Individual Consultant: Consultant to undertake Formative Evaluation of UNICEF India’s Advocacy Work (2021–2025)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a leading humanitarian and development agency that works globally to protect the rights of every child. Established in 1946, UNICEF has spent over 70 years improving the lives of children and their families across 190 countries and territories. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that all children have the right to survive, thrive, and fulfill their potential, thereby contributing to a better world for everyone. UNICEF's mission encompasses a wide range of child rights issues, including safe shelter, nutrition, health care, education, and protection from disaster and conflict. The agency collaborates with leaders, thinkers, and policymakers to advocate for children's rights, particularly for the most disadvantaged. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, promoting flexible work arrangements and maintaining a multicultural work environment. The organization has been recognized for its commitment to gender equality in the workplace, being the first UN agency to receive the EDGE certification, which is the leading global standard for gender equality.

Job Overview:
The Individual Consultant will undertake a formative evaluation of UNICEF India's advocacy work from 2021 to 202

• This role is crucial in assessing the effectiveness and impact of UNICEF's advocacy initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children in India. The consultant will be responsible for managing their own time and ensuring the timely submission of deliverables as per the agreed schedule. The position is primarily remote/home-based, although the consultant will need to visit UNICEF office premises for meetings as required. The consultant is expected to have a strong understanding of evaluation methodologies and be able to propose innovative techniques for the evaluation process. The role requires a high level of independence and self-management, as the consultant will be working on a deliverable-based contract with specific timelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive formative evaluation of UNICEF India's advocacy work, focusing on the effectiveness of strategies and initiatives implemented from 2021 to 202
• Develop a detailed technical proposal outlining the evaluation methodology, including innovative techniques and approaches to data collection and analysis.
• Identify and assess potential risks and challenges associated with the evaluation process, proposing strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Collaborate with UNICEF staff and stakeholders to gather relevant data and insights for the evaluation.
• Prepare and submit a financial proposal that outlines the all-inclusive amount for each deliverable.
• Ensure that all deliverables are submitted on time and meet the quality standards set by UNICEF.
• Participate in meetings with UNICEF staff to discuss progress, findings, and recommendations throughout the evaluation process.
• Provide a final report that summarizes the evaluation findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations for future advocacy work.

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

• A strong background in evaluation methodologies, particularly in the context of advocacy work.
• Proven experience in conducting evaluations for international organizations, preferably in the field of child rights or humanitarian work.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and actionable recommendations.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present findings to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in project management and the ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks and deadlines.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a minimum of a Master's degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, public policy, international development, or a related discipline. Additional certifications in evaluation or project management would be an asset.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in conducting evaluations, particularly in the context of advocacy or child rights. Experience working with UNICEF or similar international organizations is highly desirable. The candidate should demonstrate a track record of successfully managing evaluation projects from inception to completion, including the development of evaluation frameworks and methodologies.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of Hindi or other regional languages would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy contract is for a duration of 6 months and is deliverable-based, meaning that the consultant will be expected to manage their own time effectively to meet the specified deadlines. The position is open to both national and international consultants, and candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their gender, nationality, or background. UNICEF promotes a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and discrimination, ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment for all staff. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. The application process requires the submission of five specific documents, and incomplete applications will not be considered. It is important to note that UNICEF does not charge any fees during any stage of the recruitment process.