International Consultant – Evaluation of UNICEF’s support to Nepal’s local level decentralized planning

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, results. 

UNICEF has a long-standing history of collaborating with the Government of Nepal (GoN) to enhance its planning processes at various levels. Following the federalization, the GoN adopted a decentralized planning and budgeting system, granting local authorities the power to mobilize resources and implement community-responsive local plans. Consequently, UNICEF has tailored its strategies to engage more effectively with local governments.

As part of its ongoing 2023-2027 country program, UNICEF seeks to evaluate its overall approach and engagement with local governments in the decentralized context. The evaluation aims to assess how UNICEF is supporting local-level planning in line with existing policies, guidelines, and standards. This will involve identifying gaps and providing recommendations for improvement.

The evaluation will focus on UNICEF’s support for municipal/local level planning processes, with the goal of informing strategies that enhance the decentralized planning process. This will contribute to improved service delivery and better incorporation of issues affecting children. Being a formative evaluation, it will assess achievements to date and inform the ongoing implementation process by evaluating strategy effectiveness, providing actionable insights, and suggesting course corrections to strengthen the remainder of the current country program.

Furthermore, the evaluation will offer forward-looking insights on future strategies for UNICEF’s engagement with local governments. The findings will be used to refine UNICEF’s current activities, align them with the federal context, plan future initiatives, and provide evidence of best practices to relevant stakeholders. Additionally, the results will help inform the GoN and development partners to reinforce the local planning process for the decentralization and devolution of sector programs at the local level. By leveraging lessons learned and best practices, the evaluation aims to strengthen the current country program and ultimately contribute to meeting children’s needs and rights by ensuring their priorities are adequately addressed in the decentralized planning context.

Objectives of evaluation

The overall objectives of the evaluation are to:

• Provide an independent assessment of the extent to which UNICEF support is being effective in catalysing local government planning and the extent to which UNICEF is contributing to highlight women and children’s agenda and voice in the local level planning.
• Evaluate how effectively policies and principles of federalization and local-level planning are being adopted and implemented at the local level, considering both policy versus practice and adherence to constitutional commitments and prescribed standards.
• Identify the challenges, gaps, and opportunities in UNICEF’s support to decentralized planning processes and highlight areas where UNICEF can have a competitive advantage to support the local level effectively to deliver results for children.
• Document lessons learned and best practices to recommend relevant modifications or course corrections to ensure achievement of the country programme results.

The evaluation will focus on four OECD DAC criteria—Relevance, Coherence, Efficiency, and Effectiveness—providing insights for improving UNICEF’s ongoing and future initiatives while informing government and development partners on strengthening local planning processes.

How can you make a difference? 

Scope of Work:

The evaluation consultant should provide a detailed list of activities and work plan with timeframe along with the inception report. The evaluation activities will start from 1 Apr 2025 and end on 30 Nov 2025 (8 months). The key assignments/tasks are detailed below.

Inception phase:

1. The inception process will begin with the inception interviews with key staff members within UNICEF NCO and development of a power point summarizing the methodology, tools, and planned timeline. This will be presented to the evaluation reference group, UNICEF NCO, and ROSA.
2. Based on this power point, an inception report will be developed. The inception report should detail the evaluator’s understanding of the final evaluation questions and objectives; literature review; validation and understanding of the theory of change; present a detailed methodology, stakeholder mapping, sample information including data collection and analysis plan. It should also include a refined work plan with clear timelines, detailing key deliverables and a comprehensive evaluation matrix with a detailed list of key questions, sub-questions relating to the evaluation criteria; data sources; methods of data collection, indicators/success standards and methods of data analysis for quantitative and qualitative data. The report should also outline the anticipated risks and a plan on how to mitigate the challenges. The report should also include the data collection instruments (in English and local language) and consent forms. The format of the report will be finalized in coordination with the UNICEF team.
3. Finalization of the inception report will be concurrent to the initial stages of data collection based on the agreed upon methodology as reflected in the inception power point. This will ensure that findings are available early and evaluation is completed within timeline.

Data collection and analysis phase:

1. Data collection using the tools agreed upon during the inception process: The team leader will manage the collection of data with the stakeholders identified jointly with Nepal CO and ROSA. He/she will actively participate in data collection activities and analysis of the available data.
2. Power point Presentation Reflecting Preliminary Results: A comprehensive power point that reflects preliminary results will be developed and presented to the evaluation reference group, UNICEF NCO, and ROSA. The format of this power point will be finalized and agreed upon during the inception process.

Reporting phase:

1. Draft Evaluation Report with key findings, conclusions, recommendations, and lessons. This report to include chapters based on the evaluation questions presented in this TOR and finalized during inception. This report must be in line with the UNICEF-Adapted UNEG Evaluation Reports Standards. The format of the report will be finalized in coordination with the UNICEF team. The evaluation consultant will present the draft evaluation report to key stakeholders in Kathmandu. Feedback from the presentation and reviews by key stakeholders will be shared with the evaluator for finalization of the report.
2. Final Evaluation Report: Upon receipt of comments from UNICEF NCO, ROSA, and the evaluation reference group, the consultant will finalize the report, incorporating feedback from the above stakeholders. The final report is expected to meet the UNICEF-adapted UNEG Evaluation reports standards as well as benchmarks used in UNICEF’s Global Evaluation Reports Oversight System (GEROS). The evaluator will make a final presentation of the evaluation findings to all stakeholders (to be discussed with the Evaluation Reference Group).
3. PowerPoint and summary two-pager: A visually compelling presentation to provide an evaluation brief for UNICEF NCO and other stakeholders.
4. Data archive: Data gathered in the exercise is transferred in an organized archive that will permit follow-on users to replicate or extend the analysis. Suitable care to be taken in assuring the anonymity of respondents.

Title rights:

1. All materials created by the Consultant which bears a direct relation to, or is made in order to perform, the Contract and any intellectual property rights thereof, including but not limited to patents, copyright, and trademarks, shall be solely owned by UNICEF.
2. The Consultant may not distribute any materials (e.g., photography, video) without written consent from the Head of Office of UNICEF office engaging the Consultant and subject to the conditions set out in such written consent.

Confidentiality:

The Consultant may not communicate at any time to any other person, entity, Government or authority external to UNICEF, any information known to the Consultant by reason of his/her/their association with UNICEF that has not been made public, except with the prior written authorization of UNICEF; nor will the Consultant at any time use such information to private advantage.

Data protection:

1. The Consultant agrees that all UNICEF Data, together with all rights (including intellectual property and proprietary rights), title and interest to such UNICEF Data, will be the exclusive property of UNICEF, and the Consultant has a limited, nonexclusive license to access and use the UNICEF Data as provided in the Contract solely for the purpose of performing its obligations under the Contract. Except for the foregoing license, the Consultant will have no other rights, whether express or implied, in or to any UNICEF Data or its content.
2. The Consultant must comply with all data protection standards under applicable law and other applicable legal requirements in the collection, storage, use, processing, retention and destruction of UNICEF Data.
3. The Consultant will use its reasonable efforts to ensure the logical segregation of UNICEF Data from other information to the fullest extent possible. The Consultant will use safeguards and controls (such as administrative, technical, physical, procedural and security infrastructures, facilities, tools, technologies, practices and other protective measures) that are necessary and sufficient to meet the Consultant’s confidentiality obligations in Section 5 above as they apply to UNICEF Data.
4. The Consultant will comply with any guidance or conditions on access and disclosure notified by UNICE of UNICEF data

TASK

• Inception of the evaluation including preliminary discussion, meetings and consultations with UNICEF team and relevant stakeholders to finalize the evaluation question/matrix, stakeholders and discuss the evaluation design/methods.
• Data collection and analysis.
• Report writing.

Note: The selected evaluation consultant will also be responsible for documenting all meetings and sharing the necessary notes/minutes with relevant personnel/organization.

First Deliverables

• Stakeholder mapping and selection of stakeholders to interview
• Data collection tools and guides
• Inception Power point presentation and Inception Report* fully describing methodology and approach, evaluation matrix, persons to interview and other critical aspects as outlined in the UNICEF guidelines

*The inception report template will be shared

Second Deliverables

• Completed desk review, Key informant interviews and/or FGDs and online survey.
• Analyse data and draft comprehensive Power point presentation with core findings
• Final comprehensive power point presentation incorporating feedback from all stakeholders Presentation of findings at validation, sense making and other dissemination fora

Final Deliverable

• Draft evaluation report with key findings, conclusions, preliminary recommendations, and lessons. This report should include chapters based on the evaluation questions presented in the ToR and is in line with UNICEF and general UNEG guidelines.
• Final evaluation report including two-page summary of evaluation The report should follow the UNICEF-Adapted UNEG Evaluation Reports Standards (link).

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Education:

Master’s degree in social sciences and development related areas (sociology, anthropology, public administration, political science, development studies etc.)

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• At least eight-ten years of professional experience in conducting evaluations/strategic analytic review exercises, with evidence of understanding global standards, theories, models, and methods related to evaluations and research.
• Documented experience in designing, leading, and conducting evaluation and/or reviews of national/organizational plans, policies, and strategies; of which a minimum of 5 years of experience should be in developing or least developed countries in South Asia region.
• Experience of evaluating UNICEF and/or UN programmes.
• Familiarity with the socio-economic, political, and institutional environment in Nepal.
• Good understanding of federalism, local governance, decentralized planning, and children related issues in South Asia region.

Competencies:

• Experience in interacting with and collecting relevant data from different level of stakeholders.
• Advocacy and social engagement skills necessary for dealing with government stakeholders, technical experts, implementing partners, and NGO and political leaders that will be consulted.
• Very strong qualitative data collection and analysis skills.
• Demonstrated teamwork skills.
• Ability to deliver high-quality written work in the English language within stipulated time.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks under pressure.
• Ability to facilitate multi stakeholder discussions/reviews

Language Proficiency:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English required. Knowledge of local language is an asset.

Local team members: (to be hired by the lead consultant)

The local team members will bring experience and skills that complement those of the lead consultant, enabling the formation of a team well-suited to complete the activities outlined in the proposal or Terms of Reference (ToR). Local evaluators, with their deeper understanding of Nepal’s system, socio-political context, and culture, can assist the lead consultant in the conception, inception, and analysis phases of the evaluation. The local team members can include

Local co-lead/expert/evaluator (1):

This individual should possess experience and expertise in Nepal’s federalism, government planning processes, local governance, and decentralized planning, with a preference for familiarity with UNICEF Nepal’s and/or UN’s programming. Serving as the team’s content and context expert, additional experience in evaluation and methods would be a valuable asset. Strong networking skills and the ability to establish connections within government offices are essential. This person will lead in-person meetings and discussions with UNICEF and stakeholders on behalf of, or in the absence of the lead consultant.

Local field evaluators (2-3):

They are also expected to possess strong networking skills and the ability to establish connections within government offices. Their primary responsibilities will include data collection, translation, and analysis.

Other team members: Based on the lead consultant’s discretion

General qualifications and competencies of the local team members include:

• Good understanding of Nepal’s federalism, local governance, decentralized planning, and children related issues.
• Qualitative data collection and analysis skills.
• Experience in interacting with and collecting relevant data from different level of stakeholders including high level government stakeholders and elected officials.
• Advocacy and social engagement skills necessary for dealing with government stakeholders, technical experts, implementing partners, and NGO and political leaders that will be consulted.
• Experience in evaluating organizational strategies, plans and policies, particularly those of UN organizations is preferable. Evaluation UNICEF support to local level planning_Concept.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

Remarks:  

A detail concept note of the evaluation is attached

female candidates and candidates from the under-represented ethnic groups are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract.