Consultancy: GenU Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning Consultant - Req. #583069

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Vacancy Announcement: Consultant

Consultancy Title: GenU Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning Consultant

Section/Division/Duty Station:  Generation Unlimited, Programme Group, NYHQ

Duration: 30 September 2025 to 30 September 2026

Home/ Office Based: NYHQ/ Remote

BACKGROUND

Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Director Programmes, and direct supervision of the Senior Adviser - Country Support, and in collaboration with the broader GenU Team, the MERL Consultant will execute emerging monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning deliverables, enabling the development and adaptation of key monitoring systems, programme evaluations, in addition to key research and learning insights, particularly as the organization transitions into the next UNICEF Strategic Plan and is undergoing structural change. The consultancy will help to strengthen overall programme efficiency and effectiveness at GenU, streamline critical MERL activities into the upcoming Strategic Plan in support of advancing GenU’s agreed priorities, and support to the broader team execute key MERL activities and outputs.

Scope of Work:

·           Assess and Update Strategic Planning and Measurement Alignment: The consultant will contribute to developing GenU’s Strategic MERL assets aligned with UNICEF’s Strategic Plan, including the development of theories of change, KPIs, targets, and results framework(s). This includes participating in relevant working groups at NYHQ, synthesizing inputs, and coordinating measurement updates.

·           Advance the Development and Operationalization of Measurement Tools: The consultant will assist in developing and maintaining existing and new planning and results tracking tools such as the Annual Results Reporting tracker and the Assets Database. Tasks include refining methodologies, supporting rollout, and ensuring harmonized reporting by UNICEF Country Offices and GenU eco-system partners.

·           Review and Update Monitoring Systems for Programme Implementation: The consultant will support the design, refinement, and operationalization of high-frequency monitoring and dashboard systems across specific GenU global flagship programmes. This includes providing technical inputs to data architecture, indicator frameworks, and dashboard updates.

·           Design and Activate Evaluation and Research Partnerships: The consultant will design and activate select GenU evaluations, including experimental, quasi-experimental, and tracer studies in collaboration with partners and research entities. Responsibilities include managing evaluation timelines, supporting instrument design, and ensuring strategic alignment.

·           Support Programme Research and Learning: The consultant will work closely with the Knowledge Management focal points to contribute to the preparation of learning products such as learning briefs, reports, and case studies, including synthesis of emerging evidence from programme evaluations and research. Special attention will be given to capturing youth perspectives and estimating system-level impact.

·           Review and Advance GenU’s Role in Youth-Responsive MERL: The consultant will help design and implement initiatives that integrate youth voice into MERL, such as the PPYP Index and Youth Centrality Index. Responsibilities include contributing to youth-led research (e.g., YPAR) and shaping indicators that reflect youth centrality.

·           Strengthen GenU's Positioning through Thought Leadership and Events: The consultant will identify opportunities and support the development of flagship knowledge products (e.g., the IsDB Investment Case), organization of global events at NYHQ (e.g., NEET Summit), and engagement in external fora. Contributions will include content drafting, coordination with speakers and experts, and capturing learning.

·           Support Ongoing MERL Collaboration with PG, ROs, COs and Partners: The consultant will contribute to strengthening MERL capacity across regional and country offices, including the development and dissemination of MERL toolkits and guidance. The role involves technical assistance on MERL, maintaining a global Youth+MERL network, and curating shared assets and resources on MERL.

·           Organize Internal Knowledge Management Systems: The consultant will work closely with the relevant knowledge management focal points to maintain and continuously update GenU’s knowledge repositories, blog series, monthly roundups, and the Youth Foresight platform. This includes curating and organizing content, managing editorial calendars, and linking knowledge to operational needs.

·           Contribute to MERL Resource Mobilization and Strategic Engagements: The consultant will support fundraising and engagement with donors and strategic partners by developing concept notes, presentations, and donor-facing MERL narratives, including in-person participation in meetings and fora in NYHQ. Participation in UNICEF and UN-led working groups will also be expected to align inter-agency measurement and MERL efforts globally. 

Terms of Reference / Deliverables

Review and update the GenU MERL Strategy   

30 November 2025

Align GenU Measurement with UNICEF Strategic Plan

31 December 2025

Build and refine annual results reporting (ARR) and measurement tools 

31 January 2026

Develop the High Frequency Monitoring Database.       

31 January 2026

Launch and manage strategic evaluations          

15 February 2026

Contribute to evidence generation and evaluation          

31 April 2026

Support knowledge management and thought leadership including at global events         

31 June 2026

Develop and implement the GenU MERL capacity building plan.

30 July 2026

Develop and implement evidence agenda for 3 global solutions  

31 August 2026

Support donor engagement through MERL contributions.          

30 September 2026

Travel:

Possible trips to Nigeria, Egypt and Bangladesh to conduct MERL activities with a focus on evaluations and capacity building

Qualifications

(1) Education

Language Proficiency:

(2) Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

·           A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant professional work experience.

·           Proven experience with designing data collection tools, data processing/cleaning, analysis, and presentation of findings in a humanitarian and/or development context.

·           Proven experience with strategic planning, building MERL systems, and measurement of organizational and programme outcomes. 

·           Proven experience in writing data-driven reports for technical and non-technical audiences, preferably with a particular focus on education, skills, and youth livelihoods topics.

·           Field experience with humanitarian and/or development programming is highly desirable.

·           Advanced knowledge of MS Excel is required, and knowledge of statistical tools and database development is preferred.

Requirements: 

Completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process

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UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

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Remarks:  

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

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