What's Happening?
UN Women is seeking a Senior Evaluation Consultant to conduct an independent evaluation of its coordination mandate. This evaluation, set to begin in the first quarter of 2027, aims to assess the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability
of UN Women's coordination efforts. The scope of the evaluation will cover UN Women's coordination work at global, regional, and national levels, including institutional arrangements and coordination across its triple mandate (results, rights, and accountability/resourcing). Key frameworks and mechanisms such as UN-SWAP, UNCT-SWAP, and the Gender Equality Marker will be examined. The consultant will provide technical expertise throughout the evaluation process, from design and data collection to report writing and communication. This initiative is part of UN Women's commitment to organizational and UN system accountability on gender equality, as outlined in its Evaluation Policy and UNEG Norms.
Why It's Important?
This evaluation is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness and accountability of UN Women's efforts in promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls globally. By assessing its coordination mandate, UN Women aims to strengthen its role in driving system-wide capacity and accountability for gender equality in development and humanitarian contexts. The findings will provide evidence-based information for decision-making, contributing to improved strategies and resource allocation. The evaluation's focus on institutional change and collective results for gender equality underscores its potential to influence how UN Women and other UN entities collaborate to achieve their objectives. The involvement of a Senior Evaluation Consultant ensures a rigorous and impartial assessment, which is vital for maintaining credibility and fostering trust among stakeholders and beneficiaries.
What's Next?
The Senior Evaluation Consultant will contribute to the preparation of an inception report by March 12, 2027, which will outline the evaluation methodology and data collection tools. Subsequently, the consultant will participate in qualitative and quantitative data collection, including interviews and focus group discussions, and contribute to a draft report by June 30, 2027. The final report, incorporating feedback from various stakeholders, is expected by August 31, 2027. This report will include strategic and actionable recommendations intended to inform the implementation of UN Women's Coordination Mandate Theory of Change and its Coordination Strategy. These recommendations will also guide decisions regarding the architecture, capacities, competencies, and resourcing of the mandate, as well as UN Women's positioning within the evolving UN system gender equality framework.
Beyond the Headlines
The evaluation of UN Women's coordination mandate extends beyond a mere performance review; it delves into the fundamental principles of inter-agency collaboration and accountability within the UN system. By examining how coordination contributes to institutional change and collective results, the evaluation addresses the complex challenges of achieving gender equality in diverse global contexts. The emphasis on human rights-based approaches and gender-responsive evaluation methodologies highlights a commitment to ethical considerations and inclusive practices. Furthermore, the requirement for the consultant to have competency in emerging AI tools and responsible AI use in evaluation suggests a forward-looking approach to leveraging technology while upholding ethical frameworks. This initiative could set a precedent for how international organizations assess and adapt their strategies in an increasingly complex and technologically advanced world.
