Country Program Evaluation (CPE) Consultant /National Evaluator

Background/Context: UN Women leads the UN system’s efforts to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment. The UN Women Kyrgyz Republic Country Office Strategic Note (2023-2027) aligns with national priorities and international commitments on gender equality, ending violence against women, women’s economic empowerment, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. This Country Portfolio Evaluation (CPE) will assess the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and human rights and gender equality dimensions of the Strategic Note to support learning, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making for the next programming cycle. Implementation of the Strategic Note took place in a complex and evolving political, socio-economic, and civic environment. Despite progress in strengthening the legal and policy framework on gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE), challenges such as shrinking civic space, political and economic instability, gender inequalities, and violence against women and girls continued to affect vulnerable groups, particularly women with disabilities, women living with HIV, female-headed households, and women in remote areas. In response, the Country Office adapted its partnerships and policy engagement approaches to remain responsive to emerging challenges. The evaluation will assess how effectively the Strategic Note addressed interconnected barriers to GEWE and aligned national priorities with international frameworks, including CEDAW, the Beijing Platform for Action, UNSCR 1325, and the 2030 Agenda. It is guided by UN Women and UNEG Norms and Standards (2016), the 2024 UNEG Guidance on Integrating Human Rights and Gender Equality in Evaluations, the UNEG Ethical Guidelines (2020), and the UN Women Evaluation Policy and Handbook, while observing the principles of integrity, accountability, respect, and beneficence. UN WOMEN KYRGYZ REPUBLIC’S STRATEGIC NOTE (SN) 2023-2027 SN Theory of Change The UN Women Strategic Note for the Kyrgyz Republic is based on the premise that transformative progress in gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE) can only be achieved when women and girls, especially those furthest behind are meaningfully included in governance, economic development, peacebuilding, and decision-making processes. It recognizes that linear and one-size-fits-all approaches are insufficient in a context marked by political volatility, shrinking civic space, socio-economic pressures, climate risks, and deeply entrenched gender norms. Therefore, change is expected through coordinated action among state institutions, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, and the UN system to strengthen accountability, scale locally grounded solutions, and address the root causes of inequality. The Strategic Note assumes that accelerated GEWE outcomes will emerge when: (i) institutions have the capacity, incentives, and tools to implement human rights-based, survivor-centered, and gender-responsive policies and services; (ii) women, youth, and intersectional rights groups are empowered as active participants and solution holders in political, peacebuilding, and economic processes; and (iii) harmful social norms are systematically challenged through education, media, community engagement, and the involvement of men and boys. Its programmatic logic is built on four interconnected pillars: governance and participation, women’s economic empowerment, elimination of violence against women and girls (EVAWG), and Women, Peace and Security (WPS). These areas are designed to reinforce one another and generate systemic rather than isolated results. Through approaches such as adaptive leadership, design thinking, inclusive consultations, and alignment with international frameworks including CEDAW, BPfA, UNSCR 1325, SDGs, and UPR recommendations, the Strategic Note aims to strengthen institutional coherence, social trust, inclusive growth, and sustainable peace. By 2027, it seeks to ensure that women and girls, particularly those facing multiple forms of exclusion more equally enjoy their rights, agency, opportunities, and security in a resilient and violence-free environment. UN Women’s work in Kyrgyzstan is implemented through its triple mandate: Normative mandate -supporting the Government in implementing and monitoring international and national commitments on gender equality, including CEDAW, the Beijing Platform for Action, UNSCR 1325, the National Gender Equality Strategy until 2030, and gender-responsive legislation and policies related to EVAWG, women’s leadership, budgeting, climate resilience, and peacebuilding. Coordination mandate - leading and supporting UN system-wide coordination and accountability on GEWE. The Country Office chairs and coordinates key inter-agency mechanisms, including the UNCT Gender Thematic Group (GTG), UNCT-SWAP Gender Scorecard, GEAP implementation, and from mid-2026 the UN Working Group on LNOB. UN Women plays a central role in integrating gender commitments across the UNSDCF Results Groups, co-chairing RG2 (2023-2024) and RG4 (since 2025), while contributing to joint advocacy, resource mobilization, and system-wide coherence through multiple UN coordination platforms. Operational mandate - supporting implementation through partnerships with government institutions, Parliament, civil society organizations, and development partners via consultations, policy dialogue, advocacy, and programmatic interventions focused on women’s leadership, economic empowerment, EVAWG, and peacebuilding. The main interventions undertaken across three mandate areas under the Kyrgyz Republic Country Office (CO) Strategic Note 2023-2027 include the following: Name Modality Dates Spotlight Initiative to EVAWG EU funded Joint program (UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF and UNODC) 2020-2023 Women in Batken lead social cohesion for peace and development Country project, funded by the Central Asia-UK Conflict Stability and Security Fund 2023-2024 Blossoming Aigul: Capacitated Women CSOs sustaining peace UN PBF funded Joint Country Program(UN Women, FAO, and IPF “Roza Otunbaeva’s Initiative”) 2023-2025 Making Every Woman and Girl Count Regional Program 2023-2025 Strengthening Gender Data Systems for Sustainable Development in ECA (SDG Funds ) Joint Regional Program (UN Women and UNFPA) 2025-2026 ZERO VAWG Initiative: “Action Now, Result Now: Women and Youth Organizations Lead Transformative Actions to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls in the Kyrgyz Republic” Country Project 2025-2028 “Challenging Harmful Attitudes and Norms for Gender Equality (CHANGE)” program Joint Regional Program (UNDP, UN Women and UNFPA) 2026-2028 UN Women’s Strategic Note supports the following UNSDCF Outcomes: By 2027, the well-being of the population of the Kyrgyz Republic will have improved through the further rollout of a green economy based on sustainable and healthy food systems, natural resource management, and effective migration processes, by accelerating the use of gender transformative social and technological innovations and entrepreneurship ( SN Outcome 1 (SP Impact Area 2)/UNSDCF Outcome 2 ). By 2027, all people in the Kyrgyz Republic enjoy the benefits of fair and accountable democratic institutions that are free from corruption and apply innovative solutions that promote respect for human rights, and strengthen peace and cohesion. (SN Outcome 2 (SP Impact Area 1, 3, 4)/UNSDCF Outcome 4) PURPOSE, OBJECTIVES AND USE OF THE EVALUATION The evaluation aims to : Support evidence-based learning and decision-making for UN Women Kyrgyz Republic Country Office. Ensure accountability for contributions to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Capture lessons learned and good practices to inform the next Strategic Note. The primary users of this evaluation include the UN Women Kyrgyz Republic Country Office, the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, and UN Women Headquarters, as well as national government institutions, civil society and youth organizations, private sector partners, donors, development partners, the United Nations Country Team, the Gender Theme Group (GTG), and programme beneficiaries, including target groups, their households, and communities. The objectives of the evaluation are to: Assess the relevance and alignment of the UN Women Kyrgyz Republic Country Office Strategic Note with national priorities and international commitments on gender equality and women’s empowerment. Evaluate the effectiveness, organizational efficiency, and strategic positioning of the Strategic Note in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in the Kyrgyz Republic. Assess the integration of human rights and gender equality principles across the design and implementation of the Strategic Note. Identify lessons learned, good practices, innovations, and synergies across UN Women’s normative, coordination, and operational mandates. Provide actionable recommendations to inform the development of the next Strategic Note. Specifically, the CPE will be used for: Supporting learning and evidence-based decision-making for the development of the next UN Women Kyrgyz Republic Country Office Strategic Note (2028-2032). Ensuring accountability for the results and contributions of the Strategic Note 2023–2027 to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Strengthening the capacity and engagement of national stakeholders in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND KEY QUESTIONS The evaluation will apply the five OECD/DAC evaluation criteria (relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability), as well as Human Rights and Gender Equality as an additional criterion. The evaluation will seek to answer the following key evaluation questions and sub-questions: Key Questions: 1. Relevance: How aligned are the interventions with Kyrgyz Republic’s national policies and international frameworks? 2. Coherence: To what extent do the interventions complement efforts by other actors? 3. Effectiveness: What results have been achieved, and what factors have influenced these outcomes? 4. Efficiency: How effectively have resources been utilized? 5. Sustainability: Are interventions designed to ensure lasting impact? 6. Human Rights and Gender Equality: How well does the portfolio address the underlying causes of gender inequality? Evaluation sub-questions of interest are listed in the table below: Key criteria Sub-questions Relevance <1.To> what extent is the portfolio aligned with national policies and international human rights norms and standards? <2.To> what extent is the choice of partners relevant to the needs and priorities of women and marginalized groups? <3.To> what extent are the design of the Strategic Note and its interventions relevant to the context of the Kyrgyz Republic? <4.How> can the relevance of the Strategic Note be sustained in the context of changing government and donor priorities, as well as shrinking funding for gender equality and women’s empowerment? Coherence <1.To> what extent is the UN Women portfolio internally coherent, and what should be strengthened in the next Strategic Note? <2.How> effectively are interventions aligned and coordinated with key partners to advance gender equality? 3.What key results, lessons learned, and priorities should inform the next Strategic Note and future normative work? Efficiency <1.To> what extent do the management structure, capacities, and results-based management systems support efficient implementation and achievement of results? <2.How> effective are the Country Office’s resource mobilization strategies and its ability to adapt priorities and focus to changing contexts? Effectiveness <1.To> what extent are interventions contributing to expected outcomes, and for whom? What unexpected positive or negative outcomes have emerged? 2.What has been UN Women’s contribution to observed outcomes, and what factors have enabled or hindered progress? 3.What programmatic strengths should the Kyrgyz Republic Country Office build on, and what gaps or new areas should be considered in the next Strategic Note? Sustainability <1.To> what extent have capacities, national ownership, and accountability mechanisms been strengthened to support the sustainability of results? <2.To> what extent are national stakeholders and champions able to sustain and advance portfolio interventions? Human rights and gender equality <1.To> what extent has the portfolio integrated LNOB, disability inclusion, intersectionality, and human rights-based approaches across its design, implementation, and results measurement? <2.To> what extent is the portfolio addressing the root causes of gender inequality, discriminatory social norms, and unequal power dynamics while supporting the most vulnerable groups? The evaluation will not consider impact (as defined by OECD-DAC) as it is considered too premature to assess impact level results. DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITY/ SCOPE OF WORK The evaluation will cover the 2023-2026 implementation period and, where relevant, consider the strategic and operational directions reflected in the 2026-2027 biannual workplans. It will assess all activities implemented under the Strategic Note, including normative, coordination, and programmatic work aligned with the UN Women Strategic Plan 2022-2025. Joint programs and initiatives are also within scope, including assessment of UN Women’s contribution and the added value of joint modalities. As many program activities are implemented at the local level, the evaluation team may conduct field visits in selected locations in the Kyrgyz Republic, subject to security and feasibility considerations. While the evaluation does not cover operations in Tajikistan, it may review the Kyrgyz Republic Country Office’s operational support role as part of the assessment of efficiency and effectiveness. During the inception phase, the evaluation team will undertake a rapid evaluability assessment, including review of the theory of change, performance indicators in the Development Result Framework (DRF) and Organizationl effectiveness and efficiency (OEE) data availability, evaluation context, and accountability structures. The Country Office’s initial assessment indicates high availability of relevant secondary data, including monitoring, financial, management, and communication records. EVALUATION DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY UN Women evaluations apply a gender-responsive and human rights-based approach that is inclusive, participatory, transparent, and focused on addressing structural barriers and harmful social norms affecting women’s rights. The evaluation uses theory-based, utilization-focused, and feminist approaches to assess power relations, inequalities, inclusion, and transformative change, while ensuring stakeholder participation throughout the process. The evaluation follows UNEG Norms and Standards (2016), ethical guidelines (2020), and UN Women Evaluation Policy and Handbook. It builds on relevant evaluations conducted during the Strategic Note period and applies a theory-based design aligned with the Strategic Note 2023-2027. The assessment combines portfolio analysis, desk review, stakeholder consultations, and contribution analysis, using mixed qualitative and quantitative methods. Data collection tools include interviews, focus groups, document analysis, and observation, with strong attention to data quality, triangulation, confidentiality, and inclusion of vulnerable groups. The evaluation also examines risks, learning opportunities, scalability, and the strategic relevance of interventions, while considering the country’s cultural, social, economic, and institutional context. STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION The Evaluation Reference Group (ERG) will support quality assurance, stakeholder engagement, methodological reflection, factual validation, and the use of evaluation findings. The evaluation will ensure meaningful participation of key stakeholders throughout the process, with particular attention to rights holders and vulnerable groups, while considering practical limitations. Stakeholders include target groups, government institutions, programme partners, civil society, private sector actors, donors, the UN system, and other relevant actors. Stakeholder analysis should consider institutional roles, gender and social dimensions, human rights perspectives, and intended evaluation users. The evaluation should apply a gender-responsive and rights-based approach, assess relationships and power dynamics, and validate findings through consultations and debriefings. Final stakeholder inclusion and evaluation boundaries will be agreed during the inception phase. DELIVERABLES Task/Deliverable Expected completion time (due day) Responsible Party Virtual inception meeting A one-day meeting will take place in late August 2026. Evaluator/UN Women CO Inception report and EMG comments Submission of the inception report by 15 September 2026. Evaluator, EMG, IES Data collection [1] 4 weeks, including a two-week data collection mission by 20 October 2026. Evaluator Data analysis and presentation of preliminary findings) 4 weeks following completion of data collection, by 20 November 2026. Evaluator, ERG, EMG Independent Evaluation Service, Evaluation Reference Group and Evaluation Management Group validation By 20 th of December, 2026 ERG, EMG, IES Final Report and final validation By 20 th of January, 2027 Evaluator Use and follow-up Within 6 weeks after endorsement of final report UN Women CO [1] During the inception phase of the evaluation it will be decided whether onsite data collection mission can be conducted or alternative remote data collection will be planned. EVALUATION GOVERNANCE All UN Women evaluations apply established quality assurance mechanisms in line with the UN Women Evaluation Policy and Evaluation Manual. The Strategic Note Evaluation report will follow UN Women reporting standards and the UN Writing Manual, with quality assessed through the GERAAS framework. The evaluation will follow the IES Guidance Note on Short Evaluation Reports (2026). The main report should normally not exceed 7,000 words, excluding annexes, with full evidence and technical detail retained in annexes (assessed for quality but not counted towards the word limit). All GERAAS criteria continue to apply, and recommendations will be limited to a prioritized set of typically three to five actions. All deliverables will undergo review by peer reviewers, the Evaluation Reference Group (ERG), and the Evaluation Management Group (EMG). The evaluation process will be led by UN Women Independent Evaluation Service and the management structure for this evaluation will include: Structure / Actor Main Roles and Responsibilities Evaluation Team Leader (UN Women ECA RES) Leads the evaluation design, methodology, coordination, quality assurance, analysis, and production of deliverables. Evaluation Team (International and National Consultants) Conducts data collection, analysis, systematization, and report drafting. The national evaluator provides contextual expertise and in-country support. Team members must remain independent and free from conflicts of interest. Evaluation Management Group (EMG): Country Representative, M&E Focal Point; ECA RES (who will lead the group) Supports administrative coordination, accountability, stakeholder consultations, logistics, and field mission arrangements, ensuring inclusion of relevant stakeholders, including vulnerable groups. Evaluation Reference Group (ERG) / Internal Reference Group: CSOs, state partners; development partners (including donors); representative of the UNCT Provides substantive feedback on deliverables, validates findings, participates in consultations and workshops, and supports the use of evaluation results. Independent Evaluation and Audit Service Leadership Provides substantive comments and feedback to evaluation deliverables, clear and issue the final evaluation report UN Women Kyrgyz Republic Country Representative and Monitoring and Reporting Specialist Provide substantive feedback on evaluation deliverables, participate in meetings and workshops, and share relevant information as needed. They will also endorse the management response to the evaluation recommendations within six weeks following endorsement of the final evaluation report. EVALUATION TEAM COMPOSITION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES The UN Women ECA Regional Evaluation Specialist will serve as the Team Lead for the evaluation process and will be supported by two independent external consultants. The evaluation team will consist of an International Evaluation Expert and a National Evaluation Expert, recruited by the UN Women Kyrgyz Republic Country Office based on the TOR. Consultant should demonstrate commitment to the core values of the United Nations, including respect for diversity regardless of culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, language, age, HIV status, disability, sexual orientation, or other status. National Evaluation Expert (32 days of engagement) Tasks Timeframe for completion of task Initial data collection and preparation of inception report 6 days Additional data collection, portfolio review and interviews/necessary follow ups after data 6 days In country data collection 5 days Data analysis and synthesis (including presentation of preliminary findings) 8 days Preparation of draft report 5 days Review of feedback and submission of final report 2 days Total Up to 32 days An interpreter/translator/consultant will be recruited or engaged through a formal consultant recruitment process through advertising or from the existing LTA agreement on such services for the inception consultations, data collection during the field mission and translation of final report, through development of a ToR as needed. Competencies : Core Values: Integrity; Professionalism; Respect for Diversity. Core Competencies: Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues; Accountability; Creative Problem Solving; Effective Communication; Inclusive Collaboration; Stakeholder Engagement; Leading by Example. Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Values and Competencies Framework: Functional Competencies: Strong professional, analytical, facilitation, and communication skills. Experience in process management and data analysis. Strong research, reporting, and presentation skills. Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and adapt to dynamic environments. Required Qualifications: Education and Certification: Master’s degree in social science, sociology, international development, gender/women studies or related area Experience: At least 5 years of practical experience on relevant development GEWE related issues, including substantive support to several evaluation processes . Experience in monitoring and evaluation Experience of gender analysis and human rights-based approaches Previous experience in similar assignments with UN agencies and other international organizations Languages: Fluent in English, Russian written and spoken. Working knowledge of Kyrgyz will be an asset How to Apply: Personal CV or P11 (P11 can be downloaded from: <https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-P11-Personal-History-Form.doc> ) A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns, or other materials. ANNEX 1: KEY REFERENCE UN Women Evaluation References Evaluation Policy of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women UN Women GERAAS evaluation quality assessment checklist UN Women Evaluation Consultant Agreement Form UN Women Guidance on Country Portfolio Evaluation UN Women Core Values and Competencies UN Women Evaluation Handbook UNEG References UNEG Norms and Standards for evaluation UNEG Ethical Guidelines and Code of Conduct UNEG Guidance on Integrating Human Rights and Gender Equality in Evaluation Guidelines for the Evaluation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework Resources for data on gender equality and human rights <https://eca.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2025/12/country-gender-equality-profile-of-the-kyrgyz-republic#view> <https://kyrgyzstan.un.org/sites/default/files/2024-02/ENG_Kyrgyzstan%20UNSDCF%202023-27_FINAL_SINGED%20and%20CLEAN.pdf> <http://uhri.ohchr.org/en> <http://genderstats.org/> <http://hdr.undp.org/en/content/genderinequality-index-gii> <http://genderindex.org/> <http://www.weforum.org/issues/global-gendergap> <http://www.un.org/womenwatch/directory/statistics_and_indicators_60.htm> ANNEX 2: The main interventions undertaken by the Country Office. Impact Areas Projects and Activities SN Outcome 1 (SP Impact Area 2)/UNSDCF Outcome 2: By 2027, the well-being of the population of the Kyrgyz Republi