INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT: Final evaluation consultant

Purpose of consultancy:
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA PSRO Sixth Pacific Sub-Regional Programme (SRP 6) (2018-2022) is now in its final year of implementation through annual work plans with national government partners and regional/global partners. A key component to support the implementation of the SRP 6, is the “Transformative Agenda for Women, Adolescents and Youth in the Pacific: Towards Zero Unmet Need for Family Planning” program funded by the Government of Australia (DFAT) implemented in Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu (AUD $30 million).
The Transformative Agenda (TA) programme is in its last year of implementation. Through approximately 25 government and non-governmental partners both at national and regional level, the programme focuses on three main outcomes:
1. Increased and improved supply of integrated sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services, particularly for family planning
2. Increased demand for integrated SRH information and services, particularly for family planning
3. More conducive and supportive environment for people to access and benefit from quality SRH, especially contraceptive choice

UNFPA PSRO is seeking the services of an experienced evaluator to conduct a final evaluation of the TA. It is a requirement to commission the programme’s final evaluation to an external evaluator to ensure impartiality and objectivity. The aim of the final evaluation is to understand and document the main results and changes brought on by the programme in the lives of women, girls and boys. This will inform UNFPA on key impact areas and support in understanding improvement needs for second phase of the TA.

Scope of work:
Under the supervision of the International Programmes Coordinator, the evaluation will cover the following six Pacific Island countries where UNFPA implemented the TA programme: Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu and will include the following TA outcomes:
1. Increased and improved supply of integrated SRH information and services, particularly for FP
2. Increased demand for integrated SRH information and services, particularly for FP
3. More conducive and supportive environment for people to access and benefit from quality SRH, especially contraceptive choice

In addition, the evaluation will evaluate the TA’s performance in advancing cover cross-cutting issues, such as human rights; gender equality; youth friendly, and disability inclusion; and transversal functions, such as coordination; monitoring and evaluation (M&E); innovation; communications; strategic partnerships, etc.

Duration and working schedule:
The consultancy will be for 77.5 days, effective 29 August to 21 December 2022.

Place where services are to be delivered:
Remotely with travel throughout the region, including Fiji and two/three other TA countries (TBD).

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:
The consultant will work under the overall guidance of the International Programme Coordinator in Suva and supported by the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist through consultant twice a week or as required throughout the duration of the evaluation. These meetings will allow the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist to provide support/guidance, and monitor and document progress.

Expected travel:
Five weeks including two visits to Fiji and two/three to other TA countries. UNFPA will cover travel costs for the consultant.

Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:
The competencies, skills and experience of the evaluation consultant should include:

• Master’s degree in public health, social sciences, demography or population studies, statistics, development studies or a related field.
• 10 years of experience in conducting or managing evaluations in the field of international development,
• Extensive experience in leading complex evaluations commissioned by United Nations organizations and/or other international organizations and NGOs.
• Demonstrated expertise in one of the thematic areas of the Transformative Agenda programme covered by the evaluation
• In-depth knowledge of theory-based evaluation approaches and ability to apply both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods and to uphold high quality standards for evaluation as defined by UNFPA and UNEG.
• Ability to ensure ethics and integrity of the evaluation process, including confidentiality and the principle of do no harm.
• Ability to consistently integrate human rights and gender perspectives, and youth and disability inclusion in all phases of the evaluation process.
• Excellent management and leadership skills
• Excellent ability to analyze and synthesize large volumes of data and information from diverse sources.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and spoken).
• Work experience in/good knowledge of the region and the national development context of Pacific Island countries and territories.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

Conditions & Remuneration:
UNFPA PSRO will contract the successful candidate under an individual contract and will be responsible for the payment of fees payable according to qualification and standard terms of payment and subject to satisfactory completion of assigned outputs. Payment will be made on completion of a monthly report.

Candidates must complete a United Nations Personal History (P.11) form, together with updated Curriculum Vitae and a Cover letter. Applications without completed P.11 form will not be considered. The P.11 form as well as a complete Terms of Reference can be downloaded from the office web site https://pacific.unfpa.org/en or a copy be obtained by sending an email to vacanciespsro@unfpa.org.

Completed applications can be emailed to vacanciespsro@unfpa.org before midnight on Monday, 22nd August 2022.

Notice: There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application process. UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of disabilities, HIV/AIDS and gender. UNFPA does not condone sexual exploitation and abuse.