Mid-Term Evaluation Specialist: Access to Affordable and Renewable Energy

Host entity: UNDP

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Economics, poverty reduction, livelihoods, Energy, Climate change, environment

Application deadline: 31/08/2026

Mission and objectives

UNDP is a global knowledge network advocating for human development and connecting countries to knowledge, experiences and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP works with countries to develop and implement their own solutions to development challenges. Aligned with the Lesotho National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP II 2019-2023), the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF 2019-2023) and UNDP Strategic Plan as well the Country Programme Document (CPD 2019-2023), we are committed to supporting the government and people of Lesotho.

Assignment context

UNDP Lesotho supports national efforts to eradicate poverty and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through governance, inclusive economic growth, environmental sustainability, climate change and resilience programming. Renewable Lesotho (RL) was launched in 2023 within the Lesotho-European Union Multiannual Indicative Programme 2021-2027 and the European Union Global Gateway. The programme aims to increase renewable energy generation capacity and energy efficiency, expand equitable and gender-transformative access to clean energy, and strengthen Lesotho's leadership and institutional capacity in the energy sector. Component 2, Renewable Lesotho: Access to Affordable and Renewable Energy (RL: AARE), is implemented by UNDP Lesotho under a Contribution Agreement with the European Union. It supports a Results-Based Finance grant facility and two energy tender windows. The Access Window focuses on household-level access, while the Application Window supports public services and productive uses. Technologies include green mini-grid connections, solar home systems, improved cookstoves, electrification of schools and clinics, solar water pumps, mixed productive-use solutions, and commercial and industrial solar applications. The Government of Lesotho and UNDP seek an independent mid-term evaluation of RL: AARE implementation from project launch in 2023 to the evaluation period. The evaluation will assess relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability, and consider early signs of potential impact where feasible. It will also examine gender equality, disability inclusion, human rights, youth inclusion and the needs of vulnerable groups.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the UNDP Lesotho Evaluation Manager, the International UNV Expert will independently conduct the mid-term evaluation of the RL: AARE project in accordance with UNDP evaluation quality standards, OECD-DAC criteria and UNEG ethical principles. The UN Volunteer will:
• Conduct a comprehensive desk review of the Contribution Agreement/project document, Theory of Change, Results Framework, annual work plans and budgets, progress reports, steering committee records, technical reports, training materials, and communication and visibility outputs.
• Prepare an inception report of approximately 10-15 pages setting out the refined evaluation questions, methodology, evaluation matrix, indicators, data sources, data collection tools, analytical approaches, sampling strategy, stakeholder engagement plan, ethical safeguards, limitations and mitigation measures, and a detailed work plan.
• Apply a mixed-methods, participatory and consultative evaluation approach using document review, semi-structured key informant interviews, focus group discussions, surveys or questionnaires where appropriate, field observation and analysis of monitoring data.
• Conduct consultations with UNDP, the Ministry of Energy and Mining, the European Union, implementing partners, government institutions, private-sector actors, civil society, academia, local authorities, beneficiary institutions and communities, ensuring inclusive engagement with women, youth, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
• Undertake approved travel and field visits in Lesotho, including visits to selected institutions, service providers and at least five electrified schools, subject to the agreed inception plan and logistical arrangements.
• Assess the project against the OECD-DAC criteria of relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability, including emerging results and early signs of potential impact where evidence permits.
• Assess progress in establishing and operationalizing the Results-Based Finance mechanism and the Access and Application Windows, including implementation arrangements, use of resources, stakeholder coordination, institutional capacity and market readiness.
• Examine how gender equality, disability inclusion, human rights, youth inclusion and the needs of vulnerable groups are integrated into project design, implementation, monitoring and early results.
• Triangulate evidence from documents, interviews, focus groups, surveys, field observations and monitoring data, clearly distinguishing observed results, plausible contribution and areas where evidence is limited.
• Present preliminary findings to the Ministry of Energy and Mining and UNDP following fieldwork and facilitate validation of emerging findings.
• Prepare a draft evaluation report of approximately 40-60 pages, including an executive summary, methodology, findings, conclusions, lessons learned and practical, prioritized recommendations.
• Prepare an audit trail showing how consolidated stakeholder comments on the draft report were addressed and submit a revised final evaluation report with the required annexes.
• Deliver a final presentation of the evaluation findings, conclusions and recommendations and maintain the independence, confidentiality, security and ethical use of all information collected.
The UN Volunteer is also encouraged to integrate the UNV mandate into the assignment by strengthening their understanding of volunteerism, participating in relevant UNV activities where feasible, reporting on volunteer contributions and opportunities, and promoting voluntary action and online volunteering when appropriate.

Results / Expected outputs
As an active UNDP Lesotho team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality evaluation support is provided to UNDP, the Government of Lesotho, the European Union and project stakeholders. Expected outputs include:
• Inception report - A 10–15-page report presenting the refined methodology, evaluation matrix, data collection tools and detailed work plan; indicative timing: Week 1.
• Evaluation briefing - An oral presentation of preliminary findings to the Ministry of Energy and Mining and UNDP immediately after fieldwork; indicative timing: Week 4.
• Draft evaluation report - A 40–60-page draft report with executive summary, findings, conclusions, lessons learned and practical recommendations; indicative timing: Week 5.
• Evaluation report audit trail - A matrix showing how consolidated stakeholder comments on the draft report were addressed; indicative timing: Week 7.
• Final evaluation report and presentation - A revised final report incorporating agreed changes and annexes, together with a final presentation; indicative timing: Week 8.
• Findings are independent, evidence-based, clearly sourced and aligned with UNDP and OECD-DAC evaluation standards.
• Gender equality, disability inclusion, human rights and age/diversity perspectives are systematically applied, integrated and documented throughout the assignment.
• Practical recommendations support adaptive management, risk mitigation, stakeholder coordination and future renewable energy programming.
• A final statement documents achievements and contributions to volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment.

Skills and experience

• Candidates with 10 years of relevant international experience in programme or project evaluation, applied research or implementation, including demonstrated experience leading complex evaluations, will also be considered.
• Strong understanding of the energy sector, particularly renewable energy, energy access, energy efficiency and related policy and institutional issues.
• Demonstrated expertise in mixed-methods evaluation, including fieldwork, stakeholder interviews, data collection, triangulation and analytical reporting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the African context, particularly Sub-Saharan África, and understanding of Lesotho's energy sector and implementation environment.
• Demonstrated ability to apply gender-responsive, disability-inclusive and human rights-based approaches in evaluation design, data collection, analysis and reporting.
• Ability to demonstrate independence from organizations or individuals directly or indirectly involved in the design, implementation, management or advisory aspects of the RL: AARE project, and to disclose any real, perceived or potential conflict of interest.

Competencies and values

• Integrity, independence, professionalism and adherence to UNDP and UNEG evaluation ethics and professional standards.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to synthesize complex evidence and develop practical, evidence-based conclusions and recommendations.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, with the ability to conduct inclusive consultations with government, development partners, private-sector actors and beneficiaries.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to produce clear, concise and high-quality evaluation reports.
• Planning and organizing, teamwork and respect for diversity, flexibility, commitment to continuous learning, and genuine commitment to the principles of voluntary engagement

Living conditions

This is a remote assignment with approved travel to Lesotho for consultations, field visits and validation activities. The UN Volunteer will normally work from their place of recruitment and coordinate virtually with UNDP Lesotho and stakeholders. During travel to Lesotho, the UN Volunteer will be expected to comply with applicable UN security requirements, host entity travel procedures and duty-of-care arrangements. Suitable connectivity, a professional remote working environment and availability across agreed working hours are required for effective delivery of the assignment.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.