International Individual Consultant- Thematic Evaluation SRH

The Position:

UNFPA Syria is in the process of preparing for its new Country Programme Document (CPD) for the next cycle, which outlines the strategic framework for the organization's engagement and support in Syria. To inform this process and ensure that the Sexual and Reproductive health (SRH) program is aligned with national priorities and global commitments, UNFPA seeks to conduct a thematic evaluation of its Sexual and reproductive health program implemented between 2022-2025. 

The Purpose of this evaluation is to assess the results achieved, and to document lessons learned and good practices to improve future programming, enhance accountability and evidence-based decision making.

 The specific objectives of the evaluation are to: 

The SRH thematic area evaluation will provide an in-depth overview of the SRH program in Syria, including structural barriers, legal and policy frameworks, institutional capacities, social norms, and the status of women and girls across sectors. The analysis will identify entry points for more effective and gender responsive programming.

UNFPA Syria seeks to hire an international consultant with proven expertise in evaluation of similar programs and familiarity with UN programming to lead this work. Crucially, this evaluation is expected to develop the theory of change for the SRH program in Syria. It will identify what aspects of the current approach have proven successful and hold promise for the future, and what needs to be adapted or discontinued to optimize SRH interventions and impact for the next generation. 

The findings and recommendations will directly inform the strategic direction and priorities of the upcoming CPD and will also serve as a key reference for other partners and national stakeholders.

Supervisory arrangements: The Consultant will work under the supervision of the Head of the Monitoring and evaluation unit at UNFPA Syria and in consultation with relevant program teams, and selected partners
 

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies. 

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results

You would be responsible for:

This evaluation has the following principal tasks: 

Analysis of the current situation of SRH program in Syria ,including - Maternal and newborn health, Family planning, Emergency obstetric care , SRH service delivery in humanitarian settings, Awareness raising related to SRH and SRH commodities and supplies.

Assess the SRH programme design in terms of (1) its relevance to the overall development situation at the national level; relevance to national strategies, and relevance to beneficiaries; coherence with the interventions of other development actors. (2) its efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability and analyze underlying factors that affect the achievement of the programme results.

Critically evaluate the UNFPA Syria CO SRH interventions between 2022-2025 and develop the relevant theory of change in light of the evaluation findings and future projections, identifying areas for strengthening or adaptation. 

Identify what worked and what didn’t work in the past 4 years regarding SRH programmes in Syria, highlighting the impact of the SRH programme on SRH outcomes (maternal health indicators); the challenges, and good practices/lessons learned. 

Provide recommendations to key programme stakeholders; and develop potential future scenarios for SRH access and delivery in Syria to inform more robust recommendations. 

Step 1 – Preparation and Inception 

Share the inception report for conducting the evaluation two weeks after the signature of the contract. This note should be discussed and agreed with the leads of the M&E unit and SRH unit. The inception report should include among others the methodology, the draft data collection tools, and the timeline of each deliverable. 

Step 2 – Desk Review 

Ensure a literature review of the most relevant references and strategic frameworks: UNFPA and UN frameworks on SRH, UNFPA strategic plan, UNSDCF, ICPD, Nairobi commitments, etc, this task should be finalized by the fourth week of the assignment.

Step 3 – Data collection 

Conduct data collection as outlined in the approved inception report and hold virtual meetings with key informants and coordinate the necessary fieldwork with the national young evaluator. During this phase and moving forwards, the consultant is expected to update the evaluation matrix. Week 5 to 8 .

Step 4 -Analysis and Drafting 

Analyze findings using a gender lens, identify gaps, challenges, opportunities, and promising practices and draft the report, including an executive summary, methodology, findings, and actionable recommendations for UNFPA’s future programming. Week 9+10 

Step 5 – Validation and Finalization 

Approach and Methodology: 

The entire consultation will be done remotely. This covers the desk review and the evaluation process and will include:

The consultant will ensure ethical considerations (e.g., informed consent, confidentiality) are adhered to throughout the process.

Duration and working: This consultancy is expected to be completed within 50 working days from the signing of the contract (Between December 2025 and February 2026).

Place where services are to be delivered: The consultancy shall be conducted remotely under the UNFPA Syria Country office.
 

Qualifications and Experience: 

Languages: 

Very good command in English and Arabic, both oral and written

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,

UNFPA Work Environment:

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.

Disclaimer:

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

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.