External Review Consultant (Reviewer)

Expected Tangible and Measurable Output(s)/Deliverable(s) The consultant will be responsible for the quality and timely submission of his/her specific deliverables, as specified below. All products should be well written in English, and have a clear, transparent, and verifiable analysis process. The consultant will coordinate closely with the Programme Management Team throughout the entire review process, and is responsible for the following deliverables: • Approach Paper: Inception report including the methodology, refined review questions (incorporating gender and human security), data collection instruments, and a list of interviewees. (Annex 1). • Draft Review Report: A comprehensive report presenting findings based on triangulated evidence, with a dedicated section on the effectiveness of the joint UNODC-UNDP implementation and lessons learned for future scaling. ( Annex 2). • Final External Review Report: The final version incorporating feedback from the Project Management Team.

Home-based with travel to Tashkent if needed

15.06-31.07.2026

Background of the Assignment Uzbekistan faces evolving challenges in the digital realm, where approximately 60% of the population is under the age of 30. While technological advancement is a national priority, it has also introduced risks of cybercrime, digital violence, and tech-facilitated gender-based violence (GBV). Traditional technology-driven security measures often lack the sustainability and human-centric focus required to protect vulnerable youth populations effectively. In early 2025, UNODC and UNDP launched a Joint Programme (JP) titled “Strengthening resilience of youth to cybercrime and digital violence in Uzbekistan” with funding support from the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS). This 18-month project (February 2025 – July 2026) utilized a Human Security approach to bridge the gap between technical cybersecurity and social well-being. The joint programme aims to safeguard the digital well-being of young people and address the complex and growing challenges posed by cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled crimes. The programme’s overarching purpose is to create a secure digital environment for youth by fostering digital literacy, promoting Internet safety, and mitigating cybercrime risks. It contributes to an enabling environment to live in freedom from fear and freedom to live in dignity in digital space through people-centred, comprehensive, context-specific, and prevention-oriented responses. The project focused on two primary outcomes: (1) Enhancing law enforcement's gender-responsive programmes and strategies to effectively prevent and counter cybercrime against youth, and (2) Empowering youth resilience through digital platforms, ideathons, and localized educational toolkits. The project is scheduled to conclude in July 2026. Specific Tasks to be Performed by the Consultant Under the guidance of the Project Management Team (UNODC ROCA and UNDP CO Tashkent), the consultant will: • Develop the methodological design of the review that ensures analytical rigor within the 10-day timeframe, including: o A comprehensive desk review of all key programme documents, progress reports, and monitoring data. o A limited number of Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with strategic stakeholders (identified in consultation with UNODC ROCA National Programme Officer). o Systematic triangulation of findings from primary and secondary sources. • Explicitly assess the human security, gender, inclusion, and vulnerability dimensions within the review questions and analysis scope. Regarding human security approach, specific review questions should include: o To what extent did the project address the interconnectedness of digital threats and social vulnerabilities? o How effectively did the project utilize the Human Security principles (people-centered, comprehensive, etc.) to reach marginalized youth? o What aspects of the HS approach were most difficult to operationalize in the context of cybercrime? • Evaluate the joint implementation arrangements, coordination efficiency between UNODC and UNDP, and the specific added value of the joint approach compared to single-agency interventions. • Ensure adherence to the UNODC templates for external reviews and UNTFHS reporting guidelines.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Criminal Justice, Law, Political Science, Management or International Development is required. A first level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. At least 5 years of professional experience in conducting external reviews/evaluations for UN agencies is required. Experience with technical assistance programmes, specifically in cybercrime, youth crime prevention, or human security or related areas is desirable. Previous experience with UNODC and UNDP evaluations is desirable. Understanding of the local and Central Asian context, Mahalla systems, and digital literacy initiatives in Uzbekistan is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of Uzbek or Russian is desirable.

Not available.