International Evaluation Expert (SSAs)

Objective Of Assignment

The international consultant will:

• Serve as Team Leader and lead the design and implementation of an independent, unbiased and impartial evaluation of the Economic Unit activities covering five consecutive years (2021 to 2025).
• This is a theory-based decentralized evaluation, undertaken in accordance with the OSCE Evaluation Policy.

Duration Of Assignment

The duration of the assignment is 40 calendar days.

Tasks And Responsibilities

• Conducting initial consultations with the Evaluation Manager and relevant POiD staff to confirm expectations, clarify the scope and agree on practical arrangements;
• Reviewing key project documents and secondary sources to deepen understanding of the project logic, implementation context and evaluation needs;
• Developing and finalizing the Evaluation Matrix / Plan, linking each Key Evaluation Question to indicators, judgement criteria, data sources and data collection tools;
• Preparing draft interview and focus group guides (if applicable), ensuring alignment with evaluation questions, gender considerations, and ethical standards;
• Identifying and prioritizing stakeholders for structured bilateral consultations, including government institutions, civil society, international partners;
• Coordinating logistical arrangements with the Evaluation Manager, including access to documents, scheduling of consultations and planning of field visits;
• Developing the Inception Report, including the refined methodology, final Evaluation Matrix, detailed data collection plan and updated work schedule;
• Conducting semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including government institutions (e.g., MEDT, SCISPM, MOT and MoT), public organization/s (IP), OSCE staff, project consultants, and international development partners;
• Carrying out key informant interviews with strategically positioned or technically specialized individuals to obtain deeper insights on economic sector, including development and resilience as well as strategic documents (Mid-term Development Programme and other strategic documents);
• Organizing focus group discussions, where appropriate, with relevant groups such as private sector representatives, civil society representatives, women, youth and other under-represented groups;
• Undertaking direct observation during visits to institutions or activity sites to complement and contextualize other data sources;
• Reviewing monitoring data, national statistics, international assessments and relevant legislation, integrating desk findings with field evidence;
• Ensuring gender-responsive and inclusive data collection, including disaggregation of data where feasible and the use of culturally and ethically appropriate engagement practices;
• Conducting systematic analysis of qualitative and quantitative data using the mixed-methods approach defined in the Inception Report;
• Triangulating evidence across data sources for each Key Evaluation Question to ensure reliability and validity;
• Identifying patterns, constraints, contextual factors, emerging impact and sustainability prospects, and distinguish project contributions from external influences;
• Absessing project performance against the evaluation criteria and Key Evaluation Questions;
• Developing evidence-based findings, conclusions and actionable recommendations aligned with OSCE quality standards;
• Preparing the Draft Evaluation Report, including all required annexes (e.g., Evaluation Matrix, tools, stakeholder list);
• Presenting preliminary findings to POiD and key stakeholders through structured bilateral consultations;
• Revising the report based on consolidated comments from the Evaluation Manager;
• Submitting the Final Evaluation Report in line with OSCE reporting requirements;
• Delivering a presentation (virtual or in-person) for OSCE POiD, national partners and other stakeholders summarizing key findings, lessons and recommendations.

Deliverables

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, please see: https://dushanbe.osce.org/.

Necessary Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Master’s level or higher) in public administration, political science, international development studies, economics, law, evaluation studies or a related field.
• At least 6 years of experience in evaluation, assessment, monitoring or analytical review of programmes for international organizations (OSCE, UN system, EU/EC, OECD, IFIs, bilateral donors).
• At least 6 years of professional experience in project management, programme design and/or proposal development.
• Demonstrated experience leading or contributing to complex, multi-country or multi-stakeholder programme reviews, assessments or evaluations, ideally in economic sector, trade, investment, demographic sphere, or public sector reform.
• Proven expertise applying evidence-based analytical methods, including mixed qualitative and quantitative approaches, data collection, and triangulation.
• Professional experience in preparing project concepts, programme documents, or donor submissions for international funding opportunities.
• Experience applying gender and/or human rights-responsive approaches in evaluations, assessments, or programme reviews.
• Knowledge of international governance, development, or compliance frameworks (e.g., UNEG/OSCE frameworks).
• Experience working in sensitive political environments, transition contexts, humanitarian settings, or risk-governance environments.
• Experience in Central Asia is a strong asset.
• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills, with proven experience producing high-quality analytical, evaluative or assessment reports aligned with international or organizational standards.
• Strong intercultural communication, co-ordination, and facilitation abilities, including experience in working with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain independence, impartiality and confidentiality, and to exercise sound professional judgment.
• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; proficiency in Russian or Tajik considered as an asset.
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications; familiarity with online collaboration tools is an asset.