Programme - level evaluation

The consultant will deliver independent, high-quality, and evidence-based assessments of all eligible project proposals, producing well‑justified scores and recommendations that support the SPECA MPTF Steering Committee in making informed, transparent, and objective funding decisions, while contributing to the consistency and credibility of the overall proposal assessment process.

Responsibilities

• Independently assess all eligible project proposals under the SPECA MPTF 2026 Call for Proposals.
• Apply the SPECA MPTF assessment and scoring framework to evaluate proposals against all criteria with objective, evidence-based judgment.
• Prepare individual assessment reports for each assessed project proposal using relevant SPECA MPTF Templates, provide specific, evidence-based and clear justification for the score awarded and where appropriate provide concrete, actionable recommendations for improvement.
• Contribute to the Consolidated Assessment Report by comparing human and AI assessments and reconciling differences.
• Support final scoring and recommendations, ensuring human judgment prevails where AI outputs are inadequate.
• Identify key strengths, weaknesses, and any disqualifying issues in proposals.
• Define clear, actionable conditions for proposals recommended for conditional approval.
• Present findings to the Steering Committee and respond to technical queries.
• Maintain confidentiality, impartiality, and compliance with conflict-of-interest requirements.
• Deliver all outputs on time and in required formats (English/Russian, Word/Excel).

Requirements

• Advanced Degree in Project management, international development, economics, transport and trade, environmental science, energy, urban planning, regional studies, public policy, law, or a related discipline.
• 10 years of relevant experience is required.
• Demonstrated expertise in evaluating development projects funded by the UN system, multilateral development banks, or similar organizations.
• Strong knowledge of results-based management, Theory of Change, and SMART indicators.
• Experience in regional or multi-country programmes, gender mainstreaming, LNOB principles, and environmental and climate safeguards.
• Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to assess and reconcile information from multiple sources.
• Fluency in English is required.

Skills

• Project Management
• International Development
• Economic Analysis
• Transport and Trade
• Environmental Sciences
• Energy Sector Knowledge
• Urban Planning
• Regional Studies
• Public Policy
• Law
• UN Project Evaluation
• UN System Funding
• Multilateral Development Banks Governance
• Result-Based Management
• Theory of Change
• SMART Indicators
• Regional Program Management
• Multi-country Programme Management
• Gender Mainstreaming
• Leave No One Behind Principles
• Environmental Safeguards Policy
• Climate Safeguards
• Analytical Skills

Languages

English