Evaluation Consultant for Terminal Evaluation of the UNEP Project Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system that addresses environmental issues at both global and regional levels. Established to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP plays a crucial role in keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The organization operates with a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it has a significant presence in multiple countries worldwide, engaging in various environmental initiatives and programs.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Consultant will be responsible for conducting a terminal evaluation of the UNEP Project aimed at reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. This role involves managing the evaluation process, which includes data collection, analysis, and report writing. The consultant will work closely with the Evaluation Manager and other stakeholders to ensure that the evaluation is comprehensive and meets the required standards. The consultant will also be expected to engage with various project partners and stakeholders, ensuring that the evaluation process is participatory while maintaining independence. The evaluation will be conducted over a period of 50 days within a 6-month timeframe, with specific deliverables including an inception report, draft report, and final evaluation report.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Evaluation Consultant include:

• Inception Phase: Conducting a preliminary desk review, drafting the reconstructed Theory of Change, preparing the evaluation framework, developing desk review and interview protocols, and planning the evaluation schedule.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Conducting in-depth interviews with project stakeholders, possibly conducting evaluation missions to selected countries, preparing case studies, and regularly reporting progress to the Evaluation Manager.
• Reporting Phase: Drafting the Main Evaluation Report, finalizing the report based on feedback, preparing a Response to Comments annex, and presenting findings to stakeholders.
• Managing Relations: Maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders, ensuring a participatory evaluation process, and communicating any issues to the Evaluation Manager.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, international development, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of seven years of technical and/or evaluation experience is required, preferably including experience in evaluating large, regional, or global programs. A good understanding of climate change and technical experience in this area is essential, along with knowledge of the UN system and UNEP's work being desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environmental sciences, international development, or social sciences. A Bachelor's degree in these areas, combined with additional qualifying experience, may also be considered acceptable. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental issues and evaluation methodologies.

Experience:
The consultant must have at least seven years of relevant experience, particularly in technical and evaluation roles. This experience should ideally include evaluating large-scale programs and projects, particularly those that operate within a multilateral framework. Familiarity with the Theory of Change approach is also required, as it is a key component of the evaluation process.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also required, while knowledge of Spanish is considered desirable. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and reporting throughout the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based with field visits required, and the total duration of the assignment is 50 days spread over a period of 6 months. The consultant will be selected and recruited by the UNEP Evaluation Office through a consultancy contract. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information.