Job Description

Duty Station: Remote and stationed in one of the countries of interest (Iraq, Venezuela, Nigeria, Pakistan) with field visits.

Hiring Office: UNFPA Independent Evaluation Office (IEO).

Background

The Independent Evaluation of UNFPA’s Approach to the Localization of Humanitarian Action is commissioned as a critical component of UNFPA’s accountability to the global humanitarian system and our key stakeholders including the people affected by humanitarian crises worldwide.

As a signatory of the Grand Bargain, UNFPA is institutionally committed to making principled humanitarian action “as local as possible and as international as necessary.”

This evaluation serves the dual purpose of accountability and learning. Specifically, it will:

• Assess and report on UNFPA\'s progress, challenges, and performance in advancing the localization agenda to meet the needs of the most vulnerable populations affected by humanitarian crises (accountability).
• Analyze the barriers and enablers to localization within UNFPA\'s systems and processes and draw lessons for strengthening equitable partnerships and building resilience of local and national actors (LNAs) to improve the delivery of UNFPA\'s mandate in humanitarian contexts (learning).
• Assess the relevance of UNFPA’s approach to global commitments and local needs; evaluate the effectiveness of partnerships, the efficiency of internal systems, and the sustainability of UNFPA’s efforts for long‑term impact.

The overall goal is to identify concrete lessons and actionable recommendations for UNFPA to strengthen and sustain local leadership in humanitarian action.

The evaluation will be implemented under a theory‑based approach and contribution analysis, using mixed methods that combine quantitative and qualitative data collection.

Scope of the Work

Consultant services include:

• Provide expertise in Gender Based Violence (GBV) and/or Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) as the specialist in one of the specified countries.
• Contextualize the evaluation process to local realities and embed GBV/ SRHR perspectives throughout.
• Design and develop data collection tools and ensure thematic integration in the evaluation design.
• Lead or support fieldwork and desk reviews focusing on gender equality, GBV, SRHR, and localization.
• Analyze and triangulate data to address GBV and SRHR dimensions and the five priority areas: Partnership, Funding, Participation, Coordination, Capacity strengthening/sharing.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to produce actionable recommendations and deliver key thematic outcomes.
• Produce evidence tables, detailed PowerPoint presentations, and the final evaluation report.
• Ensure quality assurance of all deliverables in accordance with UNFPA QA guidelines.

Expected Responsibilities Include

• Strategic Integration: Embed GBV, harmful practices in emergencies, RHCS, and SRHRiE into the theory of change, indicators, and sampling strategy.
• Design & Tool Development: Shape data collection tools (interviews, FGDs, surveys) targeting GBV and SRHR outcomes.
• Fieldwork & Evidence Gathering: Lead or support fieldwork (in‑person or remote) and desk reviews, including:
  • Integrate gender equality and support to Women‑Led Organizations within the GBV partnership approach.
  • Engage stakeholders implementing SRHR/GBV programs, including government officials and partners.
  • Collect country‑specific SRHR/GBV workplans, programming data, and financial data on localization.
• Analysis & Triangulation: Address GBV and SRHR dimensions in the analysis of the five priority areas.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Produce context‑specific recommendations to prevent GBV, eliminate harmful practices, and empower women and girls.
• Reporting & Deliverables: Contribute to evidence tables and a detailed PowerPoint presentation for the final report.
• Dissemination: Support delivery of thematic outcomes at debriefing meetings and through comprehensive presentations.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure quality of deliverables following UNFPA QA guidelines and UNEG standards.

Inception Phase

This preparatory stage includes:

• Document review of UNFPA headquarters, regional, and country materials.
• Stakeholder mapping.
• Construction of the Theory of Change.
• Development of the evaluation matrix, data collection and analysis strategy.
• Creation of a detailed evaluation timeline.

The draft inception report is presented to the Evaluation Reference Group (ERG) for feedback and finalized before the data collection phase.

Data Collection Phase

Activities include:

• Document review and analysis.
• Interviews with internal UNFPA stakeholders and external partners.
• Support fieldwork in the specified country office.
• Debriefing meeting with the country office to present initial findings.

Reporting Phase

Tasks for the final report and presentations:

• Brainstorming on feedback from the debriefing meeting.
• Additional data collection if required.
• Consolidation of the country evaluation matrix.
• Drafting findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Preparing a detailed country PowerPoint presentation.
• Quality assurance of the PowerPoint by the co‑team leader.

Dissemination and Facilitation of Use Phase

Key responsibilities during this phase:

• Take photographs during data collection, respecting ethical and security considerations.
• Adhere to editorial guidelines of the United Nations and the UNFPA Evaluation Office.

Duration and Working Schedule

The consultancy requires 30 days of effort between March 2026 and September 2026.

Expected Travel

A 5–8 day in‑country field mission during the data collection phase.

Delivery Dates and How Work Will Be Delivered

Deliverables include:

• Lead or support field data collection under the supervision of the co‑team leader.
• Populate the evidence matrix with country primary field data and secondary document data.
• Develop a detailed PowerPoint presentation for the country office debriefing.
• Support all activities and phases of the evaluation.

All deliverables will be developed in English and submitted according to the timetable set by the co‑team leader.

Supervisory Arrangements

Reporting to the Evaluation Co‑team Leader with matrix reporting to the UNFPA IEO Evaluation Co‑team Leader (evaluation advisor).

Required Expertise, Qualifications and Competence (Including Language Requirements)

• Core Evaluation Competencies (Shared)
  • 5–7 years of experience in conducting evaluations, reviews, assessments or M&E in international development.
  • Knowledge of evaluation approaches and the ability to apply qualitative and quantitative methods.
  • Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills within multidisciplinary teams.
  • Adherence to ethics and integrity of the evaluation process.
  • Consistent integration of human rights and gender perspectives.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English and the specific country language.
  • Knowledge of UNFPA mandates is an advantage.
• Thematic Expertise (Distinct Areas)
  • Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR)
    • Master’s degree in a relevant health or social science field.
    • Substantive knowledge of RHCS and SRHR in emergencies.
    • Expertise in MISP programming (HIV/STIs, maternal health, family planning).
    • Experience evaluating SRHR programs for marginalized populations.
  • Gender‑Based Violence & Gender Equality (GBV)
    • Master’s degree in Women/Gender Studies, Human Rights Law, or related field.
    • Expert knowledge of gender equality and harmful practices.
    • Experience partnering with Women‑Led Organizations.
    • Knowledge of humanitarian strategies and international humanitarian law.
• Fluent in written and spoken English and the language of the country of interest (Iraq, Venezuela, Nigeria, Pakistan).

Other Relevant Information or Special Conditions

• Consultant must have their own laptop.
• All selected candidates are recommended to attend the Evaluation Capacity Development course (online 9–12 March). Attendance is free but is not counted toward the 30‑day effort.

Remuneration

• 50% upon IEO approval of Draft 1 final evaluation report.
• 30% upon IEO approval of Draft 2 final evaluation report.
• 20% upon IEO approval of the final evaluation report (designed and formatted, in English) and PowerPoint presentation.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

• AI tools cannot be used without prior written approval from the EO Director.
• Consultant must disclose any approved AI usage, ensuring it is vetted by EO.
• Consultant is responsible for accuracy and ethical use of AI, in line with UNFPA and UN System guidelines.

Application Instructions

Submit a CV and a cover letter highlighting experience in evaluations and expertise in GBV/SRHR, stating the country of interest. Send to Steva Nyawade at nyawade@unfpa.org. In the email subject, state the consultancy title and the country (Iraq, Venezuela, Nigeria, Pakistan). Deadline: 23 February 2026. Applicants not registered on the UNFPA Consultant Roster should register at https://www.unfpa.org/unfpa-consultant-roster. Women are highly encouraged to apply.