Result of Service

Given the proposed two-stage approach and review scope, the consultant will commence the first phase in Q3 or Q4 2024. This phase will include the following deliverables: 1. Methodological Note: A concise (max. 5 pages) document detailing the consultant’s approach to the study, ensuring alignment with the scope, questions, and proposed methodology. 2. Interim Report: A comprehensive report (max. 15 pages) summarizing the findings and recommendations of phase 1, addressing the specified scope above. The second phase will take place in Q1 or Q2 2025 and include: 1. Final Report: a thorough report (approx. 25 pages) responding to the review questions and providing actionable recommendations for Pooled Funds and the broader system. The Interim Report will also be annexed, while the full report will synthesize both phases’ findings. 2. Interim Presentation: A presentation to the OCHA PFMB and AAP team half-way through the assignment to present preliminary findings and gather feedback and insights. Discussions may also include challenges related to the assignment. 3. Final Presentation: A revised and finalized slide deck and meeting with OCHA PFMB and AAP teams to present the key findings and recommendations of the review.

Work Location

New York

Expected duration

1 Oct 24 – 31 Mar 25

Duties and Responsibilities

OCHA’s Pooled Fund Management Branch (PFMB) seeks to hire a consultant to conduct a review of the contributions of OCHA-managed Pooled Funds – Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and Country-based Pooled Funds (CBPFs) – in enhancing Accountability to Affected People (AAP). Carried out in collaboration with the OCHA AAP Advisor and team within the IASC mechanism, the primary focus of the review is on learning – identifying best practices, challenges, and lessons learned – to inform future Pooled Funds initiatives and broader humanitarian efforts. The primary goal of this review is to learn and build evidence from Pooled Fund’s efforts in advancing AAP. Specifically, it will examine whether the Pooled Funds’ efforts were catalytic in bringing additional support, both financial or otherwise, for AAP, and explore the conditions that enabled/hindered it. By identifying best practices, challenges, and lessons learned, the review aims to inform future Pooled Fund initiatives and contribute to broader learning within the humanitarian system. This review’s findings will be shared with relevant learning and knowledge networks and policy forums including within the IASC to facilitate wider learning within the humanitarian sector. The review will: 1. Examine pooled funds’ processes, programmatic aspects, and partner engagement (including technical support provided by OCHA Pooled Funds and AAP experts to country teams). 2. Evaluate the effectiveness, results achieved/impact, sustainability, and catalytic nature of Pooled Funds’ efforts on AAP. Target audience and key users: 1. Primarily the CERF secretariat, CBPF Section, and the OCHA AAP team. 2. Other stakeholders include the CERF Advisory Group, the Pooled Fund Working Group, donors, OCHA country offices, OCHA Protection team, Humanitarian Country Teams, CBPF Advisory Boards, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinators, implementing partners, and the broader humanitarian system.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international affairs, international development, development economic, public policy, or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian action and/or international development is required. Experience drafting evaluation reports and/or guidance is required. Experience working in the area of AAP is desirable. Proven ability to conduct in-depth research on humanitarian action, ability to formulate advice and guidance on humanitarian programming, strong writing skills, including ability to communicate technical information to non-expert audience, knowledge of AAP and the related IASC guidelines are desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English is a requirement. Knowledge of other languages, such as French, Arabic, Spanish or Portuguese, is considered a significant advantage.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.