NATIONAL CONSULTANT: Sixth Country Programme Evaluation, Sierra Leone

Job 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

Background of programme:

UNFPA Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Government and implementing 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:

Under the leadership of an International Consultant, two national (thematic) consultants will undertake the following in phases:

• Review all relevant documents on the country programme; 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:

Under the overall leadership of the International Consultant, the two (2) National (thematic) Consultants will provide services separately under two thematic areas- Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH); and Population and Development (P&D).  The qualifications and experience include:

• Minimum of Master’s Degree in public health, social sciences, development studies or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in conducting/managing programme evaluations, including in humanitarian and fragile contexts.
• Each should be an expert in either of the thematic areas of Sexual and Reproductive Health or Population and Development.
• Excellent analytical, writing and communication skills in English Language.
• Ability to work with a multi-disciplinary team of experts.
• Familiarity with the UNFPA work will be an added advantage.

How to apply:

All applications, including CV 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.   Please indicate clearly the Thematic Area for which you are applying i.e. Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) or Population and Development (P&D).

NB: This consultancy is open to only qualified and experienced Sierra Leoneans.  Incomplete applications will not be accepted.  Only short listed candidates will be contacted with a detailed Terms of Reference for this assignment.