Independent Technical Assessor and Evaluator

The scope of this assignment is to enhance the quality of the Cities Alliance work programme by assessing, reviewing and evaluating selected funded activities. The assignment covers one or more of the following areas:

• Technical assessment of projects within Analytic and Strategic Activities (ASA) and Country Programmes (CP). The scope of this component is to assess a number of project proposals in relation to Cities Alliance ASAs and CPs. The proposal and its supporting documentation is reviewed and assessed in accordance with the criteria, standards and methods provided by the Cities Alliance Secretariat. The assessment will also provide detailed recommendations on how to further strengthen the project proposal. 

• Technical assessment of Catalytic Fund concept notes. The scope of this component is to serve as an expert panel member of the External Evaluation Panel (EEP) which assists the Cities Alliance Secretariat in assessing the quality of the concept notes received through the annual Catalytic Fund call for proposals. Specifically, the assignment involves: (i)  evaluating a batch of concept notes; (ii) participating in the EEP to validate and rank the concept notes; (iii) providing detailed recommendations for the approved concept note.

• Evaluation of projects and programmes as well as peer review of selected CA funded products/outputs. The consultant will assist the Cities Alliance Secretariat to review and evaluate its activities as part of its M&E, quality and learning processes. The review and evaluation of selected outputs, project and programmes will be centered on efficiency, effectiveness, quality, impact and sustainability and other relevant criteria as defined by the Cities Alliance Secretariat. Methods of review and evaluation may include peer and desk reviews, field visits and fact finding interviews with beneficiaries and stakeholders. A detailed TOR with methods, tools and templates will be provided by the Cities Alliance Secretariat. Where necessary, travel and logistical support will be provided.

DELIVERABLES / SPECIFIC OUTPUTS EXPECTED:

AREA 1. Deliverables:

1.1. Independent Assessment Report. The Secretariat will provide the consultant with the requisite documentation, template and methods for each project to be assessed.

Time inputs per assessment (estimated): 1 day. Cities Alliance generally asks for a 10 business day turnaround.

AREA 2. Deliverables:

2.1. Detailed assessment of concept notes (quantitative individual scores according to the selection criteria as well as qualitative comments);

2.2. Contribute to the development of the final Technical Evaluation Report prepared by the Panel Chair (validated annotated scoring list, methodology, trends and recommendations);

2.3. Set of detailed recommendations on the selected concept notes as to how they could be further developed into full proposals.

Time inputs per call (estimated): subject to the volume of concept notes received, an estimated 8 to 12 working days per Assessor (panel member) to complete the evaluation of all concept notes, contribute to the final report and provide recommendations. The work is expected to be completed in accordance with the Catalytic Fund call timeline.

AREA 3. Deliverables:

3.1. Peer review report (for outputs/products review): Detailed review and assessments of specific project outputs and knowledge products. The Secretariat will provide the consultant with the requisite documentation, template and methods for each output/product to be assessed.

3.2. The Midterm/End-of-Project Evaluation Report: An inception report describing the scope, objectives and budget of the evaluation is required. The final report will describe the project performance and results in accordance to the identified evaluation criteria. The Cities Alliance Secretariat will provide the consultant with the requisite documentation, template and scope for each project and programme to be evaluated.

Time inputs (estimated): Number of working days required to complete evaluations will depend on the methods and the complexity of the project. Standard time requirements range from a minimum of 3 working days for desk reviews to 12 working days for field-based evaluations. Peer reviews are normally completed in one working day.

• Strong appreciation for and understanding of the mission and objectives of the Cities Alliance;
• Effective teamwork and communication skills;
• Strong analytical skills;
• Integrated understanding of the functioning of cities and of sustainable development programmes and practices that support and strengthen the role of cities;
• Experience working in a diverse, multicultural environment.

• Advanced University Degree (Masters' or equivalent) in Social Studies, Economics, Political Science or other relevant discipline is required.
• First level university degree (Bachelors' or equivalent) in Social Studies, Economics, Political Science or other relevant discipline in combination with 2 additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of Advanced University Degree.

For candidates holding a Masters' degree: At least seven years of relevant professional experience including several years at a senior level;

For candidates holding a Bachelors' degree: At least nine years years of relevant professional experience including several years at a senior level; 

• Demonstrated work experience in international development through international and country assignments.
• In-depth experience in urban issues including but not limited to governance, urban economy and finance, planning, urban upgrading, city management, energy, environment and resilience, services, social development, gender, migration and children.
• In-depth experience in development, management and evaluation of development projects and programmes; direct experience with grant portfolios and grant appraisals is an asset.
• Proven experience in analytical work and successful  track record in publishing papers/articles on development issues.
• Excellent analytical and communications skills.

• Proficiency in written and spoken English required.
• Proficiency in French and/or Spanish desirable but not required.

Representatives and/or staff of Cities Alliance members (as defined in the Cities Alliance Charter) are not eligible for this opportunity/assignment.