Consultancy – Development Account 2225B Evaluation

Result of ServiceFinal Evaluation Report (with lessons and recommendations) that provides evidence-based guidance to DESA, beneficiary countries, and UN partners on improving future support for LDC graduation and smooth transition strategies. Work LocationHome-based Expected duration5 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: In accordance with the Development Account (DA) evaluation framework and project evaluation guidelines, DA Project “Smooth transition beyond graduation for least developed countries in Africa, Asia and the Pacific in a post-COVID-19 environment” has been selected for final external evaluation. It will be conducted in accordance with the principles outlined in the UNEG Ethical Guidelines for Evaluation https://www.unevaluation.org/uneg_publications/uneg-ethical-guidelines-evaluation . The project, implemented from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2025, was conducted by the Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD) in partnership with ITC, WTO, OECD Development Centre, UN RCOs and UNCTs, OHRLLS, Inter-Agency Task Force on Financing for Development, UNCDF, EIF and built on earlier Development Account capacity-building projects to deliver continued support for structural transformation during and after LDC graduation. It aimed to help six least developed countries (LDCs) – Bangladesh, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Senegal, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Zambia, two in Africa, two in Asia and two in the Pacific – that are either: i) assessed as eligible for graduation the first time and those close to meeting the graduation threshold; or ii) graduating and graduated from LDC status – to adjust their preparation for graduation in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and to build greater resilience for a smooth transition in a post-Covid environment. By the end of the project, two main accomplishments were expected: - Strengthened capacity of national policy makers in recipient countries in Africa to access and comprehend information on available LDC-specific ISMs and new product requirements in export markets to increase their use of ISMs in preparing for graduation. - Strengthened capacity among national stakeholders in recipient countries in Asia and the Pacific to integrate resilience-building and smooth transition strategies into national and sectoral policies. Accordingly, the project aimed to result in targeted beneficiaries – key stakeholders including selected government officials within the ministries associated with LDC graduation and its implications such as Foreign Affairs, Planning, Finance, Trade and Commerce – having enhanced capacities specifically: - Strengthened capacity to access and share information on new product requirements for export markets including those related to the Covid-19 pandemic. - Strengthened knowledge of the requirements for the preparation and implementation of a Smooth Transition Strategy (STS) and capacity to contribute to the preparation of their countries’ STS Work assignment: - Scope of work This Evaluation will be conducted as an independent exercise, based on documentation related to the project, online communication including interviews and e-mails with national stakeholders – government officials, private sector, civil society, development and trading partners from the beneficiary countries; other key individuals from the UN system who engaged in the project by the project partners. The above-mentioned persons are expected to provide information, opinions and assessments to the consultant (henceforth, the “Evaluator”), upon his/her request. The evaluation will be undertaken from November 2025 to April 2026. The Evaluator will liaise with the DESA/EAPD/Development Policy Branch and the DESA/Capacity Development Programme Management Office (CDPMO) for logistics and administrative issues, while conducting the evaluation independently. The draft report to be prepared by the Evaluator will be delivered to DESA/EAPD and circulated for comments to the project collaborating entities, international project consultants and national project consultants in beneficiary countries. All comments to the draft report will be compiled by the Evaluator. EAPD may suggest additions or modifications. - Tasks An evaluation consultant will be recruited to undertake the tasks described below as part of the evaluation of DA14 Project “Smooth transition beyond graduation for least developed countries in Africa, Asia and the Pacific in a post-COVID-19 environment.” DESA/EAPD will administrate the consultancy contract. The evaluation consultant will be responsible for conducting the overall evaluation, applying the methodology as appropriate, and for producing the evaluation report. The consultant will participate in briefing and debriefing meetings and discussions, and will prepare an inception report, a draft evaluation report, and the final evaluation report in line with the DESA Evaluation Guidelines. The evaluation consultant is fully responsible for the evaluation report, which may not reflect the views of DESA or its staff. The consultant will be provided full access to all relevant project reports, documentation, and stakeholder contact information necessary to carry out the evaluation. The specific tasks of the evaluation consultant will include, but not be limited to: - Conducting a desk review of all relevant project documents (project document, annual and final progress reports, training/workshop materials, technical assistance outputs, and knowledge products). - Developing a detailed evaluation methodology and work plan, presented in an Inception Report, including an evaluation matrix. - Designing and carrying out data collection (remote or in-person, as feasible), including interviews with key stakeholders (government counterparts, national focal points, Resident Coordinator Offices, and partners) and surveys/questionnaires where relevant. - Analyzing findings against the evaluation questions and criteria, and developing preliminary results and recommendations. - Participating in a debriefing with DESA/EAPD and CDPMO to present emerging findings. - Preparing a Draft Evaluation Report, incorporating comments received from DESA/EAPD and other stakeholders. - Finalizing the Evaluation Report and preparing a concise Evaluation Brief/Presentation summarizing key findings, lessons, and recommendations. Deliverables are: - Inception report (10%) – includes methodology to be used and main structure/headings of report. - Draft report (40%) – includes interviews, review of relevant documents, and analysis assessment. - Final report (50%) – incorporates comments and updates from draft report Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, social sciences, development or related field is required. A minimum of 7 years work experience in monitoring and evaluation of programmes or projects in the economics, sustainable development, trade and issues related to LDCs and graduation is required. Knowledge and experience of sustainable development in developing countries in particular LDCs, as well as capacity building and training activities is an advantage. Country experience and knowledge of beneficiary countries is an advantage. Excellent analytical, writing and inter-personal communication skills. LanguagesFluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official UN Language is an advantage. 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.