In line with the 2024 UNFPA Evaluation Policy, the UNFPA India CO is planning to conduct an evaluation of its tenth CP (2023-27). The purpose of the Country Programme Evaluation (CPE) is to strengthen accountability to stakeholders, support evidence-based decision-making, and improve learning. The overall objective of the CPE is to provide an independent assessment of the performance of the CP and to broaden the evidence base for the design of the next programme cycle. 

The evaluation will cover all interventions in the four thematic areas of the CP, which have been implemented across India  during the programme’s period. The thematic areas are described in section 3 of the terms of reference. In addition, the evaluation will also cover cross-cutting issues, such as human rights-based approach, gender equality, disability inclusion, LNOB and transversal functions, such as coordination, monitoring and evaluation, innovation, resource mobilization, and strategic partnerships. 

Evaluation team:

The CPE will be conducted by a multidisciplinary team of consultants. They should collectively have the qualifications and experience to design and implement a methodologically robust evaluation and cover all the above-mentioned thematic areas of the CP. The evaluation team will consist of: 

• Team leader: An international consultant with primary responsibility for the design of the evaluation methodology and the coordination of the evaluation team, as described in section 12.1 of the terms of reference. The team leader will also demonstrate the qualifications, experience and skills required to serve as a technical expert for population dynamics thematic area.
• Thematic experts: National consultants who should demonstrate the qualifications, experience and skills required to serve as technical expert in at least one of the thematic areas, as described in section 12.1 of the terms of reference.
• Young and emerging evaluator: A national consultant (recent university graduate or young evaluation professional with limited experience) who will provide support to the evaluation team throughout the evaluation process, as described in section 12.1 of the terms of reference.

Scope of work:

(Description of services, activities, or outputs)

The young and emerging evaluator (YEE) will contribute to all phases of the CPE and bring in a youth lens to the overall evaluation. S/he will support the evaluation team leader and members in developing the evaluation methodology, reviewing and refining the theory of change, finalizing the evaluation questions, and developing the evaluation matrix, data collection methods and tools, as well as indicators. The young and emerging evaluator will participate in data collection (site visits, interviews, group discussions and document review) and support data analysis, as agreed with the evaluation team leader and the CPE manager. The YEE will also support the dissemination and facilitation of use of the evaluation results. Finally, S/he will provide administrative support throughout the evaluation process and participate in meetings with the CPE manager, UNFPA India CO staff and the ERG.

The deliverables, tentative workplan and details of the country programme evaluation can be found in the terms of reference. 

The provisional allocation of workdays for the young and emerging evaluator will be the following:

Please note the numbers of days in the table are indicative. The final distribution of the volume of work and corresponding number of days for each consultant will be proposed by the evaluation team in the design report and will be subject to the  approval of the CPE manager.

The deliverables, tentative workplan and details of the country programme evaluation can be found in the terms of reference.

The young and emerging evaluator will report to the CPE Manager and Evaluation Team Leader. The CPE Manager will manage and monitor the progress of the evaluation and payments will be released upon approval by the CPE Manager.

The evaluation team will conduct the CPE under the supervision of the CPE manager in the UNFPA India CO February - September 2026, as indicated in the timeframe of the evaluation in the ToR: section 10 and Annex I].

In compliance with UNFPA evaluation policy (2024), the Regional M&E Adviser in UNFPA APRO will provide guidance and backstopping support to the CPE manager at all stages of the evaluation process. In particular, the Regional M&E Adviser plays a crucial role in the quality assurance of the CPE deliverables.

Travel will be determined based on needs identified notably during the field phase (data collection).

The young and emerging evaluator must be under 40 years of age and her/his competencies, skills and experience should include:

• Bachelor’s degree in development studies, population studies, economics, monitoring and evaluation, social sciences, public health, or any other relevant discipline;
• Certificate in evaluation or equivalent qualification;
• Less than 10 years of work experience in monitoring and evaluation, research or social studies in the field of international development;  Minimum - Master's  Degree - 2 year(s) experience OR Bachelor's  Degree - 4 year(s) experience 
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team;
• Strong organizational skills, communication skills and writing skills;
• Good command of information and communication technology and data visualization tools;
• Good knowledge of the mandate and activities of UNFPA or other United Nations organizations will be an advantage;
• Keen interest to progress professionally and become a competent evaluator;
• Fluent in written and spoken English. Working knowledge of Hindi will be an advantage.

Required Competencies: 

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity, 
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 
• Embracing cultural diversity, 
• Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships

The consultant must have their own laptop. The travel arrangements required during the course of the evaluation will be made by UNFPA. The consultant will receive a daily subsistence allowance (DSA) in accordance with the UNFPA Duty Travel Policy, using applicable United Nations DSA rates for the place of mission. Travel costs will be settled separately from the consultancy fees.