Call for Evaluation Consultancy (International, Team leader): UNFPA Moldova 4th Country Programme Evaluation (2023-2027)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a prominent agency within the United Nations system, dedicated to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, focusing on ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization plays a crucial role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Programme of Action from the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). UNFPA's mission is to promote universal access to reproductive health, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls, thereby contributing to the overall improvement of population dynamics and resilience in various contexts.

Job Overview:
The position of Team Leader for the Evaluation Consultancy involves leading a multidisciplinary team to conduct an independent evaluation of the UNFPA Moldova Country Office's 4th Country Programme (CP) for the period 2023-202

• The primary purpose of this evaluation is to enhance accountability to stakeholders, support evidence-based decision-making, and foster learning within the organization. The evaluation will assess the performance of the CP across four thematic areas: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment, Adolescents and Youth, and Population Dynamics and Resilience. The Team Leader will be responsible for designing the evaluation methodology, coordinating the evaluation team, and serving as a technical expert in at least two thematic areas. This role requires a deep understanding of the complexities involved in evaluating programs that address critical issues such as human rights, gender equality, and the needs of marginalized populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Team Leader will have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Designing a comprehensive evaluation methodology that aligns with UNFPA's Evaluation Policy and the specific objectives of the Country Programme Evaluation.
• Coordinating the evaluation team, ensuring effective collaboration among team members, and facilitating communication with stakeholders.
• Conducting thorough assessments of the interventions implemented under the CP, focusing on their effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, and sustainability.
• Engaging with various stakeholders, including government representatives, civil society organizations, and beneficiaries, to gather insights and perspectives on the CP's impact.
• Analyzing data and synthesizing findings to produce a detailed evaluation report that includes actionable recommendations for future programming.
• Presenting evaluation findings to UNFPA management and other stakeholders, ensuring that the results are communicated clearly and effectively.
• Ensuring that the evaluation process adheres to ethical standards and respects the rights and dignity of all participants.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Team Leader position must possess a robust set of qualifications, including:

• A master's degree or higher in a relevant field such as public health, social sciences, or evaluation.
• Extensive experience in conducting evaluations, particularly in the context of international development and health programs.
• Proven expertise in at least two of the thematic areas relevant to the CP, such as sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, or youth empowerment.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and actionable recommendations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with UNFPA's mission and values, as well as the broader context of international development and human rights.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master's degree or higher in a relevant discipline. Candidates should have a strong foundation in public health, social sciences, evaluation methodologies, or related fields. Advanced training in evaluation techniques and methodologies is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the principles of gender equality and human rights.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in evaluation, ideally with a minimum of 5-7 years in roles that involve leading evaluations in international development contexts. Experience working with UN agencies or similar organizations is an advantage. The Team Leader should demonstrate a track record of successfully managing evaluation teams and delivering high-quality evaluation reports that inform programmatic decisions.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the evaluation report and all communications will be conducted in this language. Knowledge of Romanian or Russian is considered an asset, as it may facilitate engagement with local stakeholders and enhance the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is expected to run from April 2026 to September 2026, with specific deliverables outlined in the terms of reference. The role is full-time, and candidates must indicate their thematic expertise in their application. The selection process may involve background checks and other administrative requirements. UNFPA emphasizes that it does not charge any fees during the application or recruitment process.