International Consultant for Country Programme Evaluation

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories. Its mission is to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. UNICEF is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a culture of belonging and growth. The organization is known for its attractive compensation and benefits package, and it emphasizes the importance of its work in improving the lives of children and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for Country Programme Evaluation at UNICEF Mongolia Country Office (MCO) involves conducting an evaluation of the Country Programme for the period 2023-202

• This role is crucial for identifying lessons learned that can inform the design of future country programmes or adjustments to the current programme. The evaluation will assess UNICEF's contributions to national development results, its role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and its strategic positioning concerning its child rights mandate. The evaluation will be conducted in accordance with UNICEF's 2023 Evaluation Policy and the standards set by the United Nations Development Group (UNEG). The consultant will work under the supervision of an Evaluation Management Team and will engage with key stakeholders through an established Evaluation Reference Group. This consultancy offers an opportunity to enhance national evaluation capacity development and will take place between June and December 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for leading the evaluation process, which includes developing a comprehensive evaluation methodology, conducting qualitative and quantitative data collection, and analyzing data to derive meaningful insights. The consultant will also facilitate stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the perspectives of key partners are included in the evaluation process. Additionally, the consultant will prepare detailed reports outlining the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the evaluation, ensuring that they are presented in a clear and actionable manner. The consultant will be expected to deliver high-quality evaluations that contribute to strategic decision-making within UNICEF and support the organization's mission to improve the lives of children.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in International Development, Public Administration, Development Programme & Evaluation, or a related social science discipline. They should have a minimum of 15 years of experience in development program evaluation, including leading at least three UNICEF Country Programme evaluations, preferably within the East Asia and Pacific Region. The consultant should have substantial experience in implementing various qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques and methods in program evaluations, including survey implementation and field studies. Strong strategic and analytical skills, as well as excellent interpersonal skills, are essential for engaging effectively with senior stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as International Development, Public Administration, or Development Programme & Evaluation is required. This educational background should provide the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to conduct comprehensive evaluations and contribute to the development of effective programs.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in development program evaluation. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading evaluations, particularly within UNICEF, and should have experience in at least two of the specified programmatic areas, which include Health, Nutrition and Development, Education, Child Protection, Climate Change, and Social Policy and Evidence. Experience in evaluating programs in Mongolia is strongly preferred.

Languages:
The consultant must have an excellent command of written and spoken English. Knowledge of the Mongolian language is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is 6.2 months, and the working arrangement is remote with the possibility of travel. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and reasonable accommodations will be provided for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.