Here is an example of what a job description may look like for an Independent Consultant in Evaluation. Usually, a monitoring and evaluation consulting firm seeks individual contractors or evaluation consultants in order to expand its pool of evaluation consultants.

Independent Consultant in Evaluation job duties and responsibilities #

• Conduct desk reviews of relevant project documents required and participate in meetings as required;
• Prepare for and carry out data collection and analysis and deliverables;
• Pro-actively provide relevant local knowledge and insights;
• Assist in identifying the local partners of ongoing and past projects and their beneficiaries in the target areas to enhance the inclusiveness of the evaluation;
• Organize and take part and/or conduct interviews with key stakeholders in monitoring and evaluation;
• Take notes during interviews, provide a summary of notes and/or write brief reports on main observations and conclusions;
• Write full reports and/or certain sections in draft reports if requested by the evaluator;
• Provide periodic feedback as needed to the lead evaluator on progress and any challenges faced;
• Organize logistics during the field visits, including transportation, and interpretation services if required;
• Organize, provide and/or contribute to providing a debrief to present the initial findings and tentative conclusions to project key stakeholders;
• Draft and revise final report(s) and evaluation brief(s) in coordination with the lead evaluator;

About You #

You must be able to demonstrate the following:

• Advanced University degree in Social sciences, Economics studies, or any other related field;
• In-depth knowledge of evaluation approaches, ability to apply both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, and to uphold high-quality standards for evaluation;
• Ability to ensure ethics and integrity of the evaluation process, including confidentiality and the “do no harm” principle;
• Ability to independently organize field visits and mobilize needed support (driver, interpreter, etc.);
• Excellent report writing, communication, and interviewing skills in English (fluency in other languages will be an advantage);
• Well-developed cross-cultural communication skills;
• Effective prioritization and organizational skills with an ability to work under tight deadlines;
• Service-oriented and good team spirit;
• Experience in working with UN agencies will be an advantage.