practices, reduced FGM, and increased women's representation in the workforce and politics. Clean water and sanitation access has improved, with 93% of villages open defecation-free. These evaluations provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of UN interventions and inform the design of future programming. The evaluation of the UNSDCF 2022-2026 will assess the framework’s relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, and sustainability in contributing to Eritrea’s national development priorities and the SDGs. It will examine the extent to which the UNSDCF has addressed key development challenges, including economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and institutional capacity building. The evaluation will also explore the framework’s alignment with global and regional agendas, its integration of cross-cutting themes, and its contribution to gender equality and human rights. The evaluation of the UNSDCF will provide critical insights into the framework’s impact and inform future programming to ensure that no one is left behind. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS The Evaluation Team will be composed of a Team Leader (International Consultant) and two Thematic Experts (National Consultants). The Evaluation Team will manage conducting the evaluation, including data collection, analysis, and reporting. The Team Leader will have the following duties and responsibilities. • Provide overall leadership and guidance to the evaluation team. • Develop and implement the evaluation's methodological design, including the evaluation matrix and data collection tools. • Coordinate the drafting of the inception report, draft report, and final report. • Ensure that the evaluation adheres to the principles of gender equality, human rights, and inclusion. • Act as the primary point of contact for the Evaluation Manager and the Evaluation Steering Committee. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master's and equivalent) in development studies, economics, international relations, or related field; PhD is considered an asset. 5 years cumulatively of substantial professional application of results-based management and evaluation procedure and Experience in data collection and analysis. Regional Experience/Minimum 10 years of professional experience in conducting programme evaluation/review of programmes and/or outcome levels with international organizations. Cognizant to the context of Eritrea A good knowledge of the 2030 Agenda & the SDGs and knowledge of the UN System and UN Programming process. Experience working in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams and knowledge of gender equality, human rights and inclusion issues LanguagesFluency in spoken and written English and excellent report writing and communication skills Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.