Evaluation Thematic Lead on Violence against children, Evaluation Office, New York, 6 months, Remote, #594526

Purpose Of Activity/Assignment

The Evaluation Office of UNICEF is conducting the Evaluation of child protection systems strengthening for prevention of and response to violence against children and women, an evaluation included in the UNICEF Plan for Global Evaluations 2026–2029. The evaluation focuses on an important programme area for the organization given the breadth of the child right deprivations that programs intend to address, the scale of the investment and the strategic importance of violence prevention and response.

Scope Of Work

• Review and refine the evaluation framework, theory of change, evaluation questions, methods, country report outline, data collection protocols, and draft inception summary, including participation in consultations and the first ERG meeting.
• Ensure thematic quality of country reports, KII protocols, surveys, interviews, stakeholder consultations, and participatory validation workshops.
• Lead substantive VAC/CPSS analysis, including for the QCA design and validation, triangulation of qualitative and quantitative evidence, stakeholder consultations, sensemaking sessions, and drafting of the QCA/thematic report.
• Support validation of findings and recommendations, finalize thematic inputs to the evaluation report, and prepare tailored communication products to promote uptake.

Qualifications / Specialized Knowledge / Experience / Competencies

• Advanced university degree (minimum Master's) in: Child Protection / Social Work; Law; Public Health / Epidemiology (violence focus); Gender Studies / Development Studies; Social Policy / International Development with child rights focus
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in: violence against children programming or research, child protection programmes, experience in multi-country programme evaluation or evidence synthesis in international development, engagement with UN/multilateral child rights frameworks, experience managing or advising on child protection programme design, strategies or implementation
• Familiarity with UNICEF Child Protection Strategy 2021–2030 and Strategic Plan 2022–2025; Understanding of global VAC strategic frameworks (INSPIRE, WHO guidelines, etc.)
• Strong report writing, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills

Language Skills

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) required.
• Working knowledge of French or Spanish is an asset.