Consultant for Evaluation of UNICEF Iran’s Private Sector Engagement and Partnership Strategy

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF's current five-year country programme in Iran (2023-2027) focuses on ensuring that all children and adolescents, especially the most vulnerable, benefit from an integrated social protection system. The organization emphasizes the importance of children's participation and inclusion in their communities, aiming to help them reach their full potential.

Job Overview:
The position involves evaluating UNICEF Iran's Private Sector Partnership Strategy, which is crucial for mobilizing resources and fostering impactful collaborations. The evaluation aims to assess the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, and sustainability of the strategy since its inception in 202

• The consultant will generate evidence on how the strategy has contributed to achieving programmatic and organizational outcomes for children. The role requires a deep understanding of private sector engagement, corporate partnerships, and fundraising strategies within development contexts. The consultant will also document lessons learned and best practices, promoting adolescent engagement and meaningful participation in evaluations. The evaluation will cover various geographic areas and involve key stakeholders, including private sector partners, UNICEF staff, government counterparts, and beneficiaries.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct a comprehensive evaluation of UNICEF Iran’s Private Sector Partnership Strategy.
• Assess the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, and sustainability of the strategy.
• Generate evidence on the contributions of the strategy to programmatic and organizational outcomes for children.
• Identify enabling and limiting factors affecting implementation and results.
• Document lessons learned and best practices for adaptation and replication.
• Promote adolescent engagement and their meaningful participation in evaluations.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including private sector partners, UNICEF staff, government counterparts, and beneficiaries.
• Prepare high-quality evaluation reports within agreed timelines.
• Provide actionable recommendations to enhance future private sector engagements. 1
• Support strategic planning for the second half of the Country Programme Document (CPD) cycle.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Business Administration, Economics, Public Policy, Evaluation, or related fields.
• Additional qualifications in Monitoring and Evaluation, Private Sector Development, or Strategic Partnerships are advantageous.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and conducting evaluations or research studies, preferably in private sector engagement.
• Strong knowledge of OECD DAC evaluation criteria and experience applying these in evaluations.
• Familiarity with UNICEF’s mandate and private sector partnership frameworks is highly desirable.
• Proven skills in mixed methods research, including quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Experience with developing tools for partnership performance measurement and cost-benefit analysis is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Development Studies, Business Administration, Economics, Public Policy, or Evaluation. Additional academic qualifications or certifications in Monitoring and Evaluation, Private Sector Development, or Strategic Partnerships will be considered an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in evaluation, research, or consultancy with international organizations, NGOs, or government institutions is required. Prior experience working in the Middle East region, particularly in Iran or similar geopolitical contexts, is strongly preferred. Candidates should have a track record of delivering high-quality evaluation reports within agreed timelines and experience engaging multiple stakeholders in complex evaluations.

Languages:
Excellent written and spoken English is required. Proficiency in Farsi is highly desirable to facilitate local stakeholder engagement and data collection.

Additional Notes:
The position is a consultancy role, and interested individuals should submit a proposal that includes an overview of their understanding of the subject, a detailed methodology, research limitations, ethical requirements, an interim workplan, and a financial offer. The evaluation criteria will assess academic level, special technical expertise, proven working experience, special training and competencies, and the technical proposal. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities.