Consultant for Final Evaluation of the Resilient Livelihoods Development Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a leading organization in the field of reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and population issues. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization works to improve the lives of women and youth, particularly in marginalized communities, by providing access to essential health services, education, and economic opportunities. UNFPA collaborates with various partners, including governments, NGOs, and local communities, to implement programs that address pressing social and economic challenges. In the Philippines, UNFPA focuses on addressing issues related to reproductive health, gender-based violence, and the empowerment of women and youth, particularly in conflict-affected areas like the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a final evaluation of the Resilient Livelihoods Development (RLD) Programme, which aims to enhance the resilience of women and youth internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Bangsamoro region. The evaluation will assess the programme's relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability, providing an independent assessment to inform future programming. The consultant will work closely with UNFPA and FAO teams to ensure that the evaluation is comprehensive and addresses the specific needs of the target population. The evaluation will involve both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, and the consultant will be expected to produce a series of deliverables, including design reports, evaluation reports, and presentations of findings. The consultant will also engage with various stakeholders to gather insights and feedback throughout the evaluation process.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and implement a comprehensive evaluation approach and methodology for the RLD Programme.
• Collaborate with the Agriculture and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security Evaluation Expert to ensure a holistic evaluation process.
• Conduct data collection in the target municipalities, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Analyze data and synthesize findings to draw conclusions about the programme's impact and effectiveness.
• Prepare and present evaluation reports, including standalone case studies, to UNFPA and FAO stakeholders.
• Provide actionable recommendations based on the evaluation findings to inform future programming.
• Engage with local stakeholders, including government agencies and community organizations, to gather insights and ensure the evaluation is context-sensitive.
• Maintain ethical standards throughout the evaluation process, ensuring confidentiality and the principle of do no harm.
• Participate in regular meetings with the Evaluation Manager and RLD Programme Team to discuss progress and address any challenges.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in public health, social sciences, demography, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience in conducting or managing evaluations in international development.
• Extensive experience in leading evaluations commissioned by UN organizations or international NGOs.
• Proven expertise in conducting assessments in humanitarian and conflict-affected settings, particularly in BARMM.
• In-depth knowledge of theory-based evaluation approaches and ability to apply qualitative and quantitative data collection methods.
• Strong management and leadership skills to coordinate the evaluation team and share technical evaluation skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize large volumes of data.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and spoken.
• Familiarity with the regional development context of the Philippines and the mandates of UNFPA.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree in public health, social sciences, demography, or a related field. Additional qualifications in gender studies, human rights law, or development studies may also be beneficial, particularly for candidates applying for specialized roles within the evaluation team.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of experience in conducting evaluations in international development, with a strong emphasis on humanitarian and conflict-affected settings. Experience in resilience-building and working with marginalized groups is highly desirable. Familiarity with the specific context of BARMM and previous work with UN organizations or similar entities will be considered an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the target areas may be advantageous but is not required. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders throughout the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 2.5 months, with a total of 50 person-days allocated for the evaluation. The consultant will primarily work remotely but will be required to conduct field visits to the target municipalities in Maguindanao. Regular in-person and online meetings with the Evaluation Manager and M&E Team will be necessary to ensure effective collaboration. UNFPA will cover travel costs for field missions, and the consultant will be compensated based on a proposed payment schedule linked to the completion of specific deliverables.