National Evaluator for UNICEF's Global Evaluation of Transferable Skills

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF's work is guided by its core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

Job Overview:
The position of National Evaluator involves supporting the evaluation of UNICEF's work on the acquisition of transferable skills among young people in Moldova. This role is crucial in assessing how effectively UNICEF has supported the development of skills that enable children and adolescents to become responsible and productive citizens. The evaluation will focus on the relevance of UNICEF's strategic approach to transferable skills, its contribution to national learning agendas, and the internal coherence of its programming. The evaluator will work closely with the global evaluation team and local stakeholders to gather data, analyze findings, and provide recommendations for program improvements. This position requires a strong understanding of the Moldovan education system and the ability to engage with youth groups to ensure their perspectives are included in the evaluation process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Evaluator will be responsible for conducting a desk review of evaluation materials, developing a detailed work plan, and coordinating data collection efforts. This includes tailoring data collection tools to the local context, scheduling interviews with key stakeholders, and interpreting and transcribing interviews. The evaluator will also contextualize emerging findings and contribute to the overall analysis of data collected. Deliverables include a comprehensive report on the evaluation findings, recommendations for program improvements, and documentation of the evaluation process. The evaluator will work under the guidance of the Evaluation Office manager and in collaboration with the Moldova Country Office evaluation focal person.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field of social sciences, with a preference for those with a focus on education, public policy, economics, or evaluation. A minimum of three years of professional experience in evaluation exercises is required, along with demonstrated thematic experience in education. Candidates should have expertise in qualitative data collection and analysis, including experience with semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Familiarity with the Moldovan education system and UNICEF’s education programs is highly desirable. Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively within a team are essential, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills in Romanian and Russian, with a working knowledge of English.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in social sciences or a related field is required, with an emphasis on education, public policy, economics, or evaluation being advantageous. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of transferable skills development and the evaluation processes involved.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of professional experience in evaluation, particularly in the education sector. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting evaluations and familiarity with qualitative research methods. Experience working within the Moldovan education system is a significant asset, as it will enhance the evaluator's ability to contextualize findings and engage with local stakeholders effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in Romanian and Russian is mandatory, as these are the primary languages used in the data collection process. A working knowledge of English is also required to facilitate communication with the global evaluation team and to understand relevant documentation and resources.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to involve local travel during the data collection phase. The position is part-time and may require flexibility in scheduling to accommodate interviews and stakeholder engagements. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. The organization provides a range of benefits, including parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must adhere to UNICEF's standards of conduct.