Result of ServiceThe International Consultant/Evaluation Team Leader and National Consultant should utilize the templates provided by the CF Evaluation Guidelines and timely submit the deliverables. The quality of deliverables will be assessed by the Evaluation Manager, in consultations with the UN Resident Coordinator as well as members of the Evaluation Steering Committee. 1. 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. (First draft April-May 2025) - 25% 2. Preliminary findings report or presentation, in a template to be agreed with the Evaluation Manager. (June 2025) - 50% 3. Reporting: Draft and final CF Evaluation Report, including the annexes (First draft – July 2025, Second draft – August 2025, Final report – August 2025) - 25% Work LocationTajikistan Expected durationApril - August 2025 Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) evaluation will encompass all UN Country Team programmes, including resident, non-resident, and regional entities operating within the UNSDCF in Tajikistan during the 2023-2026 CF cycle. To enhance the evaluation’s strategic impact, a common approach will be applied to assess the UN’s collective contributions as One UN. This includes integrating the evaluations of individual UN entities' Country Programme Documents (CPDs) into the overall UNSDCF evaluation results. While the evaluation will not fully assess individual programmes or projects of UNCT members, it will synthesize findings from previous evaluations conducted by each agency. This comprehensive strategy will provide a clearer understanding of the collective impact of UN entities in promoting development, facilitating a holistic assessment of their contributions to sustainable development in Tajikistan and ensuring alignment with national priorities and the SDGs. The Evaluation Team is made up of an independent Team Leader/International Evaluation Consultant and the National Consultant. The International Evaluation Consultant will possess extensive evaluation expertise and a National Consultant with strong expertise on LNOB and cross-cutting issues. International Evaluation Consultant leads the formulation of the inception report, data collection, analysis, the draft and final evaluation reports and works in full independence from the RCO and UNCT in Tajikistan. The Team Leader/International Evaluation Consultant coordinates the evaluation process substantively through data collection and analysis. He/she will conduct desk review and interviews and conduct field visits identified and collect data. The evaluation will consist of 3 phases, sprayed over 6 months, with 39 days for the national evaluation consultant. Payments will be correlated with the expected deliveries. 1. Inception Phase (12 days): Initial desk review, Methodological meeting (incl. TOC review), Inception report, Secondary desk review 2. Field Phase (15 days): Field phase data collection, Data analysis 3. Reporting Phase (12 days): First draft, Preliminary findings presentation, Second draft, Final draft, Stakeholder workshop UNSDCF Evaluation Process: Phase 1. Inception. The Team Leader/International Evaluation Consultant will map and scope activities leading to the refinement of the evaluation design and questions that will be reflected in the Inception Report. The Evaluation Team Leader/ international Consultant with support of the DCO Evaluation Advisor, will brief the RC and the Evaluation Manager, agreeing or developing theories of change; and drafting the Inception Report through a consultative process. Phase 2. Data collection and analysis The data collection and analysis phases include all primary and secondary data collection and analysis. Phase 3. Reporting During the reporting phase the Evaluation Team compiles and synthesizes findings and prepares the Evaluation Report. Phase 4 Review and validation The report will be shared with UNCT and Evaluation Steering Committee members who will review and validate outcomes of the evaluation report. Based on the report, the RC/UNCT will draft a management response to address recommendations. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Masters and equivalent or PhD) in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, International Relations, or related field is required. • 10 years of relevant professional experience, including previous substantive involvement in evaluations and/or reviews at programme and/or outcome levels in related fields with international organizations, preferably of other UNDAFs and UNSDCFs is required. • Specialized experience and/or methodological/technical knowledge, including some specific data collection and analytical skills, particularly in the following areas: understanding of human rights-based approaches to programming; gender considerations is required; environmental sustainability, Results Based Management (RBM) principles; logic modelling/logical framework analysis; quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis; participatory approaches; including also on political economy and financing for development is required. • Strong Gender Equality and Human Rights required expertise is required. • Good understanding of the SDGs and their implications for development cooperation is required. • Good understanding of the role of the UN System in development cooperation and promotion of human rights, particularly in the context of the Republic Tajikistan is required. • Sound knowledge of the country context and an in-depth understanding of at least two Tajikistan UNSDCF priority areas is required • Demonstrated ability to write and communicate clearly is desired. • Excellent report writing skills as well as communication and interviewing skills is desired. LanguagesFluency in English is required. Knowledge of Russian is an asset. Additional InformationInterested candidates shall submit the technical proposal demonstrating why they are the best suited to carry out the above task. This should include: • CV and a sample of previous works (supported by links If available). • A brief outline of the strengths and expertise highlighting directly relevant experiences to the assignment, including experience and knowledge in the UN programming principles (LNOB, human rights, GEWE, environmental sustainability and resilience, and accountability) • Approach to work/suggested methodology and work-plan • Financial Proposal (inclusive of expenses related to travels and DSA) as required The Evaluation Team will be responsible for their own travel arrangements across the country. No additional costs outside of the scope of this TOR will be covered. The consultants will have to possess their own laptop and other technical equipment to complete the assignment. The documents produced during the period of this consultancy will be treated strictly confidential and the rights of distribution and/or publication shall solely reside with the UN. 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.