Project Evaluator

Job Title: M&E Consultant

Contract Type: Consultant

Target start date and duration: 1st August 2026 - 31st November 2026

Location: Kazakhstan 

Reports to: Program Manager 

Application Deadline: 25 June 2026

Compensation: Based on financial proposals

Background: 

The Institute for War & Peace Reporting (IWPR) is an international non-profit organisation founded in 1991, with charitable status in the US, UK and the Netherlands. IWPR has worked in Central Asia since 1999 and has registered offices in Almaty, Bishkek and Dushanbe. IWPR supports media, civil society, democracy and governance, gender, and youth-focused projects in over 30 countries – promoting reliable information and responsible public debate and removing barriers to freedom of expression.

About the project:

The “Civil Society for Kazakhstan (CS4K)” project is funded by the European Union and being implemented by the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) in Kazakhstan in partnership with the Public Foundation “Institute of National and International Development Initiatives” (INIDI). 

The project aims to promote fundamental freedoms and rights in Kazakhstan through the efforts of civil society. Specifically, the project is focused at building the capacity of local civil society organizations (CSOs) in advocacy and community engagement to promote changes, as well as sharing experiences between organizations.   More information on the project can be found here:  https://cs4k.cabar.asia/

The consultant(s) is expected to:

• Lead and coordinate final impact evaluation of the project, including designing evaluation framework, developing data collection tools, and conducting fieldwork, analysis and reporting.
• Design and manage data collection processes to ensure accuracy, reliability, and validity. Identify new verification sources for the project and, whenever possible, use existing data embedded in current systems.
• Study relevant project documents such as the work plan, event evaluation sheets, project content, log frame and result matrix, progress reports, and annual and mid-year evaluations. Revise the indicators (both target and achieved) accordingly.
• Engage with project stakeholders, including beneficiaries, partners, and donors, to gather input and feedback.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative data analysis, comparing project progress against the established baseline. Outline trends of success, baseline-target vs. year achievements, and overall achievement.
• Evaluate the project's short-term and long-term impact on target groups/individuals.
• Prepare and present comprehensive evaluation reports, providing actionable recommendations to improve project design, implementation, and impact.
• Uphold the values of freedom of speech, transparency, and accountability in all MEAL activities.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ethical evaluation practices and respect for participant confidentiality.
• Conduct debriefing and feedback sessions to support the utilization of findings with project staff, donors, partners, and others as per the previous agreement with the Project Manager.

Scope of work: 

The overall objective of this evaluation is to provide the final review of the project by assessing its impact based on the OECD-DAC criteria, specifically focusing on effectiveness, impact and sustainability, efficiency, relevance and coherence.

The final evaluation will aim to:

• Assess the project’s overall contribution to promoting fundamental freedoms and rights in Kazakhstan through civil society–led efforts, taking into account the broader political and social context.
• Examine the extent to which the project contributed to increased responsiveness of policy makers to civil society initiatives advancing human rights and democratic practices, including at local and national levels.
• Assess the project’s contribution to policy‑level influence, including civil society participation in the development or revision of government policies.
• Identify evidence of longer‑term or systemic changes in practices, attitudes, or relationships between civil society actors and decision‑makers that can be reasonably linked to the project.
• Draw lessons learned and strategic recommendations to strengthen the impact of future civil society support initiatives in similar contexts.

Applicants interested in this call for application should submit to IWPR the following:

• A letter of interest outlining professional experience relevant to this consultancy.
• Short technical proposal (max. 5 pages) describing the methodology, tools, and techniques to deliver the evaluation, including capacity conduct in-person/remote interviews (including in Kazak), and any additional support needed (e.g., interpretation or workshop facilitation).
• Two evaluation reports from a previous project of a similar nature.
• Up-to-date CVs of the proposed consultants for this evaluation.
• Two (2) references from organisations for which the consultant or firm has carried out recent evaluations for similar projects (optional).
• Estimated overall budget broken down by categories including consultants' working hours fee, translation/interpretation services, and other logistical needs. Note: The total budget must not exceed 7,000 EUR.

A full terms of reference can be found here: https://iwprexternal.egnyte.com/dl/dyVHVgGVyH4Q

Education:

A minimum of a bachelor's degree in international development, Human Rights, International Relations, Project Management, other Social Sciences or other related fields required. MA or other post-graduate capacities in relevant fields is desired.

Skills and experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience leading project evaluations.
• Strong expertise in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), with proven experience in Outcomes Harvesting (leading, facilitating, and reporting).
• Demonstrated ability in qualitative analysis, mixed-method data management, and data visualization (e.g., graphs and dashboards).
• Highly organized and analytical, with adaptability and responsiveness to feedback and changing priorities.
• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision, both independently and within small teams.
• Strong collaboration skills, with a flexible and efficient approach to work.
• Excellent virtual facilitation and written and spoken communication skills in English.

Language:

Advanced English and Russian; knowledge or understanding of the Kazakh language is desired.

Travel:

No travel is required for this position, however, willingness and ability to conduct in person KII/FGD is considered an advantage.

Other requirements:

Ability to work with colleagues remotely and to attend online (Zoom/Teams) meetings, storytelling sessions, etc. in GMT+5 time zone.

For more information on IWPR, please follow the link:

https://iwprexternal.egnyte.com/dl/zJ7gOUL3Fc

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and IWPR reserves the right to fill the position before the closing date; early applications are therefore strongly encouraged, and interviews may be conducted prior to the deadline. IWPR will offer a competitive salary to the successful applicant.

Principals only. No calls please. Only those who have been considered for an interview will be contacted.

IWPR is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, veteran status or pregnancy and maternity. IWPR will never ask for payment for recruitment.