Position summary

An independent evaluation to assess the achievements of the sixth country programme (2015-2019), and draw lessons learned from its design through implementation to inform development of the next country programme (2020-2024).

Duration:  Continuously for 75 working days from May through September 2018

Duty Station:  Remote-Home Based (39 days) and In-Country, Sierra Leone (36 days)

Background of programme:

UNFPA Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Government and partners, is in the fourth year of implementing its Sixth Country Programme (2015–2019).  The overall goal of the programme is to contribute to “universal access to rights-based, gender-sensitive sexual and reproductive health information and services, including for adolescents and young people” as defined in the UNFPA Strategic Plan (2014-2017).  Overall, the programme contributes to Government’s development efforts and capacities, especially in the areas of Population and Development; Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights; Reproductive Health Commodity Security; Gender Equity, Equality and Empowerment of Women, as well as promoting community advocacy and multi-sectoral partnerships for strengthening implementation of the ICPD Agenda in Sierra Leone, and the new Post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals.

The five-year programme cycle will end in December 2019, and UNFPA seeks to conduct an independent evaluation aimed at assessing progress made towards the achievements of the programme outputs; identify factors which may have facilitated or constrained the achievements of intended results, and to draw lessons learned to inform development of the seventh country programme (2020-2024). 

Duties and responsibilities:

The consultant will undertake the following in phases:

• Review all relevant documents on the CP; develop evaluation questions based on evaluation purpose and criteria;
• Develop data collection tools and concrete work plan for the field work.
• Prepare and submit the Design Report.
• Conduct field data collection and prepare debriefing Report.
• Data analysis and reporting;
• Produce draft report and conduct stakeholder workshop to validate report;
• Produce Final Report of the evaluation.

Deliverables and deadlines:

The key deliverables and dates are as follows:

• Prepare evaluation design report – 31^st May 2018.
• Undertake field data collection and prepare debriefing report- preliminary findings with tentative recommendations- 30^th June 2018.
• Undertake data analysis and prepare first draft final report-   31^st July 2018
• Prepare second draft final report for stakeholders validation- 31^st August 2018
• Submit final Report- 28^th September 2018.

All work will be delivered electronically.

Required expertise and qualifications:

The International Consultant will provide overall leadership to the evaluation team of two other national (thematic) consultants.  Qualifications and experience include:

• Minimum of Master’s Degree in public health, social sciences, development studies or a related field;  A Ph. D will be an added advantage
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in conducting/managing programme evaluations, including in humanitarian and fragile contexts.
• Extensive experience in sexual reproductive health, population and development.
• Excellent analytical, writing and communication skills  in English Language
• Leadership and good management skills; Ability to work with and manage a multi-disciplinary team of experts
• Excellent problem identification and solving skills
• Experience in mainstreaming and management of cross-cutting themes;
• Experience in conducting evaluations on population and development issues.
• Familiarity with the UNFPA work will be an added advantage

Payment:

Payments will be made in tranches and based on key deliverables. Terms and conditions will be in accordance with UN contract procedures. Remuneration will be based on years of work experience in the relevant field and standard rates for UN consultancy.

How to apply:

All applications should be addressed to The International Operations Manager and sent to the following email address: sierra-leone.office@unfpa.org and copy ikamara@unfpa.org on or before the closing date of 25 April, 2018.  Application should include the CV and completed P-11 form.

NB: Incomplete applications will not be accepted.  Only short listed candidates will be contacted with a detailed Terms of Reference for this assignment.