Individual Consultant - End-of-Project Evaluation: Eliminating Obstetric Fistula in Sierra Leone

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is a leading agency in sexual and reproductive health and rights. UNFPA was established in 1969 and operates in over 150 countries worldwide. Its mission is to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA works to improve reproductive health, promote gender equality, and empower women and girls. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally and collaborates with various partners, including governments, NGOs, and other UN agencies, to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The position of Individual Consultant for the End-of-Project Evaluation focuses on assessing the performance of the project aimed at eliminating obstetric fistula in Sierra Leone. The consultant will evaluate the project's relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact, documenting lessons learned and best practices to inform future programming. The evaluation will cover all project outputs and will involve a comprehensive review of the project's implementation framework, identifying successful approaches and challenges faced during the project. The consultant will work closely with UNFPA and the Ministry of Health to ensure that the evaluation meets the needs of stakeholders and provides accountability for the project's outcomes. The consultancy is expected to last approximately six weeks, during which the consultant will conduct desk reviews, field data collection, and stakeholder interviews, culminating in a final evaluation report and presentation of findings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the project, which includes the following duties:

• Conduct a desk review of project documentation and relevant literature to outline the evaluation methodology and work plan.
• Collect data through field visits and key informant interviews to gather qualitative and quantitative information on project outputs and outcomes.
• Assess the relevance of the project by comparing its contributions to the initial aims outlined in the project proposal.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the project by determining the extent to which it has achieved its stated objectives and identifying factors that facilitated or hindered success.
• Analyze the efficiency of resource allocation and utilization throughout the project lifecycle.
• Examine sustainability plans and strategies for maintaining project benefits beyond the funding period.
• Document lessons learned, successful approaches, and challenges faced during implementation.
• Provide recommendations for strengthening future interventions in fistula prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
• Prepare and submit an inception report, draft evaluation report, and final evaluation report, incorporating stakeholder feedback and presenting findings in a PowerPoint format.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• An advanced degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in conducting project evaluations, particularly in sexual and reproductive health programs.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Familiarity with the UN system, Ministry of Health, NGOs, and development partner institutions.
• Prior experience working in sub-Saharan Africa, with specific knowledge of Sierra Leone's healthcare landscape being a distinct advantage.
• Proven ability to facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues and work effectively under tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Epidemiology, Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Sciences, or Development Studies. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to conduct a thorough evaluation of the project.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have at least 7 years of relevant experience in conducting evaluations, particularly in the field of sexual and reproductive health. This experience should include working with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations, to assess program effectiveness and impact. Familiarity with the healthcare landscape in Sierra Leone is highly desirable, as it will enable the consultant to understand the local context and challenges associated with obstetric fistula.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. The ability to communicate effectively in English is crucial for conducting interviews, preparing reports, and presenting findings to stakeholders. While additional language skills may be beneficial, English proficiency is the primary requirement for this consultancy role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for approximately six weeks, with a total of around 30 working days. The consultant will be required to deliver outputs based on specific milestones, with payments being strictly output-based and contingent upon the satisfactory completion and approval of deliverables. The consultant must adhere to confidentiality and ethical guidelines throughout the evaluation process, ensuring the privacy and rights of all stakeholders are respected. Additionally, the consultant is expected to use their own equipment and workspace for the assignment and may need to undertake mandatory courses provided by UNFPA.