Team Leader, UNFPA India 10th Country Program Evaluation

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a leading international organization that focuses on reproductive health, population dynamics, and gender equality. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of individuals and communities, particularly in the areas of sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and population data. UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, emphasizing the importance of human rights and dignity in its work.

Job Overview:
The Team Leader for the UNFPA India 10th Country Program Evaluation (CPE) will play a pivotal role in conducting an independent assessment of the performance of the Country Programme (CP) for the period 2023-202

• This position requires a seasoned professional who can design and implement a robust evaluation methodology that encompasses all thematic areas of the CP, including human rights, gender equality, and disability inclusion. The Team Leader will be responsible for coordinating a multidisciplinary team of consultants, ensuring that the evaluation process adheres to the highest standards of quality and integrity. The role involves not only leading the evaluation but also serving as a technical expert in population dynamics, thereby contributing to evidence-based decision-making and learning within the organization. The evaluation aims to strengthen accountability to stakeholders and broaden the evidence base for future program cycles, making it essential for the Team Leader to possess extensive experience in managing complex evaluations and a deep understanding of the national development context in India.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Team Leader will hold overall responsibility for the design and implementation of the evaluation, ensuring that all deliverables are produced and submitted on time. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the evaluation team and coordinating their efforts to ensure quality and consistency in the evaluation process.
• Designing the evaluation methodology and work plan, including defining the evaluation approach and agenda for the field phase.
• Drafting and presenting the design report, as well as the draft and final evaluation reports.
• Engaging with the Evaluation Reference Group (ERG) and UNFPA Country Office (CO) to facilitate communication and collaboration.
• Providing methodological guidance to the evaluation team and ensuring adherence to ethical standards throughout the evaluation process.
• Serving as a technical expert in the thematic area of population dynamics, contributing to the analysis and interpretation of data.
• Supervising and mentoring a young and emerging evaluator, fostering their professional development and participation in the evaluation.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Team Leader position will possess a Master's degree in public health, social sciences, demography, population studies, statistics, development studies, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of experience in conducting or managing evaluations in international development is essential. The candidate should have extensive experience leading complex evaluations for UN organizations or other international entities, demonstrating expertise in population dynamics and related thematic areas. Strong analytical skills, the ability to synthesize large volumes of data, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required. The candidate must also have a proven track record of integrating human rights and gender perspectives into evaluation processes, as well as the ability to manage and lead a multidisciplinary team effectively.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master's degree in a relevant field such as public health, social sciences, demography, population studies, statistics, or development studies. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of population dynamics and the methodologies used in evaluations.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of relevant experience in conducting or managing evaluations, particularly in the field of international development. Candidates should have a strong background in leading evaluations commissioned by UN organizations or similar entities, with a focus on population dynamics and related thematic areas. Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and in diverse cultural contexts is highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of Hindi is considered an advantage, as it will facilitate communication and engagement with local stakeholders during the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will span a total of 60 days between February and September 2026, with the Team Leader primarily working remotely but required to be physically present in India during specific phases of the evaluation. The evaluation process will include a design phase, field phase, reporting phase, and dissemination phase, with specific timelines outlined for each. The consultant must have their own laptop, and travel arrangements will be managed by UNFPA, with a daily subsistence allowance provided in accordance with UNFPA Duty Travel Policy. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.