End-of-programme process evaluation of GDF Round 4 in Zambia (2024–2026), Lusaka, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Section, Remote work, 2.7 Months

Job Description

Conduct an independent end-of-programme process evaluation of the UN Joint Programme on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Zambia. UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling. UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package. Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

Terms of Reference

To conduct an independent end-of-programme process evaluation of the UN Joint Programme on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Round 4 in Zambia (2024–2026), in order to determine the extent to which the programme achieved its intended results, strengthened disability-inclusive governance systems, operated efficiently and through effective joint programming mechanisms, and generated sustainable institutional change to advance CRPD implementation.

Scope of Work

Zambia signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2008 and ratified it in 2010. The principles and obligations of the Convention were domesticated through the Persons with Disabilities Act (No. 6 of 2012), replacing the earlier 1996 legislation and reaffirming the mandate of the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD). Since ratification, Zambia has made notable progress in strengthening its normative and institutional framework for disability rights. Key milestones include:

• Submission of Zambia’s first State Party report to the CRPD Committee in 2017, followed by an alternative report by Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in 2020;
• Adoption of the 2016 Constitution, which explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability (Article 23);
• Enactment of the Mental Health Act (No. 6 of 2019), which replaced the discriminatory Mental Disorders Act of 1951;
• Conduct of the second National Disability Survey (2015; published 2018), estimating that 7.7% of the population approximately 1.5 million people live with disabilities;
• Inclusion of the Washington Group Questions on disability in the 2022 National Census, strengthening disability data systems;
• Participation in the Global Disability Summits (2018 and 2022), including formal commitments to advance disability inclusion.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s level or higher) in Social Sciences, Public Policy, Development Studies, Law, Economics, Governance, Disability Studies, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in programme evaluation, governance, social policy, disability inclusion, or related areas, with demonstrated experience in conducting independent evaluations of development programmes.
• Proven expertise in assessing institutional strengthening, governance systems, policy implementation, and coordination mechanisms.
• Demonstrated experience in applying results-based management frameworks, log frame analysis, and qualitative and quantitative evaluation methodologies.
• Strong understanding of human rights-based approaches, CRPD principles, and disability-inclusive programming.
• Experience evaluating joint or multi-agency programmes is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with Zambia’s governance and decentralization context will be an advantage.
• Excellent analytical, interviewing, and stakeholder engagement skills, including facilitation of consultative workshops and qualitative group data collection.
• Strong report writing skills, with demonstrated ability to produce high-quality analytical reports in English.
• Proven ability to deliver quality outputs within agreed timelines.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents via the online recruitment portal, TMS (Talent Management System):

• An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
• Cover letter
• A separate financial proposal TMC0001561 FINANCIAL PROPOSAL.docx
• An explanatory note on the understanding of the ToR and the reasons for the application
• A brief presentation of the methodological approach, the organization of the planned activities and an approximate timetable
• Samples or Links to Samples of Previous Relevant Work listed as reference of the proposer (at least three), on which the proposed key personnel directly and actively contributed or authored