International Consultant - Team Leader of UNSDCF 2023-2027 Evaluation for UN Mongolia

The evaluation will be conducted around four months as outlined in the timetable attached below. However, the evaluation timeframe will be further detailed in the inception report, following consultations with key stakeholders. Evaluation Deliverables The key deliverables that the CF Evaluation Team is expected to produce are: • Inception Report, containing a preliminary analysis of the CF Theory of Change, an elaboration of the evaluation approach and methods, including the evaluation design matrix; and a detailed evaluation plan and timeline, including a tentative list of interviews to be arranged. • Preliminary findings report and presentation, in a template to be agreed with the Evaluation Manager (both English and Mongolian). • Draft and final CF Evaluation Report along with summary performance rating, presentations and infographics (both English and Mongolian), including the annexes. The final report of the evaluation will have up to three rounds of revisions. Additionally, infographics are to be used for publication, and a PowerPoint presentation to be used to share findings with the stakeholders and for use in subsequent dissemination events.

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

4 months - Jun 10 to 5 Oct 2026

The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023–2027 constitutes the collective strategic framework guiding the partnership between the United Nations system and the Government of Mongolia in support of national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UNSDCF is closely aligned with Mongolia’s long-term development policy, Vision 2050, which aspires to achieve inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development, improved quality of life, and a cohesive society grounded in human rights and the rule of law . Evaluation is a core function of the United Nations development system and the United Nations Development Coordination Office (DCO), serving both accountability and learning purposes. It provides independent, evidence-based assessments of the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, and sustainability of UN contributions, while generating lessons to inform decision-making, adaptive management, and improved programme design. Evaluation thus supports transparency, strengthens partnerships, and enhances the overall effectiveness of UN support. The evaluation of the UNSDCF is mandated by United Nations system-wide policies, including General Assembly resolutions on the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR), United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) Evaluation Guideline, and United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) norms and standards. These require an independent evaluation towards the end of each Cooperation Framework cycle to assess the collective performance and contribution of the UN Country Team and to inform the next programming cycle. The UNSDCF 2023–2027 was developed for Mongolia, a landlocked, middle-income country with a mineral-dependent, climate-vulnerable economy and a young, rapidly urbanising population. While formulated in a relatively stable development context, it has been shaped by the country’s transition from COVID-19 recovery and its exposure to recurrent climate-induced shocks, particularly dzud events. The framework brings together 24 UN entities, with an estimated budget of USD 224.6 million to deliver 16 outputs across four outcomes (see Figure 1). Further details on the UNSDCF 2023–2027, including participating UN organizations and key stakeholders. The management and governance of the Mongolia UNSDCF Evaluation will follow the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework Evaluation Guidelines (2025) to ensure independence, credibility, transparency, and quality throughout the evaluation process. The Evaluation Team will be composed of independent external evaluators, comprising the proposed Team Leader with extensive international evaluation expertise and one national member(s). Each Team member should sign and comply with the UNEG Code of Conduct for Evaluators, which provides ethical guidelines for the conduct of evaluations. Under the direct supervision of Evaluation Manager and Evaluation Technical Management Team, the proposed Evaluation Team Leader oversees the entire evaluation process, allocates workloads appropriately among team members, and supervises national team member(s). Team leader will conduct the evaluation process in a timely manner and communicate with the Evaluation Manager on a regular basis and highlight progress made/challenges encountered. The Evaluation Team Leader will be responsible for producing the inception report and the draft and final evaluation reports.

Advanced university level of education in evaluation or field(s) relevant to one or more CF areas of work, such as social and health science, economics, environment, sustainable development studies, law, human rights, governance or other relevant fields. Where possible/suitable PhD level is preferred for the Evaluation Team Leader. More than 10 years of work experience in conducting evaluations of complex programmes and themes Strong experience and knowledge in the five UN programming principles: human rights (the human rights-based approach to programming, human rights analysis and related mandates within the UN system), gender equality (especially gender analysis), environmental sustainability, results-based management, and capacity development. Experience and background in gender equality/gender analysis and gender responsive evaluations. Demonstrated analytical capacity on political economy and financing for development. Proven experience in conducting evaluations of complex programmes and themes Sound knowledge of the country context and an in-depth understanding of at least one area of work of UNCT members; collectively, Evaluation Team members should broadly cover all areas of UNCT activity. Good understanding of the SDGs, other relevant regional or global frameworks and their implications for development cooperation. Good understanding of multilateralism and the role of the UN System in development cooperation in the context of the country in question; Understanding of UN Reform and its implementation implications at the country level.

Fluency in English, excellent oral, written, communication and reporting skills.

No conflict of interest such as recent or expected employment by UNCT members or implementing partners, private relationships with any UNCT members of staff or government counterparts or implementing partners; participation in the design, implementation or advising CF being evaluated, among others). Any potential conflict of interest should be declared by candidates during the application process. Detailed Terms of Reference and detailed timeline of the Consultancy Assignment can be shared by the Resident Coordinator's Office via [email protected]