National Consultant for Project Evaluation

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the UNFPA Uzbekistan Country Office, which is part of the United Nations Population Fund. UNFPA is dedicated to ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization works in over 150 countries and territories, focusing on reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues. UNFPA was established in 1969 and has since been a leading advocate for the rights of women and girls, promoting health and well-being across the globe. The Uzbekistan Country Office plays a crucial role in implementing UNFPA's mission within the region, addressing specific local needs and challenges.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Project Evaluation will lead the evaluation of the second phase of the UK ISF Project, which focuses on strengthening the prevention and response to violence against women and girls in Central Asia. This role involves collaborating with an international consultant and a team of national consultants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The consultant will be responsible for logistical support, organizing online meetings with UNFPA partners, collecting data, and conducting field visits. The evaluation is scheduled to take place from March 24 to June 9, 2025, with specific milestones for report design, stakeholder interviews, and final evaluations. The consultant will need to ensure that the evaluation aligns with UNFPA's objectives and standards, providing insights and recommendations for future initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will have a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Providing logistical support to the International Consultant, including organizing meetings and facilitating communication with UNFPA implementing partners.
• Conducting data collection through interviews, surveys, and field visits to gather relevant information for the evaluation.
• Assisting in the design and development of evaluation reports, ensuring that they meet the required standards and timelines.
• Collaborating with other national consultants to ensure a cohesive approach to the evaluation across the Central Asian region.
• Engaging with stakeholders to gather insights and feedback on the project’s implementation and impact.
• Preparing and presenting findings in both written reports and PowerPoint presentations.
• Ensuring compliance with ethical standards and guidelines set by UNFPA, particularly regarding the use of AI tools in evaluation work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in social sciences, gender studies, public health, public policy, medicine, or a related field. They should have at least 5-7 years of experience in conducting evaluations, reviews, assessments, or research studies within the international development sector. A strong understanding of gender issues, particularly in relation to gender-based violence (GBV), is essential. Candidates should demonstrate excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and spoken, are crucial for this role. Familiarity with the national development context of Central Asia and experience with UNFPA or other UN organizations will be advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as social sciences, gender studies, public health, public policy, or medicine. This advanced education is necessary to ensure that the consultant has a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues surrounding gender equality and violence prevention, as well as the analytical skills needed for effective evaluation.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience in conducting evaluations, assessments, or research studies in the field of international development. This experience should ideally include work related to gender issues and GBV, demonstrating a solid understanding of the challenges and dynamics within the Central Asian context. Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and engaging with various stakeholders is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English and Russian is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication with stakeholders and for the preparation of evaluation reports. Knowledge of additional languages spoken in Central Asia may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to run from March 24, 2025, to June 9, 2025, with specific deliverables due at various stages throughout this period. The position is full-time, and while no international travel is expected for the international consultant, national consultants may have some travel requirements within their respective countries. The use of AI tools in the evaluation process is strictly regulated, requiring prior written approval from the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) of UNFPA. Consultants must adhere to ethical standards and ensure transparency in the use of AI tools, committing to accuracy and responsible usage in their work.