Purpose of consultancy:

Conduct an Evaluation of the Government of Kyrgyzstan/UNFPA Country Programme 2023-2027.

To provide an independent assessment of the UNFPA Kyrgyzstan 5th Country Programme (2023-2027) regarding its relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability, and to broaden the evidence base to inform the design of the next programme cycle.

More detailed information on the purpose, objectives and scope is provided in the Country Programme Evaluation Terms of Reference document.

Scope of work (Description of services, activities, or outputs):

The evaluation team will consist of 4 Experts: an International Consultant, 2 National Consultants and a young emerging evaluator (YEE).

More detailed information on the purpose, objectives and scope is provided in the Annex I of the current TOR.

The Evaluation Team Leader  (international) will hold the overall responsibility for the design and implementation of the evaluation. S/he will be responsible for the production and timely submission of all expected deliverables in line with the ToR. S/he will lead and coordinate the work of the evaluation team and ensure the quality of all evaluation deliverables at all stages of the process.

The National Quality Services and Social Accountability Expert (national) will provide expertise on quality SRH and GBV service standards and social accountability mechanisms  to assess the availability, affordability, and integration of essential SRHR, HIV, and GBV services for the most left-behind populations and integrated approach. Furthermore, s/he will also assess the impact of interventions aimed at transforming discriminatory gender and  social norms and empowering women and youth to exercise their reproductive rights within a safe, rights-based, and non-discriminatory environment, as well as application of human-rights based and survivor-centred approaches. S/he will contribute to the methodological design of the evaluation and take part in the data collection and analysis work, with overall responsibility of contributions to the evaluation deliverables in her/his thematic area of expertise. S/he will provide substantive inputs throughout the evaluation process by contributing to the development of the evaluation methodology, evaluation work plan and agenda for the field phase, participating in meetings with the CPE manager, UNFPA Kyrgyzstan CO staff and the ERG. S/he will undertake a document review and conduct interviews and group discussions with stakeholders, as agreed with the evaluation team leader.

The Policy, Institutions, and Strategic Engagement Expert (national) will provide expertise on institutionalization of ICPD-related laws and financial accountability frameworks within national policies and the state budget to ensure universal and sustainable access to SRHR, HIV and GBV services for the most left behind populations, including women and youth. He/she will further assess the effectiveness of strategic partnerships, demographic resilience advocacy, and the integration of disaggregated data in strengthening government oversight and securing domestic resource mobilization for impact. S/he will contribute to the methodological design of the evaluation and take part in the data collection and analysis work, with overall responsibility of contributions to the evaluation deliverables in her/his thematic area of expertise. S/he will provide substantive inputs throughout the evaluation process by contributing to the development of the evaluation methodology, evaluation work plan and agenda for the field phase, participating in meetings with the CPE manager, UNFPA Kyrgyzstan CO staff and the ERG. S/he will undertake a document review and conduct interviews and group discussions with stakeholders, as agreed with the evaluation team leader.

The Young and Emerging Evaluator (YEE) will contribute to all phases of the CPE. 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 Kyrgyzstan CO staff and the ERG.

Duration and working schedule:

Tentative schedule:

25 March – 31 July 2026

International Consultant: 50 non-consecutive working days distributed between 25 March - July 2026.

National Consultants: 35 non-consecutive working days distributed between 25 March - July 2026.

Young emerging evaluator - 35 non-consecutive working days distributed between 25 March - July 2026

Place where services are to be delivered:

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (with data collection field mission to Issyk-Kul, Osh and Batken oblasts)

Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.):

Tentative timelines for the CPE deliverables:

• Final Design Report: 6 April 2026 

• Completion of In-Country Data Collection Mission: 13 May 2026

• Draft Final Evaluation Report: 31 May 2026

• Final Evaluation Report & PowerPoint: 31 July 2026.

Detailed list of deliverables with indicative timeframe is included in the Country Programme Evaluation Terms of Reference document.

All deliverables must be submitted electronically in English.

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:

The evaluation will be managed by the CPE manager in UNFPA Kyrgyzstan CO in close consultation with the Government of Kyrgyzstan, with guidance and support from the UNFPA Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (EECARO) Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Adviser and in consultation with the evaluation reference group (ERG) throughout the evaluation process.

The detailed deliverables timelines are indicated in the Country Programme Evaluation Terms of Reference document.

Supervisory arrangements: 

The Evaluation Team Leader will work under the direct supervision of the CPE Manager (National Program Analyst on M&E) at the UNFPA Kyrgyzstan Country Office.

The National Quality Services and Social Accountability Expert, the Policy, Institutions, and Strategic Engagement Expert and the Young 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.

Expected travel:

The international consultant is expected to travel to Bishkek and then to Osh, Batken and Issyk-Kul together with the two national experts and young emerging evaluator.

Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) and travel costs for the mission will be settled separately from the consultancy fees in accordance with UNFPA Duty Travel Policy.

Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:

Quality  Services and Information and Social Accountability Expert (national)

The competencies, skills and experience of the Quality  Services and Information and Social Accountability Expert  expert should include:

●       Master’s degree in public health, medicine, health economics and financing, epidemiology, biostatistics, social sciences and/or women/gender studies or a related field.

●       5-7 years of experience in conducting evaluations, reviews, assessments, research studies or M&E work in the field of international development

●       Substantive knowledge in either of the following areas: maternal health, unmet need for family planning and/or  gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, gender-based violence and issues surrounding masculinity, gender relationships and sexuality.

●       Ability to ensure ethics and integrity of the evaluation process, including confidentiality and the principle of do no harm.

●       Ability to consistently integrate human rights and gender perspectives in all phases of the evaluation process.

●       Solid knowledge of evaluation approaches and methodology and demonstrated ability to apply both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods.

●       Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

●       Experience working with a multidisciplinary team of experts.

●       Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and spoken).

●       Work experience in/good knowledge of the national development context of Kyrgyzstan.

●       Familiarity with UNFPA or other United Nations organizations’ mandates and activities will be an advantage.

●       Fluent in written and spoken English and Russian, the knowledge of Kyrgyz is an asset.

Please attach below documents to the Quantum application:

• A cover letter, indicating the candidate’s motivation for this consultancy as well as relevant expertise and experience.
• An updated copy of the curriculum vitae (CV) or duly completed P11 UN Personal History Form.
• Duly completed Quantum profile
• Names and contact information of three references.
• A recent evaluation report or other type of writing sample in English and/or Russian (from a similar assignment) drafted by the candidate.
• Availability and expected daily rate for consultancy services.

Inputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g support services, office space, equipment), if applicable:

• UNFPA will ensure access to all the documents, such as country programme documents, annual workplans and annual reports, UNSDCF, etc. A more detailed list of documents is provided in the Annex I of the current TOR.
• UNFPA CO will provide necessary support in arranging meetings with the government, non-government partners, academia and implementing partners.
• UNFPA will support the Evaluation team with travel arrangements

Inputs / services to be provided by Consultant:

• The consultant must have their own laptop. 
• Ensure availability of sufficient internet connection when working from other location 
• Ensure availability of necessary equipment and furniture when working from other location

Payment Milestones:

Payments will be based on approval of deliverables and upon submission of Progress Report and Certificate of Payment:

• 20% upon approval of the Design Report.

• 40% upon submission of satisfactory Draft Final Report.

• 40% upon approval of Final Report and Presentation.

Other relevant information or special conditions:

1. Individual Consultancy Contract will be signed between the consultant and UNFPA Kyrgyzstan CO.

2. Payment of fees should be submitted to Kyrgyzstan CO accompanied by a signed Certificate of Payment Form to expedite the clearance and authorization of payment to the Consultant

3. Without prejudice to any other rights or remedies that UNFPA may have under the Individual Consultancy Contract, UNFPA may withhold any payment to the consultant if the services are not performed in accordance with the TOR until such time that the consultant has remedied such performance.

4. Any changes to the TOR will be subject to consultation between UNFPA and the Consultant. 

5. The deliverables and all information pertaining to this project will be treated as UNFPA property. The title right, copyright and other rights of whatsoever nature in any material produced under the provision of the consultancy shall be vested exclusively with UNFPA. The deliverables cannot be sold, used, or reproduced in any manner without the prior written approval of UNFPA. The tools, reports or documents or any part, cannot be sold, used or reproduced in any manner without the prior written approval of UNFPA. Except for purposes of this assignment, the information shall not be disclosed to the public nor used in whatever media without written permission of UNFPA in line with the national and international Copyright Laws applicable. All rights and materials produced remain solely with UNFPA. 

6. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) work

AI technologies cannot be used in the framework of this contract unless a prior written agreement is obtained from the IEO. Upon this prior agreement, the consultant is obligated to disclose the utilization of AI tools in evaluation and commits to upholding ethical standards and accuracy in the application of AI tools.

1. Prior approval for utilization of AI tools: The use of AI tools must be explicitly agreed upon and approved in writing by the IEO Director.
2. Declaration of the utilization of AI tools: If the use of AI tools in evaluation is agreed upon with the IEO, the consultant must be transparent and declare the 
3. of AI tools in evaluation work and other work-related tasks, specifying the nature of AI usage. The AI tools utilized in work-related tasks must include only those tools that are vetted by the IEO. 
4. Verification of accuracy: The consultant commits to diligently checking the accuracy of AI-generated results and assumes full responsibility for its reliability and validity.
5. Ethical and responsible use: The consultant is obligated to uphold ethical principles in the use of AI in work-related tasks, as well as relevant regulations that govern the use of AI in the UN system. This includes the Digital & Technology Network Guidance on the Use of Generative AI Tools in the UN System,  Principles for the Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in the United Nations System, and UNFPA Information Security Policy. The consultant commits to employing AI tools that adhere to principles of non-discrimination, fairness, transparency, and accountability. The consultant will adopt an approach that aligns with the principle of ‘leaving no one behind’, ensuring that AI tool usage avoids exclusion or disadvantage to any group.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in CPEs

AI technologies cannot be used in the management and conduct of the CPE unless a prior written agreement is obtained from the CPE manager. Upon this prior agreement, the consultant is obligated to disclose the utilization of AI tools in evaluation and commits to upholding ethical standards and accuracy in the application of AI tools.

• Prior approval for utilization of AI tools: The use of AI tools must be explicitly agreed upon and approved in writing by the CPE manager
• Declaration of the utilization of AI tools: If the use of AI tools in evaluation is agreed upon with the CPE manager, the evaluator must be transparent and declare the use of AI tools in evaluation work and other work-related tasks, specifying the nature of AI usage. The AI tools utilized in work-related tasks must include only those tools that are vetted by EO 
• Verification of accuracy: The evaluator commits to diligently checking the accuracy of AI-generated results and assumes full responsibility for its reliability and validity
• Ethical and responsible use: The evaluator is obligated to uphold ethical principles in the use of AI in work-related tasks, as well as relevant regulations that govern the use of AI in the UN system. This includes the Digital and Technology Network Guidance on the Use of Generative AI Tools in the UN System,  Principles for the Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in the United Nations System, and UNFPA Information Security Policy. The consultant commits to employing AI tools that adhere to principles of non-discrimination, fairness, transparency, and accountability. The consultant will adopt an approach that aligns with the principle of ‘leaving no one behind’, ensuring that AI tool usage avoids exclusion or disadvantage to any group.

Workforce diversity:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more. All applicants  will be treated in the strictest confidence. 

Disclaimer

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

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