International Evaluation Consultant – Harare Sustainable City Initiative End of Project Evaluation

UN-Habitat is seeking a highly experienced International Evaluation Consultant to lead an independent end-of-project evaluation of the Harare Sustainable City Initiative (HSCI): Promotion of Carbon-Neutral Urban Basic Services and Energy-Efficient Built Environment project. This is a critical assignment that will assess the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact of a multi-year initiative implemented in Harare, Zimbabwe, targeting vulnerable urban and peri-urban communities — with a particular focus on women and youth.

The final evaluation report must be validated by the Evaluation Reference Group (ERG), comprising representatives from Sida, the UN-Habitat Evaluation Unit, the project team, and key implementation partners. This is a home-based, 4-month consultancy assignment that offers a rare opportunity to contribute to shaping the evidence base for sustainable urban development and climate-responsive programming in Sub-Saharan Africa.

• Design and lead an independent, rigorous end-of-project evaluation of the HSCI project in alignment with UN-Habitat evaluation norms and standards.
• Develop a detailed inception report outlining evaluation methodology, data collection tools, evaluation matrix, and work plan for ERG review and approval.
• Conduct desk reviews of all relevant project documents including log frames, progress reports, financial records, and policy frameworks.
• Facilitate primary data collection through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and field visits (remote or in-country as applicable) with project beneficiaries, partners, and government stakeholders in Zimbabwe.
• Assess project outcomes across three result areas: sustainable waste-to-wealth practices, clean energy provisions, and energy and resource efficiency in Zimbabwe's built environment.
• Evaluate the project's contribution to SDG 1, SDG 5, SDG 8, SDG 11, SDG 13, SDG 14, and the New Urban Agenda (NUA).
• Analyse gender responsiveness, social inclusion, and the extent to which vulnerable groups — particularly women and youth — benefited from project interventions.
• Assess the project's alignment with UN-Habitat's four domains of change and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Zimbabwe.
• Produce a draft evaluation report for ERG review and incorporate feedback into the final validated report.
• Present findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations to key stakeholders including Sida and UN-Habitat leadership.

• Demonstrate at least 10 years of experience conducting independent evaluations of complex development projects, preferably within UN system organisations or INGOs.
• Show proven expertise in evaluating urban development, climate change, waste management, circular economy, or clean energy projects in developing country contexts.
• Apply mixed-methods evaluation approaches confidently, including theory-of-change analysis, contribution analysis, and participatory qualitative methodologies.
• Demonstrate knowledge of OECD-DAC evaluation criteria and adherence to UN Evaluation Group (UNEG) norms and standards.
• Produce high-quality, analytically rigorous evaluation reports in English with zero tolerance for factual ambiguity or methodological weakness.
• Navigate complex multi-stakeholder environments involving bilateral donors (Sida), UN agencies, national governments, local authorities, and community groups.
• Demonstrate experience evaluating gender-transformative and socially inclusive programming targeting urban poor populations.
• Hold a postgraduate degree in evaluation, development studies, urban planning, environmental science, public policy, or a related discipline.
• Prior experience in Southern Africa or Zimbabwe is a strong advantage.

This is a consultancy assignment and remuneration will be based on UN-Habitat's standard daily consultancy rates, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The estimated consultancy fee for international-level evaluators of this calibre typically ranges between KES 400,000 and KES 800,000 per month equivalent, subject to negotiation and UN contractual modalities. The position is home-based, eliminating commute costs, and the consultant will be reimbursed for any approved travel expenses related to data collection activities.

• Flexible home-based working arrangement
• UN-standard consultancy daily rate
• Approved travel and subsistence reimbursement
• High-profile international portfolio piece under the UN-Habitat brand

This role is ideal for a senior independent evaluation specialist with a strong international track record in development project evaluations, particularly those touching on urban sustainability, climate action, and circular economy. You are comfortable working autonomously across remote settings, meeting tight deliverable deadlines, and engaging diplomatically with multilateral stakeholders. You have a demonstrable publication or report portfolio that reflects analytical depth and clear policy recommendations.

This role is NOT suitable for candidates with fewer than 7 years of evaluation experience, those without a postgraduate qualification, candidates unfamiliar with UN evaluation frameworks, or those unable to commit to the full 4-month assignment duration.

• Visit the UN-Habitat official careers portal or the UN Inspira platform to locate this consultancy vacancy.
• Prepare and submit a technical proposal outlining your proposed evaluation methodology and work plan.
• Attach a financial proposal detailing your daily consultancy rate and total estimated cost for the assignment.
• Include your updated curriculum vitae (CV) and at least two samples of previous evaluation reports you have authored or co-authored.
• Provide contact details for at least two professional references familiar with your evaluation work.
• Ensure all documents are submitted before the closing date of 28 June 2026. Late applications will not be considered.