Consultant for Midline Evaluation of JPARAP

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which is a leading global organization focused on reproductive health and rights, population dynamics, and gender equality. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes the importance of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, particularly for adolescents and youth, and aims to empower individuals through education and access to health services. UNFPA collaborates with various partners, including governments, civil society, and other UN agencies, to implement programs that address pressing population issues and promote sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
The position involves conducting a midline evaluation of the Joint Programme on Accelerating the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy (JPARAP) in the Philippines, specifically focusing on the provinces of Samar and Southern Leyte. The consultant will assess the program's progress towards its intended outcomes and outputs, analyze implementation strategies, and provide actionable recommendations for program improvement. The evaluation aims to gather data that will inform management decisions and enhance the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing adolescent pregnancies. The consultant will work closely with a team of evaluators, including an International Evaluation Team Leader and a National Evaluation Specialist, to ensure a comprehensive evaluation process that aligns with national priorities and realities related to adolescents and youth.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for designing and conducting the evaluation, which includes the following key tasks:

• Develop an inception report that outlines the evaluation approach, methodology, and work plan.
• Conduct data collection and analysis, ensuring alignment with the program's results framework.
• Collaborate with the evaluation team to assess the program's implementation strategies and partnerships.
• Produce a draft final evaluation report that includes findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Present preliminary evaluation results at a mid-term knowledge sharing event.
• Finalize the evaluation report, incorporating feedback from stakeholders.
• Ensure that all deliverables meet the quality standards set by UNFPA and are submitted on time.
• Engage with key stakeholders and counterparts throughout the evaluation process to facilitate collaboration and information sharing.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree in public health, medicine, health economics, epidemiology, biostatistics, social sciences, or a related field. Candidates must have at least 5 years of experience in conducting evaluations, assessments, or research studies in international development. Substantive knowledge of adolescent and youth issues, particularly in the context of sexual and reproductive health and rights, is essential. The consultant should demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to apply both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are necessary for effective collaboration with a multidisciplinary team and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as public health, medicine, health economics, epidemiology, biostatistics, or social sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of adolescent health issues and for conducting rigorous evaluations that inform programmatic decisions.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in conducting evaluations, reviews, assessments, or research studies in the field of international development. Experience working with adolescents and youth, particularly in relation to sexual and reproductive health, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the national development context of the Philippines, especially in Region 8, will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English and Filipino is mandatory. Familiarity with at least one of the major local dialects in Region 8 is considered an advantage. Strong communication skills are essential for engaging with diverse stakeholders and presenting evaluation findings effectively.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 3.5 months, with a total of 60 person-days of work. The consultant will primarily work remotely but will have regular in-person and online meetings with the Evaluation Manager and the JPARAP Team. UNFPA will cover travel costs for any required missions. The evaluation team will be supervised by the Evaluation Manager and the JPARAP Programme Team, with oversight from the UNFPA senior management team. The consultant will be expected to deliver various reports and presentations throughout the consultancy period, with specific payment milestones tied to the completion of deliverables.