If you are an early-career professional passionate about evaluation, research, and international development, the UNFPA Young and Emerging Evaluator Consultancy 2026 offers a powerful opportunity to build hands-on experience within a globally recognized organization. This consultancy role, hosted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is designed to nurture the next generation of evaluators by involving them directly in high-level evaluation processes.
This detailed guide walks you through everything you need to know about this opportunity—from responsibilities and qualifications to application steps and key deadlines.
About UNFPA and the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO)
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the UN’s leading agency focused on sexual and reproductive health. Its mission is to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
Within UNFPA, the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) plays a crucial role. It operates independently from management and decision-making structures to ensure objective and impartial evaluations. The IEO:
- Conducts centralized evaluations at country, regional, and global levels
- Develops evaluation standards, methodologies, and frameworks
- Assesses the quality of evaluations across the organization
- Builds capacity and collaborates with global evaluation networks
- Promotes youth engagement and intergenerational learning in evaluation
This consultancy directly contributes to these critical functions.
Overview of the Young and Emerging Evaluator Role
The Young and Emerging Evaluator (YEE) will support the implementation of centralized evaluations under the IEO’s multi-year evaluation plan. This role offers exposure to real-world evaluation processes in international development and humanitarian contexts.
Key Details
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya (Hybrid)
- Contract Type: Consultancy
- Duration: 11 months (with possibility of extension)
- Deadline: 11 May 2026, 17:00 (America/New_York time)
Key Responsibilities and Scope of Work
The selected candidate will work closely with Evaluation Managers and contribute across all stages of evaluation. Responsibilities include:
1. Research and Documentation
- Creating and maintaining repositories of background documents
- Conducting preliminary document reviews
2. Data Analysis and Evaluation Support
- Performing preliminary financial analysis
- Supporting both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis
- Using relevant tools and software for data processing
3. Stakeholder Engagement
- Supporting stakeholder mapping and sampling
- Coordinating meetings, workshops, and advisory group engagements
- Liaising with internal and external stakeholders
4. Field and Operational Support
- Assisting in planning logistics for field missions
- Supporting evaluation teams during implementation phases
5. Reporting and Deliverables
- Contributing to drafting evaluation reports
- Supporting quality assurance aligned with UNFPA standards
6. Additional Duties
- Carrying out any other tasks assigned by Evaluation Managers
Work Structure and Reporting
- The evaluator will report to Evaluation Managers within the IEO
- Monthly progress updates are required
- Deliverables must be reviewed and approved before final submission
- Payments are tied to successful completion of assigned tasks
Required Qualifications and Skills
Educational Requirements
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields:
- Development Studies
- Public Health
- Social Sciences
- Business Administration
- Statistics or Data Analysis
- Demography or Population Studies
- Evaluation or related disciplines
Professional Experience
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in evaluation-related work
- Experience with international organizations (especially UN) is an advantage
Technical Skills
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong analytical skills (statistical, financial, and survey analysis)
- Knowledge of monitoring and results-based management
- Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Excellent report writing abilities
Communication Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to present complex findings clearly
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English (required)
- Knowledge of Spanish or French (advantage)
Ethical and AI Use Guidelines
The consultancy includes strict guidelines regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence:
- AI tools cannot be used without prior written approval
- Any approved AI use must be fully disclosed
- Candidates must verify all AI-generated outputs
- Ethical standards such as fairness, transparency, and accountability must be upheld
Additionally, candidates must not have prior involvement in programs being evaluated to ensure independence.
Work Location and Legal Requirements
- The role is based in Nairobi, Kenya
- Non-Kenyan applicants must have a valid work permit
Travel Expectations
Travel may be required depending on evaluation needs. This will be determined by the IEO during the consultancy period.
Application Process
To apply, candidates must submit:
- Cover Letter
- Highlight relevant experience in evaluation, research, and data analysis
- Updated CV
Submission Details
- Email: evaluation.office@unfpa.org
- Subject Line: “UNFPA IEO Young and Emerging Evaluator, Nairobi”
Selection Process
- Initial screening
- Written test
- Interview
Incomplete applications will be disqualified, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Why You Should Apply
This consultancy offers numerous benefits:
- Hands-on experience in global evaluation processes
- Exposure to UN systems and international development work
- Opportunity to work with experienced evaluation professionals
- Skill development in research, analysis, and stakeholder engagement
- Contribution to impactful global initiatives
Final Thoughts
The UNFPA Young and Emerging Evaluator Consultancy is more than just a job—it is a gateway into the world of international evaluation and development. If you are driven by data, passionate about impact, and eager to grow professionally in a global environment, this opportunity is worth pursuing.
With a strong focus on youth inclusion and capacity building, this role is ideal for professionals looking to make meaningful contributions while advancing their careers.
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