Individual Consultancy - Country Programme Evaluation Team Lead

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a United Nations agency established to promote reproductive health and rights, and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person can realize their full potential. Founded in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working towards achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights. The organization is committed to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and focuses on transformative outcomes such as the elimination of preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA has been active in Cameroon since 1969, aligning its efforts with national development strategies and priorities.

Job Overview:
The position of Country Programme Evaluation Team Lead involves overseeing the evaluation of the 8th UNFPA Cameroon Country Program (2022-2026). The primary purpose of this evaluation is to provide an independent assessment of the program's relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability. The Team Lead will be responsible for designing and implementing the evaluation, ensuring accountability to stakeholders, and supporting evidence-based decision-making. This role requires a deep understanding of the program's objectives and the ability to aggregate and share good practices to enhance organizational learning. The Team Lead will coordinate the evaluation team, manage timelines, and ensure the quality of evaluation products throughout the process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Team Lead will be responsible for the overall design and implementation of the evaluation, including the following key duties:

• Develop a comprehensive evaluation approach and methodology that aligns with the UNFPA Evaluation Policy.
• Lead and coordinate the evaluation team, ensuring effective collaboration and communication among team members.
• Conduct an independent assessment of the UNFPA Cameroon Country Program, focusing on its relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Assess the geographic and demographic coverage of UNFPA's humanitarian assistance and its connection to long-term development objectives.
• Evaluate the UNFPA Cameroon country office's role in UNCT and HCT coordination mechanisms.
• Produce high-quality evaluation reports, including design reports, draft evaluation reports, and final evaluation reports, with actionable recommendations.
• Facilitate debriefing meetings and presentations to share findings and gather feedback from stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to ethical standards and principles throughout the evaluation process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least a Master’s degree in public health, social sciences, demography, population studies, statistics, development studies, or a related field. A Ph.D. is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in conducting or managing evaluations in international development or humanitarian assistance. Extensive experience with complex evaluations, particularly those commissioned by UN agencies or international organizations, is essential. Proven expertise in thematic areas relevant to the country program is required, along with knowledge of evaluation methodologies and data collection methods. Strong leadership and coordination skills, as well as the ability to mentor emerging evaluators, are also necessary.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as public health, social sciences, demography, or development studies. A Ph.D. will be advantageous. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in evaluation methodologies and practices, particularly in the context of international development and humanitarian assistance.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in conducting or managing evaluations, particularly in the fields of international development and humanitarian assistance. Experience with UN agencies or international organizations is highly desirable. The candidate should also have a proven track record of conducting complex evaluations and a strong understanding of the evaluation process, including both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of French is desirable, as it will facilitate communication and collaboration within the context of Cameroon, where both languages are commonly used.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a total of 60 days, divided into phases: 14 days for the design phase, 23 days for execution, 21 days for reporting, and 2 days for dissemination of results. The evaluation will cover various regions in Cameroon where UNFPA has implemented interventions, particularly focusing on areas with significant development challenges. The work can be conducted remotely, with necessary support and workspace provided by UNFPA if required. The position is open to both Cameroonians and non-Cameroonians.