The UNESCO Evaluation Office is inviting expressions of interest from qualified senior evaluators to lead an independent evaluation of UNESCO’s Information for All Programme (IFAP). The assignment will assess the Programme’s performance from 2007 to 2026 and provide recommendations to inform its future strategic direction. The evaluation is particularly significant because IFAP will mark its 25th anniversary during the period under review. The successful evaluator will examine the Programme’s contribution to equitable access to information and knowledge, sustainable development, national information policies and global normative frameworks. About UNESCO’s Information for All Programme The Information for All Programme was established in 2001 as an intergovernmental UNESCO programme promoting equitable access to information and knowledge. The evaluation will provide a comprehensive assessment of IFAP’s relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability. It will consider both achievements and challenges and examine how the Programme can remain strategically relevant in the future. The assignment will cover the period 2007–2026 and will examine the Programme’s governance and working mechanisms, including the role of its National Committees. Scope of the Evaluation The Senior Evaluator will lead an evaluation that is both retrospective and forward-looking. The assessment will consider what the Programme has achieved, what approaches have worked, and what challenges have affected its implementation and impact. Key areas of assessment will include: IFAP’s relevance to changing information and knowledge needs Programme coherence and effectiveness Efficiency in the use of financial and human resources Contributions to Member States’ information policies Contributions to global normative instruments Governance and institutional working mechanisms Role and functioning of National Committees Programme impact and sustainability Challenges affecting IFAP’s performance Options for strengthening the Programme’s future strategic direction The findings are expected to support evidence-based decisions about the future role and positioning of IFAP. Senior Evaluator Opportunity The successful candidate will serve as the Senior Evaluator responsible for leading the evaluation process. This is a senior-level consultancy opportunity suited to an experienced evaluation professional with the ability to conduct complex institutional and programme-level assessments. Candidates should be able to demonstrate strong analytical and evaluation capabilities and the ability to assess governance, implementation, institutional performance, results and sustainability. Because the evaluation covers a major international intergovernmental programme over an extended period, relevant experience in international development, multilateral organisations, public policy, programme evaluation or institutional assessment would be highly valuable. Expected Evaluation Timeline The evaluation is expected to be completed by March 2027. This timeline is designed to ensure that the final findings can be presented to the 16th session of the IFAP Intergovernmental Council in May 2027. The successful evaluator will therefore need to manage the assignment effectively and deliver high-quality findings within the established timeframe. Who Should Apply? The opportunity is intended for experienced evaluation professionals capable of leading a comprehensive assessment of a complex international programme. Strong candidates should be prepared to demonstrate relevant expertise in areas such as: Programme and policy evaluation Institutional and organisational assessment International development or multilateral programmes Governance and strategic analysis Evaluation methodology and evidence-based research Assessment of programme effectiveness, impact and sustainability Analysis of policies, institutional mechanisms and stakeholder engagement Applicants should carefully consult the official Expression of Interest and Terms of Reference for the complete qualifications, deliverables, methodology and contractual requirements. Application Deadline The deadline for applications is 16 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST (Paris time). Interested candidates should prepare their Expression of Interest in accordance with the instructions contained in the official Terms of Reference. How to Apply Applications should be submitted by email to: Mr. Caspar Merkle: c.merkle@unesco.org Applicants should copy: Mr. Alfonso Gonzalez Montesinos: a.gonzalez-montesino@unesco.org The email subject line should state: “Expression of interest – Evaluation of UNESCO IFAP” Candidates should ensure that their submission follows all requirements contained in the official Expression of Interest and Terms of Reference before sending the application. Why This Opportunity Is Valuable Leading an evaluation of UNESCO’s Information for All Programme provides an experienced evaluator with an opportunity to contribute to an important international policy and institutional assessment. The assignment offers exposure to issues surrounding information access, knowledge societies, digital transformation, public policy, governance and sustainable development. Its findings will also contribute to discussions about the future direction of an established UNESCO intergovernmental programme. For senior evaluation specialists, the assignment represents an opportunity to contribute evidence and strategic recommendations to an international organisation while influencing the future design and positioning of a programme with a global mandate. Important Details Organisation: UNESCOOpportunity: Senior Evaluator – Evaluation of the Information for All ProgrammeProgramme: Information for All Programme (IFAP)Evaluation period: 2007–2026Expected completion: March 2027Deadline: 16 October 2026, 23:59 CESTLocation: International / assignment details in the Terms of ReferenceApplication: Expression of InterestApplication method: Email submission VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY Interested applicants should review the official UNESCO/UNEG vacancy announcement and download the Expression of Interest and Terms of Reference before preparing their submission. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.