Monitoring & Evaluation of Youth initiatives led by PM’s office in collaboration with UNFPA and other UN agencies under Prime Minister’s Youth Programme
Background:
Pakistan is currently one of the youngest countries in the world. While population below the age of 30 makes up nearly two-thirds of Pakistan’s population, young people (15-29 years) account for about 70% of the country’s total population. The share of young people in the population is likely to increase further in the coming years. This large cohort of youth is seen as the beacon of prosperity capturing the demographic dividend in Pakistan[1]. Pakistan’s large youth bulge represents both an opportunity and a risk for the socio-economic development of the country. On the one hand, it means a rise in the proportion of working age population and entry of a large number of youth into labour market. If these new entrants to the labour market can be absorbed into productive activities, it will boost the income per capita and result in a demographic dividend. On the other hand, if these entrants can’t find decent work opportunities, then the youth bulge is likely to become a demographic time bomb. In short, the youth bulge is bound to affect the country’s socio-economic development one or the other way.

The window of opportunity presented by the youth bulge will not be available forever. Therefore, it is vital for the local and provincial governments as well as federal government to take all possible steps to tap the potential of the youth within the limited time window. Most importantly, governments will need to invest in young people to enable them to lead active and fulfilling lives


Pakistan has, in recent years showed its resolute commitment to youth development, evident from the adoption of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as various youth initiatives that acknowledges the need for positive youth development and empowerment. The Prime Minister Youth Programme is based on a pioneer framework that seeks to fulfil Pakistan’s global commitments through youth empowerment and engagement for achieving SDGs, with the focus on mainstreaming marginalized youth groups. Encouraging entrepreneurial, educational and skill development opportunities, the PYMP is focusing on the young demographic of the country.
UNFPA Pakistan has partnered with the Prime Minister Office team and under the leadership of the Chiarman, is supporting the PMYP on multiple fronts with respect to youth initiatives launched in 2024. In this regard, UNFPA is providing technical assistance to the PYMP through a monitoring & evaluation expert/consultant who will work with PM’s office to oversee the progress and achievements made under different youth initiatives, while also providing concrete recommendations for improvement and for strengthened impact of these initiatives.
Duration and working schedule:
Consultancy is for the tenure of 4 months (September to December 2024).
Place where services are to be delivered:


Islamabad – Prime Minister’s Office
Delivery dates and how work will be delivered ( e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.):
The key tasks of the consultant will include:


1. Monthly review of progress and achievements under different youth initiatives including National Youth Council, Youth Volunteer Cohort, PM’s Laptop scheme, PM’s Youth Skill Development Program, PM’s Youth Business & Agricultural Loan Scheme, PM’s National Innovation Award, PM’s Talent Hunt Youth Sports etc.
2. Desk Review of global best practices for youth programs around the globe and provide technical guidance and support to PM’s office for improving existing programs
3. Consultation with youth and key stakeholders to gauge the impact of these programs
4. Provide technical guidance through concrete recommendations to PM’s office, based on information and insights gathered after consultations, regular monitoring and desk review.
5. Final Report including overall insights and recommendations for PMYP
Deliverables:
1.Monthly Report
2.Monthly Report
3.Monthly Report
4.Final Report with recommendations
Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:
The consultant is required to work in close collaboration with the PYMP team. The consultant will report the progress to UNFPA on monthly basis in narrative report and is expected to work closely with UNFPA Programme Analyst (Youth) for matters related to relevant deliverables
Supervisory arrangements:
During the course of the assignment, the consultant will work under the immediate supervision of UNFPA Programme Analyst (Youth) and overall guidance of the Deputy Representative of UNFPA.
Expected travel:
No travel is required
Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:
Knowledge and Experience:

• Advanced university degree in project management, social sciences or other relevant disciplines

• At least 5 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation, especially of programs in the area of youth engagement/ youth empowerment/ youth development.

• Experience in developing monitoring reports and strategies

• Strong knowledge of contemporary development issues nationally and globally on adolescents and youth meaningful engagement, educational attainment, health and wellbeing, community engagement, participation in civic issues, livelihoods and employment, entrepreneurship and national and global planning frameworks

• Strong knowledge of SDGs and Pakistan’s commitments to the goals.

• Excellent networks/linkages with government and civil society partners

• Prior work experience with a UN agency is an asset.

Functional competencies:

• Advocacy/Advancing a policy-oriented agenda

• Results-based programme development and management

• Innovation and adopting new approaches

Core Competencies:

• Values: Integrity/Commitment to mandate, Knowledge sharing/Continuous learning, Valuing diversity

• Managing Relationships: Working in teams, Communicating information and ideas, Conflict and self-management

• Working with people: Empowerment/Developing people/Performance management

• Personal Leadership and Effectiveness: Strategic and analytical thinking, Results orientation/Commitment to excellence, Appropriate and transparent decision making

Languages:
Written/ verbal competency in English and Urdu is required. Any regional language is desirable.