The Kyrgyz Republic is a small, landlocked, mountainous country bordered by China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, with a population of just over 6.2 million people, mainly living in rural areas. After it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the economy grew, poverty fell, child mortality declined, and life expectancy increased. However, since 2008 there have been a series of economic and political setbacks, and now the pandemic increased the number of poor people in the country, because of reduced economic activities, decreased remittances, price spikes and a growing fiscal gap. The current Country Strategic Plan (CSP) coming to an end in 2022, WFP in the Kyrgyz Republic is in the process of designing the CSP 2023-2027: Fully committed to supporting the Kyrgyz Republic in its efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), WFP’s vision focuses on eradicating hunger and malnutrition (SDG 2); and strengthening and revitalizing partnerships (SDG 17). Progress on other SDGs is critical to reaching SDGs 2 and 17; and likewise advances towards WFP’s vision contribute to other SDGs. The key drivers of hunger – conflict, the climate crisis and economic shocks – are also the drivers for WFP to seize opportunities to pursue integrated programming and collaborative partnerships, to working across the humanitarian–development–peace nexus, to adopt a risk-based approach to decision making and programming and to use evidence to generate impact.

In the Kyrgyz Republic, WFP works in close collaboration and, where possible, through joint programmes with other UN agencies and development partners, but importantly with and through government systems, with the overall objective of strengthening those.

Job purpose:

The UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework [1] (upcoming) being the umbrella to inform the strategic directions for the new CSP, and leveraging the findings of the ongoing CSP evaluation [2], a mid-term review and various risk, scenario and trend analyses, WFP is looking for a consultant with a proven track record in evidence-based planning and in moderating theory of change development.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive):

Under the direct supervision of the of the Head of Programme/Deputy Country Director, who will ensure coordination with other work streams supporting the preparation of the new CSP, the consultant will be responsible for the following:

Training of programme and other interested staff on theory of change (Oct-Nov., ca. 15 days, remote)

Building on WFP’s guidance for theory of change [3], with consideration of the latest developments in WFP’s Corporate Results Framework [4] and how this will link to the Kyrgyzstan UNSDCF and UN Info indicators, develop training material and online sessions (with practical exercises) for all staff;
Tailor the training material to an audience composed of programmatic outcome responsible managers, their teams and support staff (incl. field-based monitors), experts in M&E and assessments, partnership advisors and also support staff interested in contributing to the new design;
Conduct theory of change learning exercises (remote sessions; smaller group work).

Expected outcomes:

- a better understanding of all staff how activities are supposed to lead to Strategic Outcomes through mapping out intermediate results and impact pathways;
- a strengthened collaboration between units by bringing various programme teams together to jointly map links between activities;
- the foundation created for WFP staff to articulate theories of change at activity and programme-level;
- reinforced M&E capacities, particularly for M&E and programme teams, to utilize data/evidence collected and to make best use of the ongoing evaluation; and
- appetite created to work towards a shared narrative for the new CSP how through shock-responsive and productive safety nets, strengthen improved food security and nutrition in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Theory of change development (November/December, remote/onsite workshop(s), 5-10 days)

Prepare for an all-staff workshop that lays out the overarching theory of change of the new CSP:
1. Coordinate with M&E colleagues in the Country Office and the Regional Bureau, as well as the Resident Coordinator’s Office, the type of activities and indicators available to build the Kyrgyz second generation CSP;
2. Leverage in close consultation with Country Office Management the ongoing CSP evaluation and earlier mid-term assessment, evaluations, scenario planning and other reviews, as well as the government’s five-year developments plans, the frame and context in which the theory of change has to fit;
3. Participate in or help organizing sessions with development partners who offer complementary activities and with whom WFP may partner with in the UNSDCF, in close coordination with Country Office and Resident Coordinator Office staff mapping the partnership landscape, steering the theory of change development towards a clear offering that enables working in partnership.

Expected outcomes:

- Theory put into practice: staff apply lessons-learned at activity and programme level;
- Theory of change informed by relevant risks, opportunities and assumptions.

Theory of change validation (December/January, 5-10 days)

Finalise the theory of change through a workshop with all staff participation.
Ensure that all supporting documentation from the theory of change development is handed over to the Country Office, and the final theory of change validated against the criteria derived under 4.

Expected outcomes:

- Document set, incl. a clear theory of change that enables partnerships.

DELIVERABLES / KPIs:

Theory of change for the new CSP developed, validated with the WFP team in the Country Office and the Regional Bureau, presented to relevant in-country partners (within Resident Coordinator office and UN country team) and handed over to CSP writer/editor consultant with relevant supporting documentation/background information.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES AND SELECTION CRITERIA FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

• Strong interpersonal skills: courtesy, tact and ability to listen effectively to people of different backgrounds with the ability to coordinate ideas towards a shared understanding.

• Track record in utilizing theory of change in programme design, implementation and/or evaluations; prior experience in developing/customizing training material and teaching theory of change approaches online/offline considered a strong advantage.

• Understanding of the implications of UN reform for government capacity strengthening activities in support of SDGs, awareness of UNSDCF and related processes an advantage.

• Ability to work systematically (to plan and organize work under tight deadlines), use initiative, good judgment, and to communicate complex matters both orally and in writing, including when working in different locations.

• Ability to work independently and efficiently, and while offering a fresh eye on WFP operations in Kyrgyzstan, build on WFP Kyrgyzstan’s safety net programmes and social protection positioning as well as other inputs shared during the theory of change development process.

• Knowledge of the region, local languages and development challenges considered an asset.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education: University education (master’s degree) in development, economy, business, social science or equivalent. A degree or certificate in moderation/facilitation/coaching considered an asset.

Experience: At least six years of relevant experience working in international development/humanitarian affairs, with a focus on programme design, strategic planning, or evaluation.

Knowledge of WFP considered an asset, but that of other UN agencies or development partners considered a must. Experience in inter-agency coordination highly valued.

Computer skills:

Literacy in MS Office365 applications, incl. collaborative working through MS Teams (or similar tools).

Language: Fluency in English, knowledge of Russian or Kyrgyz language considered an asset.

The degree of in-country and remote working and key dates will be agreed at interview stage.

TALENTED WOMEN ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

We look for applicants with the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian values. We commit to promote diversity, gender parity and equality between men and women.

WFP strives to build a work environment that is safe and respectful, and free of sexual harassment and abuse of authority. We believe in open communication, and every individual at WFP is treated with respect regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religious and political beliefs, etc.

Closing date: 10 October 2021, interviews 13/14 October, starting date: asap

WFP does not charge any fees at any stage of its recruitment process.

Only candidates who are short-listed will be contacted.

[1] https://unsdg.un.org/resources/united-nations-sustainable-development-cooperation-framework-guidance

[2] https://www.wfp.org/publications/kyrgyzstan-country-strategic-plan-evaluation-2018-2022

[3] https://docs.wfp.org/api/documents/WFP-0000120532/download/, https://executiveboard.wfp.org/document_download/WFP-0000126742, https://executiveboard.wfp.org/document_download/WFP-0000126714

[4] https://executiveboard.wfp.org/document_download/WFP-0000129771, https://executiveboard.wfp.org/document_download/WFP-0000129736

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Added 2 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: wfp.org