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: 

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 evaluation team leader 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 CPE manager will provide methodological guidance to the evaluation team in developing the design report, in particular, but not limited to, defining the evaluation approach, methodology and work plan, as well as the agenda for the field phase. S/he will lead the drafting and presentation of the design report and the draft and final evaluation report, and play a leading role in meetings with the ERG and the CO. The team leader will also be responsible for communication with the CPE manager. Beyond her/his responsibilities as team leader, the evaluation team leader will serve as technical expert for population dynamics thematic area of the country programme. 

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 evaluation team leader 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 team leader will work in close coordination with the CPE Manager and under the guidance of the UNFPA M&E Advisor at the APRO and the Evaluation Reference Group, members

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 team leader of the evaluation will possess the following  competencies, skills and experience:

• Master’s degree in public health, social sciences, demography or population studies, statistics, development studies or a related field.
• 10 years of experience in conducting or managing evaluations in the field of international development.
• Extensive experience in leading complex evaluations commissioned by United Nations organizations and/or other international organizations and NGOs.
• Demonstrated expertise in the thematic area of population dynamics of the country programme covered by the evaluation (see expert profiles below).
• Substantive knowledge on the generation, analysis, dissemination and use of housing census and population data for development, population dynamics, migration and national statistics systems.
• In-depth knowledge of theory-based evaluation approaches and ability to apply both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods and to uphold high quality standards for evaluation as defined by UNFPA and UNEG.
• 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.
• Excellent management and leadership skills to coordinate the work of the evaluation team, and strong ability to share technical evaluation skills and knowledge.
• Ability to supervise a young and emerging evaluator, create an enabling environment for her/his meaningful participation in the work of the evaluation team, and provide guidance and support required to develop her/his capacity.
• Experience working with a multidisciplinary team of experts.
• Excellent ability to analyze and synthesize large volumes of data and information from diverse sources.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and spoken).
• Work experience in/good knowledge of the region and the national development context of India.
• 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.