Evaluation Team Leader

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is a leading UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. 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 aims to achieve universal access to sexual and reproductive health, promote gender equality, and empower women and girls. 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. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally, collaborating with governments, civil society, and other partners to implement programs and policies that improve the lives of individuals and communities.

Job Overview:
The position of Evaluation Team Leader involves conducting an independent evaluation of the Government of Kyrgyzstan/UNFPA Country Programme for the period 2023-202

• The primary objective is to assess the relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the 5th Country Programme. The evaluation aims to broaden the evidence base to inform the design of the next programme cycle. The Evaluation Team Leader will be responsible for the overall design and implementation of the evaluation, ensuring the quality of deliverables and leading a team of experts. This role requires a deep understanding of the thematic areas covered by the evaluation, including sexual and reproductive health (SRH), gender-based violence (GBV), and human rights. The Evaluation Team Leader will coordinate the evaluation process, engage with stakeholders, and ensure that the evaluation methodology is robust and aligned with UNFPA standards. The position also involves data collection, analysis, and the dissemination of findings to relevant stakeholders, contributing to the improvement of future programs and policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Evaluation Team Leader will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Leading the design and implementation of the evaluation, ensuring adherence to the Terms of Reference (ToR).
• Coordinating the work of the evaluation team, which includes national consultants and a young emerging evaluator.
• Ensuring the quality of all evaluation deliverables at all stages of the process.
• Developing the evaluation methodology, work plan, and agenda for field phases.
• Conducting document reviews and facilitating interviews and group discussions with stakeholders.
• Analyzing data collected during the evaluation and synthesizing findings into coherent reports.
• Preparing and submitting all required deliverables, including the Final Design Report, Draft Final Evaluation Report, and Final Evaluation Report.
• Engaging with the CPE manager, UNFPA Kyrgyzstan Country Office staff, and the Evaluation Reference Group (ERG) throughout the evaluation process.
• Providing guidance and support to the young emerging evaluator, fostering their professional development. 1
• Ensuring that ethical standards and confidentiality are maintained throughout the evaluation process.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree in public health, social sciences, public policy, demography, statistics, development studies, or a related field. Candidates must have at least 10 years of experience in conducting or managing evaluations in international development or humanitarian assistance. Extensive experience in leading complex evaluations for UN organizations or international NGOs is essential. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in thematic areas relevant to the evaluation, such as SRH and GBV. In-depth knowledge of theory-based evaluation approaches and the ability to apply qualitative and quantitative data collection methods are crucial. Strong management and leadership skills are necessary to coordinate the evaluation team effectively. Candidates must also possess excellent analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills, with fluency in English and knowledge of Russian being an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as public health, social sciences, public policy, demography, statistics, or development studies. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Country Programme.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in conducting or managing evaluations in the field of international development and/or humanitarian assistance. Candidates should have extensive experience leading evaluations commissioned by UN organizations or other international entities. Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and knowledge of the national development context of Kyrgyzstan are highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Russian is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last from 25 March to 31 July 2026, with specific working days allocated for the International Consultant (50 days), National Consultants (35 days each), and the Young Emerging Evaluator (35 days). The evaluation will be conducted in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with field missions to Issyk-Kul, Osh, and Batken oblasts. Deliverables must be submitted electronically in English, and payments will be based on the approval of deliverables. The consultant must have their own laptop and ensure sufficient internet connectivity when working remotely. UNFPA will provide access to necessary documents and support in arranging meetings with stakeholders. The organization promotes diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.