Mid-Term Evaluation: Young Africa Innovates Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to improve the lives of people and build resilient nations. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and disaster resilience, as well as sustainable development. UNDP's mission is to help countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote inclusive growth, ensuring that no one is left behind. The organization employs thousands of staff worldwide and collaborates with governments, civil society, and the private sector to implement its programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Mid-Term Evaluation (MTE) for the Young Africa Innovates Programme is a critical assessment aimed at evaluating the progress and effectiveness of the program since its inception. This evaluation will focus on the program's achievements in relation to its expected outcomes, operational efficiency, and the sustainability of its interventions. The MTE is a mandatory requirement that will assess the program's impact across all seven implementing states in Nigeria, identify key challenges faced during implementation, capture lessons learned, and provide evidence-based recommendations to inform future programming and the remaining implementation period. The individual contractor will be responsible for conducting an independent assessment that will contribute to the overall understanding of the program's performance and guide future actions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The individual contractor will be tasked with the following duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Young Africa Innovates Programme, focusing on its objectives, outcomes, and overall effectiveness.
• Assess the operational efficiency of the program, including resource allocation, management practices, and stakeholder engagement.
• Identify and analyze key challenges encountered during the implementation of the program across the seven states.
• Capture lessons learned from the program's activities and interventions, providing insights into best practices and areas for improvement.
• Develop evidence-based recommendations that will inform the remaining implementation period and future programming efforts.
• Prepare a detailed evaluation report that summarizes findings, conclusions, and recommendations, ensuring clarity and accessibility for various stakeholders.
• Engage with stakeholders, including program beneficiaries, implementing partners, and government officials, to gather qualitative and quantitative data for the evaluation.
• Ensure that the evaluation process adheres to ethical standards and respects the confidentiality of participants.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this position should possess the following qualifications:

• A strong background in evaluation methodologies, particularly in the context of development programs.
• Proven experience in conducting evaluations for international development projects, preferably within the UN system or similar organizations.
• Familiarity with the Young Africa Innovates Programme and its objectives, as well as an understanding of the socio-economic context of Nigeria.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and present it in a clear and concise manner.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively engage with stakeholders and present findings.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to meet deadlines.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a minimum of a Master's degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, development studies, public policy, or a related discipline. A PhD in a relevant area would be an advantage, particularly for those with a focus on evaluation or program management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in program evaluation, research, or monitoring and evaluation within the context of international development. Experience working with UN agencies or similar organizations is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the specific challenges and opportunities present in Nigeria's development landscape.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all evaluation reports and communications will be conducted in English. Proficiency in local languages spoken in the regions where the program is implemented would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
This position is for an individual contractor and is expected to be a full-time engagement for the duration of the evaluation process. The contract duration will be specified in the terms of reference provided to the selected candidate. The evaluation will be conducted remotely, with potential travel to Nigeria for stakeholder engagement and data collection, subject to safety and travel regulations. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and in line with UNDP's policies for individual contractors.