National Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, aiming to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, employing approximately 4,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls, with a strategic plan that emphasizes ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA's mission is to support countries in achieving their development goals, particularly in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the International Consultant during 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 position requires a deep understanding of gender issues, particularly in relation to sexual and reproductive rights and gender-based violence (GBV). The consultant will be responsible for contributing to the methodological design of the evaluation, participating in data collection and analysis, and ensuring that the evaluation adheres to the UNFPA Evaluation Handbook. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including UNFPA staff, government representatives, and implementing partners, to ensure that the evaluation is comprehensive and meets the needs of all parties involved. The consultant's expertise will be vital in shaping the evaluation's direction and ensuring that it produces actionable insights for improving programs aimed at combating GBV.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will be responsible for providing expertise on gender equality and GBV prevention and response. Key duties include:

• Contributing to the development of the evaluation methodology and work plan.
• Participating in meetings with the Evaluation Manager and UNFPA staff to discuss evaluation progress and findings.
• Conducting document reviews and interviews with stakeholders to gather qualitative data.
• Analyzing data collected during the evaluation process and synthesizing findings into coherent reports.
• Providing substantive inputs to the evaluation deliverables, ensuring that they reflect the thematic area of expertise.
• Engaging with men and boys, religious leaders, and communities to promote gender equality and prevent GBV.
• Disseminating evaluation results through appropriate channels to reach a wide audience, including UNFPA headquarters, the UNFPA Executive Board, and local civil society organizations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in social sciences, gender studies, public health, public policy, medicine, or a related field. Additionally, they should have at least 5-7 years of experience in conducting evaluations, reviews, assessments, or research studies in the field of international development. A strong understanding of gender issues, particularly in relation to GBV, is essential. Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and familiarity with the national development context of Central Asia will be advantageous. Knowledge of UNFPA or other UN organizations' mandates and activities is also preferred.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, gender studies, public health, public policy, or medicine is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary theoretical framework and analytical skills needed to effectively contribute to the evaluation process and address complex issues related to gender and GBV.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience in conducting evaluations, assessments, or research studies within the international development sector. This experience should include a focus on gender issues and GBV prevention and response, as well as familiarity with the national development context of Central Asia. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of working collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve impactful results.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English and Russian is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, conducting interviews, and preparing evaluation reports. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a consultancy role, and the duration of the contract will be specified upon selection. The consultant is expected to work full-time and may be required to travel within the region as part of the evaluation process. UNFPA is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and persons with disabilities. The organization offers a supportive work environment that values gender equality and work-life balance.