Mission and objectives

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favouritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education, and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations

Context

The Evaluation and Research function of UNICEF Sierra Leone operates under the overall leadership of the Representative and technical supervision of the Multi-country Evaluation Specialist. It plays a critical role in ensuring accountability, learning, and evidence-based decision-making across all programme areas. The function leads and coordinates evaluations, research, and studies to generate credible evidence on the effectiveness and impact of UNICEF-supported interventions, and works closely with government counterparts, UN agencies, and partners to strengthen national evaluation capacity and systems. Under the supervision and guidance of the Multi-Country Evaluation Specialist, the UN Youth Volunteer will support the implementation of the UNICEF Sierra Leone Country Office’s evaluation and evidence agenda. The assignment aims to strengthen the generation, use, and communication of evaluative evidence across programmes to enhance learning, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making. In line with UNICEF’s Evaluation Policy (2023) — which positions evaluation as central to accountability, learning, and results for children — the UN Youth Volunteer will support the implementation of research and evaluation activities, data analysis, and the dissemination and use of findings. The role will also include supporting knowledge management, maintaining the Evidence Information System (EISI) database, and helping to track management responses to evaluations. This position provides an excellent learning and professional development opportunity for a young professional interested in evidence generation and evaluation within the UN system. Working closely with the Evaluation Specialist and programme teams, the Volunteer will gain practical experience in applying research and evaluation principles, managing information, and supporting knowledge sharing to ensure that evidence informs policies and programmes for children in Sierra Leone.

Task Description

1. Evaluation and Research Support • Assist in the planning, coordination, and implementation of research and evaluation activities. • Support data collection, analysis, and synthesis of findings to generate evidence on the effectiveness of UNICEF-supported programmes. • Contribute to the preparation and review of evaluation terms of reference, inception reports, and draft deliverables. • Assist in ensuring evaluation quality through adherence to UNICEF’s Global Evaluation Reports Standards (GEROS) and ethical guidelines. 2. Evidence Use and Knowledge Management • Support the dissemination and use of evaluation and research findings to inform programme design, policy dialogue, and strategic planning. • Contribute to the preparation of briefs, presentations, and communication products to make evidence accessible to wider audiences. • Maintain and regularly update the Evidence Information System (EISI) database, ensuring timely tracking and organization of evaluations, studies, and assessments. • Support the documentation of lessons learned, good practices, and success stories that demonstrate the impact of evidence use. 3. Monitoring of Evaluation Follow-up • Assist in tracking management responses and actions stemming from completed evaluations. • Support the preparation of summary reports and dashboards on the status of evaluation recommendations. • Liaise with programme sections to follow up on agreed actions and monitor progress in implementation. 4. Capacity Development and Learning • Participate in internal learning sessions, workshops, and meetings related to evaluation, research, and data use. • Contribute to initiatives promoting youth engagement and capacity strengthening in evidence generation and use. 5. Coordination and Administrative Support • Provide logistical and coordination support for evaluation-related meetings, workshops, and consultations. • Assist with communication and coordination among partners, consultants, and internal stakeholders involved in evaluation activities. • Support record-keeping, documentation, and filing of key evaluation and research materials. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and taking an active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Competencies and values

Skills and Competencies: • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills. • Demonstrated ability to synthesize information and prepare concise reports or briefs. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with data visualization tools. • Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment and adapt to dynamic team settings. • High sense of responsibility, initiative, and commitment to UNICEF’s values of integrity, care, respect, trust, and accountability.

Living conditions and remarks

The UN Volunteer will be based at UNICEF’s Sierra Leone Country Office in Freetown with periodic travel to districts. Freetown is classified by the United Nations as Family duty station and living conditions are good. The UN Volunteer will be responsible to bear the costs of their own accommodation and other related expenses. UNDSS clearance to ensure adherence to minimum safety standards is required and will be facilitated by the Office. Currently, UNICEF's Sierra Leone Country Office has two Regional Offices: Makeni and Kenema covering 16 districts all situated in UN Security Phase Two conditions. Living conditions at both regional field offices are also good. UNICEF does not have any guest houses in those locations and visiting staff staying overnight are expected to stay at hotels. Freetown is the capital city of Sierra Leone, situated on the Atlantic coast of West Africa. Sierra Leone is generally safe, the security level is low, and the society is very religiously tolerant. Freetown is a family duty station. Floods and mudslides have been identified as the two main risks in the country in terms of emergency, in addition to epidemics including Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreaks, which Sierra Leone faced in 2014-2016. The cost of living for expatriates is generally fair, and there are good supermarkets, restaurants and hotels available. There are good communication services, including mobile and internet services, available with a fair price. Local and regional banks deal in both local and foreign currencies. ATMs are available, and credit cards are accepted in some establishments. However, this is generally a cash economy. Freetown has a tropical climate, with very high rainfall in the rainy season, Sierra Leone boasts the finest beaches in West Africa, within easy reach of Freetown, with excellent seafood, surfing and sunshine.