International Consultant - Country Programme Evaluation (CPE) Team Leader

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Position Title: International Consultant - Country Programme Evaluation (CPE) Team Leader
Location: Harare
Country: Zimbabwe
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to health services and rights, while also promoting accountability and evidence-based decision-making.

Job Overview:
The primary purpose of this consultancy is to lead the Country Programme Evaluation (CPE) for UNFPA Zimbabwe, which aims to assess the performance of its 8th Country Programme (2022-2026). The evaluation will analyze various factors that influence program delivery and outcomes, providing actionable recommendations for future programming. The team leader will be responsible for designing the evaluation methodology, coordinating the evaluation team, and ensuring that the evaluation meets high-quality standards. The role requires a deep understanding of the thematic areas covered by the program, as well as the ability to integrate human rights and gender perspectives throughout the evaluation process. The team leader will work closely with national consultants who will serve as thematic experts, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation approach that encompasses all relevant areas of the Country Programme.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the International Consultant - CPE Team Leader include:

• Designing a robust evaluation methodology that aligns with UNFPA's Evaluation Policy and the specific requirements of the Country Programme Evaluation.
• Coordinating the evaluation team, ensuring effective collaboration among team members and adherence to timelines.
• Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the Country Programme's performance, including all thematic areas and cross-cutting issues such as human rights and gender equality.
• Leading data collection efforts, which may involve both qualitative and quantitative methods, and ensuring the integrity and ethical standards of the evaluation process.
• Analyzing and synthesizing data to draw meaningful conclusions and recommendations.
• Preparing and presenting various deliverables, including design reports, evaluation reports, and presentations to stakeholders.
• Engaging with UNFPA staff and other stakeholders to gather insights and feedback throughout the evaluation process.
• Ensuring that the evaluation findings are communicated effectively and used to inform future programming decisions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in public health, social sciences, demography, population studies, statistics, development studies, or a related field. They should have at least 10 years of experience in conducting or managing evaluations in international development or humanitarian assistance. Extensive experience in leading evaluations for UN organizations or international NGOs is essential. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in one of the thematic areas of the Country Programme and have a strong understanding of evaluation methodologies, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Excellent management and leadership skills are required, along with the ability to analyze large volumes of data and communicate findings effectively. Candidates must also have a good knowledge of the national development context of Zimbabwe and be fluent in written and spoken English.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field such as public health, social sciences, demography, population studies, statistics, or development studies. This advanced degree is essential for understanding the complexities of the evaluation process and the thematic areas covered by the Country Programme.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in conducting or managing evaluations, particularly in the context of international development and humanitarian assistance. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading complex evaluations and working with multidisciplinary teams. Experience with UN organizations or international NGOs is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the national development context of Zimbabwe.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. While English is the primary language of communication, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context in Zimbabwe.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 8 months, from March 1, 2025, to October 31, 202

• The consultant will work remotely for part of the time and will be required to be present in the UNFPA Zimbabwe country office in Harare during data collection and report writing phases. Applicants who are not Zimbabwean citizens must possess a valid work permit to work in Zimbabwe. The consultant must have their own laptop, and office space will be provided. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.