Individual Consultancy - Country Programme Evaluation Team Lead

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a UN 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, focusing on three transformative outcomes: the elimination of preventable maternal deaths, the elimination of unmet need for family planning, and the elimination of gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's work aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing the importance of leaving no one behind and reaching those furthest behind first. In Cameroon, UNFPA has been active since 1969, supporting the government in various national development strategies and health sector strategies aimed at improving health and gender equality.

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 strong leadership skills to coordinate the evaluation team, manage the evaluation process, and communicate findings effectively to various stakeholders, including the UNFPA Cameroon Country Office, national stakeholders, and the general public. The evaluation will cover multiple regions in Cameroon, focusing on areas with significant health and gender-based violence challenges, and will require the Team Lead to engage with diverse data sources and methodologies to ensure comprehensive analysis and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Team Lead will be responsible for the overall design and implementation of the evaluation, including the development of the evaluation approach, methodology, and work plan. Key responsibilities include leading the evaluation team, ensuring the quality of evaluation products, and managing communication with the CPE Manager. The Team Lead will also be tasked with conducting an independent assessment of the program's relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability, as well as evaluating the geographic and demographic coverage of UNFPA's humanitarian assistance. Additionally, the Team Lead will facilitate the collection of primary and secondary data, conduct preliminary data analysis, and present findings to stakeholders. The role requires the preparation of various reports and presentations, including a design report, draft evaluation report, and final evaluation report, along with actionable recommendations for future program cycles.

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. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in thematic areas relevant to the evaluation, knowledge of evaluation methodologies, and the ability to maintain high evaluation quality standards. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to mentor emerging evaluators, are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as public health, social sciences, demography, population studies, statistics, or development studies. A Ph.D. in a related area is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role. The educational qualifications should reflect a strong foundation in research methodologies and evaluation 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 complex evaluations, especially those involving UN agencies or international organizations, is crucial. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leading evaluation teams, managing evaluation processes, and ensuring the quality and integrity of evaluation findings. Familiarity with the regional context and development challenges in Cameroon is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the UNFPA and for reporting purposes. A working knowledge of French is desirable, given the bilingual nature of Cameroon and the need to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders. Proficiency in both languages will enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively and access a wider range of resources and data.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a total of 60 days, divided into phases for design, execution, reporting, and dissemination of results. The evaluation will cover various regions in Cameroon where UNFPA has implemented interventions, particularly focusing on areas with significant health and gender-based violence challenges. The work can be conducted remotely, with necessary support and workspace provided by UNFPA if required. The position is open to both Cameroonian and non-Cameroonian candidates, reflecting UNFPA's commitment to inclusivity and diversity in its recruitment processes.