Mid Term Evaluation Consultant/Consultancy

Job Posting Organization:
Save the Children is a global organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and their families. Established in 1919, Save the Children operates in over 100 countries, with a mission to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, educated, and safe. The organization employs thousands of staff worldwide and collaborates with local partners to deliver programs that address the needs of vulnerable children and communities. Save the Children is committed to promoting children's rights and ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes that affect their lives. The organization values diversity and inclusion, striving to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to its mission.

Job Overview:
The Mid Term Evaluation Consultant will play a crucial role in assessing the progress and effectiveness of the Solomon Islands Knowledge–Action–Sustainability for Resilient Villages (SOLKAS) Project, which aims to enhance the resilience of climate-vulnerable communities in the Solomon Islands. This position involves designing and implementing a comprehensive evaluation framework that aligns with the Green Climate Fund's Evaluation Policy and Integrated Results Management Framework. The consultant will evaluate the project's performance against key criteria such as relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and potential for paradigm shifts. The role requires a deep understanding of climate change adaptation strategies and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including marginalized groups, to ensure that the evaluation is inclusive and reflective of the community's needs. The consultant will also be responsible for developing actionable recommendations to improve program performance and adaptive management during the remaining implementation period.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and implement an independent mid-term evaluation framework that aligns with GCF Evaluation Policy and Guidelines.
• Assess the project's progress toward achieving intended outputs, outcomes, impacts, and climate adaptation results.
• Evaluate program performance against key criteria including relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and paradigm shift potential.
• Review inclusion, participation, and locally led adaptation approaches, focusing on engagement with communities, women, youth, and marginalized groups.
• Assess implementation arrangements, partnerships, institutional coordination, and overall program management effectiveness.
• Develop evidence-based findings and actionable recommendations to enhance program performance and adaptive management.
• Prepare high-quality reports that communicate evaluation findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven experience conducting evaluations related to climate change and locally led adaptation initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in the Pacific context, preferably in the Solomon Islands, with strong cultural sensitivity and contextual understanding.
• Strong track record in applying OECD-DAC evaluation criteria and utilizing mixed-method evaluation designs, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches.
• Capacity to design and deliver ethical, inclusive studies that involve children and vulnerable groups.
• Ability to independently manage the full evaluation delivery process, including methodology design, data collection logistics, analysis, and reporting.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in environmental science, social science, development studies, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees (Master's or PhD) are preferred, particularly in areas related to climate change, evaluation methodologies, or social research.

Experience:
The consultant should have significant experience in conducting evaluations, particularly in the context of climate change adaptation projects. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience is preferred, with a strong emphasis on working in the Pacific region and understanding the unique challenges faced by communities in this area.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all reports and communications will be conducted in English. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the Solomon Islands is considered an asset and would enhance engagement with local communities.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is expected to be conducted over a defined period, with specific deliverables outlined in the Terms of Reference. The consultant will work on a contractual basis, and the position may require travel within the Solomon Islands to conduct field evaluations. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, and all consultants are required to undergo necessary background checks to ensure child safety.