Jobs

UN Women: Call for Applications for National Evaluation Consultant (Home Based)

EugenMarch 13, 2025

3 minutes read

UN Women is seeking a National Evaluation Consultant who is dedicated to advancing gender equality and supporting the empowerment of women, particularly those in Afghanistan, a nation facing profound humanitarian challenges. With a strong commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, UN Women is focused on eliminating discrimination against women and girls, advocating for their rights, and ensuring that they are active participants in development processes. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to vital assessments that inform programming designed to uplift Afghan women and girls during these challenging times.

Background on UN Women and the Role in Afghanistan

Afghanistan stands as one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the world today. Years of conflict, economic instability, and natural disasters have severely affected the lives of its people, particularly marginalized groups such as women and girls. These individuals face heightened vulnerabilities, and their perspectives are often overlooked in critical decision-making processes.

UN Women has a steadfast presence in Afghanistan and has been instrumental in addressing these urgent challenges for over two decades. Through strategic priorities focused on Gender in Humanitarian Action, Ending Violence Against Women, Women’s Economic Empowerment, and Women, Peace and Security, UN Women aims to ensure that Afghan women are center-stage in the national discourse around recovery and development.

The National Evaluation Consultant will be crucial to this mission, working closely with the Regional Evaluation Specialist at the UN Women Asia and the Pacific Regional Office. This home-based position allows flexibility while ensuring that Afghan voices and cultural sensitivities are prioritized in the evaluation processes.

Key Responsibilities of the National Evaluation Consultant

The selected consultant will contribute approximately 30 days to the evaluation process, with key responsibilities spread across various phases:

Inception Phase Contributions:

Review and Adjustment of Data Collection Tools: The consultant will critique and refine data collection tools and plans to ensure their relevance and cultural appropriateness. This will include verifying translations and methodologies.
Input for Inception Report: The consultant will play a vital role in shaping the inception report by ensuring the evaluation methodology aligns with local contexts and maintains cultural sensitivity.

Data Collection Coordination and Quality Control:

The consultant will liaise with the data collection firm to ensure clear communication and adherence to methodologies and safety protocols, and to provide necessary support in training enumerators or team members.
Quality checks will be performed on a representative sample of the data collected, verifying its accuracy and cultural relevance.
The consultant will conduct complementary remote data collection with key stakeholders as needed and provide interview notes that capture essential insights.

Reporting Phase:

The consultant will review preliminary findings and contribute to the synthesis and draft reports, ensuring that all evaluation outputs adhere to cultural norms and accurately reflect the Afghan context.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Engaging with various stakeholders, the consultant will be responsible for gathering insights that can enrich the evaluation, while also participating in presentations as required.

Deliverables and Timeline

The consultant will be expected to fulfill the following deliverables and associated time commitments:

Inception Phase Inputs (5 days): Review of data collection tools and contribution to the inception report.
Data Collection Quality Control (20 days): Ongoing quality assurance during data collection, including remote data gathering.
Reporting (5 days): Inputs to draft reports and presentations, ensuring cultural sensitivity throughout.

Required Qualifications and Competencies

Education:

An advanced degree in relevant disciplines such as gender studies, international development, sociology, or political science. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may also be considered.

Experience:

At least 5 years of experience in evaluations, assessments, or reviews with international organizations, particularly in gender equality and women’s empowerment.
A strong understanding of the Afghan context, supported by familiarity with UN Women’s objectives.

Language Proficiency:

Fluency in written and spoken English as well as proficiency in Dari and Pashto is mandatory, allowing effective communication with stakeholders in Afghanistan.

Competencies:

Strong awareness and sensitivity regarding gender issues.
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to lead discussions with multiple stakeholders and ensure effective collaboration.

How to Apply

Candidates interested in this rewarding consultancy are invited to apply by submitting:

A cover letter detailing their interest and relevant experience.
Two writing samples, preferably evaluation reports that the applicant has principally drafted.

Applications should be submitted by March 16, 2025.

In a world where every voice matters, the National Evaluation Consultant position with UN Women represents a critical opportunity to effect change and contribute to a more equitable future. Those passionate about gender equality and who thrive in a collaborative environment are encouraged to bring their expertise to this important role. For more information about UN Women’s values and competencies, please visit UN Women’s Values and Competencies Framework.

Join UN Women in their mission to empower Afghan women and girls—your contribution can make a lasting impact in shaping future programming and responses to gender-related challenges in Afghanistan.