National Consultant for Mid-Term Review of the 9th Country Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, focusing on reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues. The organization aims to ensure that every individual has the right to make informed choices about their reproductive health and to promote sustainable development through population and development strategies. UNFPA's mission is to support countries in achieving their national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing technical assistance, policy advice, and capacity building. The organization is committed to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, recognizing that their full participation is essential for sustainable development. UNFPA's work is guided by the principles of human rights, equity, and social justice, and it strives to uphold these values in all its programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant for the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the 9th Country Programme (CP) is crucial for assessing the effectiveness and relevance of the program as it reaches its midpoint in 202

• The MTR aims to ensure that the CP remains aligned with national priorities and the UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, particularly in light of changing funding landscapes and global strategic alignments. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive review that evaluates the progress made towards the expected outputs of the CP, identifies enabling and constraining factors, and highlights any unexpected results. The consultant will also align the CP's priorities and strategies with the new global focus areas, critically review and update the Theory of Change (ToC), and rationalize the Results and Resources Framework (RRF) to ensure that targets remain realistic and achievable. This role requires a deep understanding of the Malawi context and the ability to engage with various stakeholders to gather insights and recommendations for the program's future direction.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Progress Assessment: Evaluate the progress towards the expected outputs of the 9th CP, identifying both enabling and constraining factors, and documenting any unexpected results.
• Strategic Alignment: Align and update the CP's priorities and strategies with the new UNFPA Strategic Plan (2026–2029) to ensure coherence and relevance.
• Theory of Change Revision: Critically review and update the CP's Theory of Change to reflect current socio-economic conditions and funding contexts, informing the rationalization of the RRF.
• RRF Rationalization: Update indicators, baselines, and targets in the Results and Resources Framework to ensure they are realistic and achievable within the available resources.
• Response to Changing Context: Analyze the impact of the changing funding landscape on program delivery and recommend necessary adjustments to the CP, documenting these recommendations for future implementation.
• Methodology Development: Develop a qualitative methodology for the assessment, including desk reviews, stakeholder interviews, and consultations with implementing partners and the UNFPA Country Office team.
• Reporting: Prepare and present findings and recommendations in a comprehensive report, ensuring that the review questions are addressed and that the report is approved by the country office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a Master’s degree in Public Policy, Monitoring and Evaluation, Demography, Public Health, or a related field. They should have at least 5 years of professional experience in conducting evaluations, strategic planning, and developing country programs. Prior experience with evaluations, assessments, and technical reviews of country programs, particularly within the UN system, is highly desirable. Knowledge of the Malawi context is essential for the national consultant, and familiarity with UNFPA programs and mandates will be considered an advantage. Excellent communication skills, particularly in report writing, are required to effectively convey findings and recommendations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Public Policy, Monitoring and Evaluation, Demography, Public Health, or similar disciplines. This advanced education is critical for understanding the complexities of program evaluation and strategic planning within the context of UNFPA's mission and objectives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in conducting evaluations and strategic planning, including the development and evaluation of country programs. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting assessments and technical reviews, preferably within the UN framework. Experience and knowledge of the Malawi context are essential for the national consultant, as this will inform the evaluation process and recommendations.

Languages:
Fluency in both Chichewa and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for conducting interviews and consultations during the evaluation process. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be compensated according to the UNFPA consultancy payment guidelines. The work environment at UNFPA reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. UNFPA is committed to gender parity and encourages women and individuals from underrepresented groups, including the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities, to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. The selection process may involve background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees during the application or recruitment process.