Background:
The UN Joint Programme “Empower for Inclusion” is a national joint programme (JP) implemented in Timor-Leste with the purpose of strengthening national capacity to advance the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and promote disability-inclusive development. The programme supports the design, implementation, and reform of national policies, plans, budgets, programmes, and services through strengthened governance, data and evidence generation, monitoring, and policy influence, with the meaningful participation of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).
The joint programme is implemented for the period of 24 months (January 2024 to April 2026) with a total value of 600,000 USD. It is jointly implemented by UN Women, OHCHR/HRAU, and UNICEF as the participating United Nations Organizations (PUNOs), in collaboration with MSSI and other line ministries in partnership with OPDs, and other CSOs.
The programme is aligned with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), ratified by the Government of Timor-Leste in January 2023, and the National action Plan for Person with Disabilities (2021-2030), affirming Government Timor-Leste its commitment to promoting, protecting and ensuring the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by person with disabilities. Through its focus on inclusive governance, evidence-based policymaking, and accountability mechanisms, the joint programme seeks to accelerate CRPD implementation and contribute to the achievement of disability-inclusive Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Empower for Inclusion programme is funded by the UN Partnership on the UNPRPD Fund, a Multi-Partner Trust Fund established to mobilize resources to support countries in implementing the CRPD and mainstreaming the disability inclusion agenda. The programme has been designed to contribute to the UNPRPD 2020–2025 Strategic Operational Framework by supporting national efforts to ensure that policies, plans, budgets, programmes, and services comply with the CRPD and advance disability-inclusive SDGs through the meaningful participation of OPDs.
Purpose of the evaluation
This external evaluation aims to assess the achievements of the joint programme and its overall contribution to advance the CRPD implementation in Timor-Leste. While this will be an output level evaluation, it will also inform the national stakeholders as well as UNPRPD on the appropriateness of the interventions and learning about how the selected priorities contributed to the outcomes.
Specific learning objectives for the evaluation include the following:
- Assess the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, coherence, sustainability, and, to the extent possible, the impact of the joint programme.
- Assess progress made in achieving essential building blocks for CRPD implementation, such as Equality and no discrimination, Inclusive service delivery, CRPD-compliant budgeting and financial Management, accountability and governance.
- Evaluate the extent of disability inclusion in national development frameworks, including alignment with CRPD obligations and guiding principles, the DNAP, line ministry/SDG action plans and allocation of adequate and disability-responsive budgets
- Assess the role of the Joint Programme in building capacity of key national stakeholders on for informed and equal participation in national policy making, review and implementation.
- Evaluate the incorporation of gender equality, participation of organizations of persons with disabilities, and the promotion of marginalized groups.
- Identify and document successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the joint programme.
- Assess the contribution of the joint programme to UNPRPD objectives and the One-UN approach.
Evaluation scope and key questions
The evaluation will cover the implementation period from 14th April 2026- 30th April 2026. It will have a nationwide geographical scope, with specific regions identified for visits in consultation with the Joint Programme project team. The evaluation will focus on criteria related to relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, sustainability, and contribute to the assessment of impact, with an emphasis on equity and gender sensitivity.
The evaluation will be based on the following framework and guiding evaluative questions. These questions may be further fine-tuned during the Inception Phase based on considerations of evaluability, time and resource constraints.
Table 1: Framework for country-level end of programme evaluation
DimensionGuiding questions
| Effectiveness | - To what extent did the Joint Programme (JP) achieve the planned objectives?
- Did the JP lead to significant changes and improvements policy and systems to advance CRPD implementation, catalytic change to mainstream disability inclusion, capacity building to increase knowledge and skills of key national stakeholders?
- In what ways did JP outputs lead, or not lead to intended outcomes?
- To what extent was the JP successful in fostering the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities and their representative organizations in decision-making processes that affect them?
- How did the JP address the needs of specific populations within the disability community, including differences by gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or other demographics as relevant?
- To what extent did key stakeholders, such as the government and disability organizations, engage with and take ownership of the JP?
- What factors promoted or hindered the implementation of the JP?
- Were there any unintended positive or negative outcomes, and if so, were they managed?
|
| Efficiency | - Did All partners of the JP contribute to efficient implementation?
- Was the grant size and duration optimal to achieve programme objectives?
- To what extent was the project cost-effective in terms of delivering the intended results?
- Did the project's management structure and decision-making processes promote an efficient use of resources?
- Is the operational model efficient for partners? Do they have the time and resources to effectively engage in implementation, reporting, and other JP activities?
- Was the JP's intervention more efficient when compared to what could have been achieved through a single-agency intervention?
|
| Relevance | - To what extent did the JP align with national priorities, policies, and the specific needs of persons with disabilities?
- Did the JP priorities align with the CRPD, SDGs, and UNSDCF?
|
| Coherence | - How effectively did the JP coordinate and collaborate with other development partners working on disability-related initiatives to ensure a cohesive and harmonized approach?
- To what extent did participating United Nations organizations (PUNOs) coordinate with development partners and other UN agencies to prevent overlaps, leverage contributions, and catalyze collaborative efforts?
- Were there mechanisms in place to avoid duplication, promote information sharing, and leverage contributions to maximize the impact of the JP?
|
| Equity and inclusion | - To what extent did the JP succeed in addressing the unique and diverse needs and challenges faced by different segments of the disability community, such as women, children, and other marginalized groups?
- How did the JP ensure representatives from diverse OPDs could meaningfully engage in the JP implementation? What was the nature of this role, and how did it vary throughout the programme cycle?
|
| Sustainability | - To what extent has the JP foster leadership and ownership among national authorities and other stakeholders, increasing the likelihood that the programme’s outcomes will be sustained beyond its duration?
- How did the JP support existing government initiatives to advance CRPD and disability inclusive SDGs?
- How did the JP support to strengthen partnerships between UN entities, OPDs and Government actors to promote disability inclusion?
|
Evaluation approach
The selected consultant is expected to utilize a variety of data collection methods to carry out the assessments. This will include (but is not limited to):
- Desk review of key JP documents as well as other relevant materials pertaining to the disability inclusion landscape
- Key informant interviews, including (non-exhaustive):
- JP stakeholders including governance members, joint program partners, OPDs, and government stakeholders
- External experts, including authorities on the broader disability inclusion landscape, academic and others
- Workshops and/or focus group sessions with key stakeholders, as a platform for in-depth analysis of the collected data, validation of findings, and generation of insights and recommendations
- Online survey of representatives and participants in JP
- Site visits
Note all data collection tools and sessions must be designed inclusively and be fully accessible.
The evaluation will be directly managed by the JP coordinator/Programme Manager of UN Women in collaboration with HRAU and UNICEF.
Evaluation products and timeline
Specific deliverables will include:
- Inception Report: Detailing the evaluative framework, guiding questions, approach, timeline, and information sources. (Max 20-page report and/or 10-15 slides)
- Final Evaluation Report: Presenting findings, analysis, implications, and actionable recommendations for the UNCT on advancing disability inclusion in Timor-Leste and the UNPRPD to further strengthen the impact of its joint programme approach. (Max 30 pages including a 3-page executive summary)
The duration of the consultancy is expected to be approximately 13 working days from 14th April 2026- 30th April 2026. The work is expected to be divided into three phases, as summarized below. (Note the specific phasing and activities shown below are indicative and subject to discussion with the selected consultants.)
| Evaluation stage | Activities | Deliverables |
| Phase 1: Inception and preparation (2 days) | - Kick off meeting with JP team
- Develop the detailed evaluation framework and approach (including Survey methodology, data collection procedures, and sources.)
- Propose the structure of the final evaluation report
- Schedule of tasks, activities, and deliverables.
| |
| Evaluation Tools developed: - Detailed tools for data collection and analysis (e.g., questionnaire, Focused Group Discussion (FGD) and Key informant Interview (KII) guides etc.
| | |
| Phase 2: Data collection and analysis (8 days) | - Conducts desk research and expert interviews for landscape analysis and stakeholder mapping
- Execute data collection and analysis (including all relevant document review, interviews, focus group discussions and surveys)
- Complete relevant field visits
- Develop implications and recommendations
- Submit first draft of the evaluation for review
| - Transcripts of interviews and the data collected during the evaluation
- Synthesis of workshops and other group sessions, including summary of discussions and key takeaways
- Interim findings report
|
| Phase 3: Documentation and finalization (2 days) | - Incorporate PUNO feedback on the first draft
- Finalize the evaluation based on comments provided
| - Final evaluation report (narrative report and a PPT summary presentation)
|
Schedule of Payment
Payment is in full upon final submission and satisfactory outputs/products in accordance with specified requirements.
No.
Deliverables
Percentage of payment
-
| Submit inception report (Max 20-page report and/or 10-15 slides) - Kick off meeting with JP team
- Develop the detailed evaluation framework and approach (including Survey methodology, data collection procedures, and sources.)
- Propose the structure of the final evaluation report
- Schedule of tasks, activities, and deliverables.
-
| 30% of the total contract amount shall be paid upon submission of deliverables 1 and all acceptance and certified by the JP Coordinator. |
| 2. | Data collection and analysis - Transcripts of interviews and the data collected during the evaluation
- Synthesis of workshops and other group sessions, including summary of discussions and key takeaways.
Interim findings report (1. Initial report draft aligned with provided/agreed reporting templates. 2. Annexes including evidence such as interview transcripts, data forms, list of reference groups interviewed, and photos). | 30 % of the total contract amount shall be paid upon submission of deliverables 2 and all acceptance and certified by UN women and JP Coordinator. |
| 3. | Final evaluation report in English (Max 30 pages including a 3-page executive summary and a PPT summary presentation) | 40 % of the total contract amount shall be paid upon submission of deliverables 3 and all acceptance and certified by the UN women and JP Coordinator. |
Payment will be made upon submission of all the deliverables, including events materials, notes, and reports in English with All acceptance and Certified by the UN Women and JP Coordinator.
Inputs
- The consultant is expected to use her/his own computer and have all needed software for related tasks.
- The cost of mobile phone communication needs to be covered by the consultant.
- The consultant covers travel costs during the review process and completion of the task.
- UN Women and Project OHCHR/HRAU and UNICEF will support resource materials and reference documents as relevant.
Competencies
Core Values:
Functional Competencies:
- Strong commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women, with demonstrated experience of researching or working on gender issues;
- Strong research and writing skills, with strong analytical skills and creative thinking;
- Ability to think and work logically and work precisely with attention to detail;
- Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members of different national and cultural backgrounds.
- Previous experience (also volunteer experience) from the non-profit sector is an advantage.
- Ability to multi-task and address competing priorities
- Ability to produce quality deliverables in a timely manner
- Strong computer skills, including Word, Excel, and Power Point
Core Values:
Performance evaluation
The consultant’s performance will be evaluated based on timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, and the quality of the deliverables.
Required experience and qualifications:
Education:
- Master’s degree in law, political or social science or other field relevant to human rights or other relevant fields.
Experience
- Master's degree with five years or bachelor’s degree with five years of experience working on disability inclusion, inclusive development, and the rights of persons with disabilities. Prior experience with the UNPRPD program is an asset.
- Experience in producing inclusive analysis of international and government policy and frameworks.
- Experience in capacity development of Government organizations and CSOs, preferably in disability inclusion, and mainstreaming of the country’s development processes.
- Experience with facilitation of high-level dialogues, training, and consultations, including with Government counterparts.
Relevant experience in drafting human rights reports
Language and other skills:
- Proficiency in oral and written Tetum and English.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical and reporting skills.
- Highly skilled in data analysis and interpretation.
- Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology and equipment, IT tools, Internet, and email.
How to apply
Interested candidates are requested to submit an electronic application via UN women e-Recruitment system, by April 13, 2026, at the latest, referring to this advertisement.
Including.
- Cover letter
- Completed and signed P-11 form (available from http://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment)
- A copy of latest educational certificates
- Financial proposal: The financial proposal shall specify lumpsum amount breaking down the professional fee and associated cost of for each deliverable and travel related costs.
- Sample of at least two relevant survey reports (mandatory and must be author or co-author) preferably in the areas of gender equality, gender-based violence (GBV), disability inclusion, or social inclusion.
All applicants must include (as an attachment) of item 1-5. Application with missing required documents (item 1-5) will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment.
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:
Will be added separately for each position
Statements :
In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.
Diversity and inclusion:
At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.
If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.
UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)
Note: Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form, including the sections on education and employment history, are completed. If all sections are not completed the application may be disqualified from the recruitment and selection process.
This position is no longer open.
