Duties and Responsibilities
The evaluation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Sri Lanka (2023–2027) serves as a critical mechanism for fostering learning, strengthening accountability, and informing strategic decision-making within the United Nations Development System, under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator and in coordination with the Development Coordination Office (DCO). Rooted in UNEG norms and standards and aligned with Cooperation Framework evaluation requirements, this evaluation will provide an independent and system-wide assessment of the UN’s collective contribution to national development priorities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The evaluation will assess progress achieved under the UNSDCF, identify key lessons learned, and examine the extent to which UN interventions have contributed to addressing Sri Lanka’s evolving development challenges, including recovery from the recent economic crisis, strengthening institutional resilience, promoting inclusive governance, and advancing equitable human development. The primary purpose of this evaluation is to assess the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and orientation towards impact of the UN system’s support to Sri Lanka, in line with established evaluation criteria. It will also examine the extent to which cross-cutting principles, such as human rights, gender equality, and the commitment to leave no one behind, have been integrated and operationalized throughout implementation. In accordance with UNSDCF evaluation guidelines, the evaluation will support accountability to national stakeholders while providing a platform for learning and dialogue to inform the next Cooperation Framework cycle. The findings, conclusions and recommendations will serve as a strategic resource for the UN and key stakeholders to strengthen coordination, refine programmatic approaches, and enhance the effectiveness of future UN support. The UNSDCF Evaluation Team consists of two members - Team Leader (International consultant) and Team Member (National consultant) who will be reporting to the internal Evaluation management team (Evaluation Manager and RCO). The Team Leader should lead the entire evaluation process, take overall responsibility for providing guidance and leadership, and are responsible for the production and timely submission of all expected deliverables in line with the ToR. Strategic Oversight and Methodological Leadership • Ensure the evaluation’s technical rigor and relevance, using sound methodologies that produce meaningful and actionable insights for the UNCT and key stakeholders. • Lead the design of the evaluation framework, including the refinement of core evaluation questions, selection of methods, and development of data collection tools, in collaboration with the Evaluation Steering Committee (ESC) and other stakeholders. • Lead and supervise the data collection and analysis processes, ensuring methodological integrity and evidence-based findings. • Maintain consistency, impartiality, transparency, and fairness throughout the evaluation’s design, execution, and reporting phases. Planning, Team Coordination, and Stakeholder Engagement • Develop a detailed evaluation work plan and timeline to ensure timely delivery of all activities within the approved budget. • Manage and coordinate the evaluation team (one national consultant), clarifying roles and responsibilities, promoting effective collaboration, and ensuring adherence to the work plan. • Engage with key stakeholders throughout the process, incorporating their feedback to enhance the evaluation’s relevance and credibility. Ensuring Evaluation Quality and Ethical Integrity • Uphold high standards of quality throughout the evaluation to ensure findings are reliable, valid, and grounded in solid evidence. • Ensure alignment with UNEG norms and standards, ethical principles, and recognized best practices—especially concerning gender equality, human rights, and inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized groups. • Facilitate inclusive stakeholder consultations to reflect diverse perspectives and ensure broad participation. Reporting and Deliverables • Guarantee timely submission of all evaluation deliverables outlined in the Terms of Reference, including the inception report, interim findings, draft report, and final evaluation report. • Deliver presentations to the stakeholders, ensuring findings are communicated clearly and accessibly. • Ensure that the evaluation findings directly inform the development of the next UNSDCF, with practical and forward-looking recommendations. Report Finalization and Strategic Recommendations • Lead the drafting and finalization of a comprehensive and well-structured evaluation report, presenting evidence-based conclusions and recommendations. • Ensure that all recommendations are actionable, aligned with national development priorities and the SDGs, and highlight key areas for improvement and innovation for the next UNSDCF cycle.
Qualifications/special skills
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or PhD) in Political Science, Public Administration, Development Studies, Law, Human Rights, or another related field is required. 10 years experience in designing and leading evaluations of UNSDCF,UN agency or donor Country Programmes; Extensive knowledge and experience in applying, qualitative and quantitative methods; Familiarity with UNEG Norms, Standards and Ethical Guidelines; Strong experience in the UN programming principles; LNOB,HR, gender equality and women's empowerment, sustainability and resilience, and accountability. Sound knowledge of the 2018 UN Development System reforms will be an asset; Previous experience of working in middle income country contexts-South Asia is preferred. Previous experience in Sri Lanka will be an asset; Expertise in at least one of the 6 UNSDCF Sri Lanka outcome areas; Previous experience in leading or substantially contributing to a UNSDCF evaluation is highly desirable.
