Consultant on Process and Outcome Evaluation Of Programme: Preventing and Responding to Weapons of Mass Destruction/Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Terrorism

Work Location Home-based

Expected duration Expected Duration: The support of the CBRN consultant will be for a maximum of 25 days over the period of four months with a possibility of an extension subject to the availability of funding and work requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities BACKGROUND

1.1. Context The UNOCT initiated the programme - Preventing and Responding to Weapons of Mass Destruction/Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Terrorism to enhance capacities of Member States, International Organizations and United Nations (UN) entities to prevent terrorist organizations from accessing and using Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and/or chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials and to ensure that they are better prepared for, and can more effectively respond to, a terrorist attack involving such weapons or materials.

The objectives of the programme are being achieved by enhancing visibility of UNOCT WMD/CBRN activities; strengthening strategic partnerships with WMD/CBRN related members of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact; advancing knowledge and understanding of the threat and risk of WMD/CBRN terrorism; implementing capacity building projects to support Member States; and supporting the UN Interagency Working Group on Preventing and Responding to WMD Terrorist Attacks.

The programme which was launched in 2018 as a multi-year programme has developed seven pilot projects, one global study on the threat of CBRN terrorism and twenty training courses.

1.2. Purpose The purpose of the evaluation will be mostly to draw valuable lessons to inform the next cycle of the programme while accounting for achievements that have been realized since the beginning of programme implementation in in 2018. This evaluation is being conducted part way through the programme and therefore will focus on operational and process related issues, and oriented towards identifying strengths and shortcomings to derive corrective actions that can be taken to strengthen outcomes and impact of the remainder of the programme implementation period and inform the next cycle of the programme. In addition, since the programme has been under implementation for over three years, the evaluation will also assess the quality and relevance of the outputs produced to the beneficiaries and their emerging benefit in terms of outcomes. The results and lessons of the evaluation will be used to inform the implementation of the remaining period of the programme and the drafting of the upcoming cycle through among others, the review of implementation strategies. The information from the evaluation will also inform improvements in the working mechanisms with the partners to ensure effective collaboration in the delivery of results.

2. Overall Scope and Objectives

2.1. Scope The scope of the evaluation will cover the period 2018 to date and will examine all outputs and outcomes of activities implemented so far in the seven pilot projects, one global study on the threat of CBRN terrorism and twenty training courses. The evaluation will also assess the extent of utilization of the global study on the threat of CBRN terrorism by beneficiaries including the impact of the training on the beneficiaries. The evaluation will also focus on the implementation process and determine how successfully the programme followed/is following the strategy laid out in the logic framework. The evaluation will make use of both primary and secondary data sources to answer evaluation questions and to ascertain the efficacy of programme interventions. The evaluation should look at the programme as a whole including issues of initial/pilot project design, implementation, lesson learnt, replicability and recommendation for current or future programme.

For the desk review, the evaluation consultant should refer to all relevant information including the programme design, progress reports, and any other related documents. The CBRN consultant will support the Evaluation consultant with the desk review of the programme and projects and drafting/reviewing the evaluation report. The CBRN consultant will provide expert technical advice and guidance on the subject matter to support the conduct of this evaluation and in support of improving programme accountability and learning. The evaluation does not foresee the undertaking of any field visits. Engagements to collect data from programme staff, programme partners, programme beneficiaries and other key stakeholders should be conducted remotely.

2.2. Overall Objectives The overall objective of the evaluation is to produce a forward-looking evaluation report that will assess the current status and performance of the WMD/CRBN programme including by undertaking an assessment of the progress made towards the attainment of programme outcomes and provide information that will guide the future orientation WMD/CRBN programme including through alignment with the new Strategic Programme Framework. The evaluation will be process-oriented aimed at collecting, reviewing, and using data to find the right adjustments needed to improve the current programme performance and increase alignment of the upcoming cycle to programme objectives.

The expert CBRN consultant will form part of the evaluation team, and work together with the Evaluation consultant in the conduct of the evaluation, namely by providing technical CBRN advice and guidance to the following tasks:

i. A systematic assessment on the programme’s design, relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability. ii. An assessment of the strengths and weaknesses within the programme design and implementation and recommend improvements for future scale-up efforts. iii. An assessment of how the programme has contributed to increasing the level of preparedness and capacity to respond to WMD/CBRN terrorism by the target groups. iv. Identification of lessons learned, conclusions, recommendations and capture promising practices for the remainder of the programme implementation period including the effects of the non-cost extension that has been provided. v. Establishment of what is working/worked for successful partnerships and management, coordination, monitoring, and oversight and provide recommendations for future joint programming. vi. Recommendations on the alignment of programme objectives and outcomes including indicators to the new Strategic Programme Framework.

3. Methodological Approach of the Assessment

The evaluation will be based on a mixed methods approach, utilizing qualitative and quantitative methods. The evaluation will use appropriate criteria from the standard approaches and methodologies used to review and assess interventions by OECD-DAC and United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG). The following are the suggested criteria that the evaluation should address.

3.1. Relevance o Has the programme met needs that its beneficiaries expressed and agreed to? And to what extent? o Has the programme continued to be responsive regarding the conditions, needs or problems to which it is intended to respond? o Has the programme been implemented in alignment with the priorities and policies of the host governments? 3.2. Effectiveness o Examine the delivery process of outputs in terms of timeliness and how realistic were the critical assumptions? o Assess whether the project is achieving its intended purpose, outputs and objectives, to what extent and what are the implications of the results? o Assess whether the linkages between inputs, activities, outputs, and objectives were clear and logical. Did the activities designed under the programme provide clear linkages and complement each other regarding the project strategies and project components of intervention? o Assess and account for any changes in the behaviour and capacities of people trained including changes in institutional operations 3.3. Efficiency o Assess the efficiency of the programme through a comparison of the allocated resources with results obtained. In general, did the results obtained justify the costs incurred? o Examine delivery of project outputs in terms of quality and quantity, were they delivered in a timely manner? To what extent are factors outside the control of project design and management affecting project implementation and attainment of objectives? o How are factors outside of the control of the programme affecting implementation and programme objectives and what mitigation measures have been put in place? o Is the time frame for programme implementation and the sequencing of project activities logical and realistic? If not, what changes can be made to improve them? 3.4. Sustainability o Assess the positive outcomes of the project and their likelihood to continue beyond the horizon of the programme and practical steps that are being taken to ensure sustainability (including, commitment, and technical and financial capacity) o Was the strategy for sustainability of achievement clearly defined at the design stage of the programme? o Assess what contributions the programme has made or is making in strengthening the capacity and knowledge of national stakeholders and to encourage ownership of the programme outcomes. 3.5. Coherence o Assess the extent to which partnerships with different actors in the programme and UN agencies have been successful and interventions were harmonized to promote synergies, create strategic partnerships, avoid gaps and duplications including coordination with member states o Establish what is working/worked for successful partnerships and management, coordination, monitoring, and oversight and provide recommendations for future joint programming.

Qualifications/special skills Competency: - Professionalism: Strong knowledge and exposure to a range of non-proliferation, counter-terrorism, crisis management, incident response, WMD/CBRN, and legal issues. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. - Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. - Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. - Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively, including the ability to produce written reports in a clear and concise style and to deliver presentations to external audiences with language, tone, style and format tailored to match the audience. Maintains timely and consistent flow of information with relevant colleagues as necessary. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed and ability to build and maintain effective partnerships. - Technology Awareness: Excellent computer skills. Academic Qualifications: Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) from a university in the field of security, law, international relations, science, counter-terrorism or other related fields. Experience: A minimum 8 years of work experience in prevention and response to WMD/CBRN terrorism or any other conflict related field is required. Experience in provision of technical advice and guidance related to WMD and CBRN matters is required. Experience working with government officials, law enforcement, military, UN agencies and other intergovernmental organizations is desirable. Experience in evaluating WMD and CBRN and counter-terrorism or the prevention of violent extremism programmes is desirable. Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required.

Additional Information Please apply to Job Opening by 4 December 2021.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.