UNESCO Invites Senior Evaluation Experts to Lead Mid-Term Assessment of Social Transformation Project in AlUla|Apply by 20 Jul 2026
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seeking an experienced evaluation team to conduct the mid-term evaluation of its “Fostering Positive Social Transformations in AlUla” project. This consultancy presents an excellent opportunity for senior evaluators and multidisciplinary teams with expertise in monitoring and evaluation, social inclusion, youth development, intercultural dialogue, and cultural heritage initiatives.
The consultancy is open to qualified independent consultants and consulting firms with a proven track record in evaluating large-scale development programmes. Applications must be submitted by 20 July 2026.
About the Consultancy
The successful evaluation team will assess the project’s progress, effectiveness, relevance, efficiency, and sustainability while providing practical recommendations to strengthen implementation. The evaluation will examine how the initiative is contributing to positive social transformation through community engagement, youth empowerment, heritage interpretation, and intercultural learning.
UNESCO expects the evaluation to follow internationally recognized standards using theory-based evaluation methods, mixed-method research, evidence-based analysis, and the OECD-DAC evaluation criteria.
Who Should Apply?
The team leader must possess:
- An advanced university degree in social sciences or a related field.
- A minimum of 10 years of experience evaluating large-scale development projects.
- Previous evaluation experience in the Arab region or on projects involving regional partners.
- Demonstrated expertise in theory-based evaluation, mixed-method approaches, evaluation matrices, triangulation, and evidence-based reporting.
- Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.
Collectively, the evaluation team should demonstrate expertise in:
- Social transformation
- Social inclusion
- Sport for development
- Youth employability
- Intercultural dialogue
- Heritage interpretation
- Community engagement
- Cultural site-based learning
Experience evaluating sport, intercultural dialogue, or multi-stakeholder development projects involving governments, communities, cultural institutions, youth organizations, and private-sector partners will be considered an advantage.
Language and Professional Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Fluency in English.
- Arabic language capacity within the evaluation team to facilitate consultations with local stakeholders and review Arabic-language materials.
- Knowledge of UNEG norms and standards.
- Understanding of ethical evaluation principles.
- Commitment to human rights, gender equality, and non-discrimination.
- Previous experience conducting evaluations for UNESCO, other United Nations agencies, or intergovernmental organizations is desirable.
Independence Is Essential
UNESCO requires complete independence from all members of the proposed evaluation team.
Applicants must not have participated in the design, implementation, management, communications, training, technical assistance, or delivery of the project under evaluation. Every bidder must submit a declaration confirming their independence and disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest.
Required Application Documents
Interested consultants should prepare a comprehensive application package that includes:
- Detailed CVs for all proposed team members.
- Professional references.
- A technical proposal outlining the understanding of the assignment and proposed evaluation methodology (5–6 pages).
- A tentative work schedule.
- A financial proposal covering professional fees, travel expenses, and logistical requirements.
- Two recently completed evaluation reports led by the proposed team leader.
- Additional research papers, evaluation reports, or publications demonstrating expertise in relevant thematic areas.
Consulting firms should also submit:
- Registration or incorporation certificate.
- Organizational chart.
- Company profile.
- History of similar projects.
- Audited financial statements for 2024 and 2025.
Where a support team is proposed, the senior evaluator will serve as the team leader and will coordinate the submission of the proposal.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their expression of interest by 20 July 2026 via email to:
- Ms. Olga Dobryanskaya: o.dobryanskaya@unesco.org
- Mr. Drake Thomas: ds.thomas@unesco.org
Applicants should copy the UNESCO IOS Evaluation Representatives:
- Ms. Ina Salas: i.salas@unesco.org
- Mr. Osama Alkebsi: oa.alkebsi@unesco.org
Ensure that all required documents are included in your submission before the closing date.
A Valuable Opportunity for Evaluation Professionals
This consultancy offers experienced monitoring and evaluation professionals the opportunity to contribute to an important UNESCO initiative that promotes inclusive social transformation through culture, youth engagement, heritage, and community participation. The evaluation findings will support evidence-based decision-making while helping strengthen project implementation and generate valuable lessons for future programmes.
Professionals with expertise in development evaluation, social inclusion, cultural heritage, youth empowerment, and international development are encouraged to submit competitive proposals before the 20 July 2026 deadline.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
