Consultant for Mid-Term Review of GEF Project

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance and policy development, working with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental issues. With a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, UNEP operates in over 100 countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable resource management. The organization plays a crucial role in coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP’s Ecosystems Division specifically focuses on providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policies, thereby strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and those with economies in transition.

Job Overview:
The consultant will conduct a Mid-Term Review of the GEF project titled 'Capacity support for accession to and implementation of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization in South Sudan.' This review aims to assess the project's achievements against its expected outputs, outcomes, and impacts, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The consultant will adopt a participatory approach, ensuring that key stakeholders are informed and consulted throughout the review process. Close communication with the project team is essential to promote information exchange and enhance stakeholder ownership of the review findings. The review will involve a comprehensive desk review of relevant documentation, including project reports, meeting minutes, and other management memos, as well as interviews with various stakeholders, including the UNEP Task Manager, project management team, and project partners. The consultant will be responsible for coordinating the review process and delivering outputs in a timely manner, ensuring that all evaluation criteria and questions are adequately addressed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for the overall coordination of the Mid-Term Review and timely delivery of its outputs. Key tasks include:

• Preparing an Inception Report that confirms the results framework and theory of change of the project, conducts a stakeholder analysis, and outlines a review framework and tentative schedule.
• Sharing preliminary findings to support project team participation and verify emerging findings.
• Drafting and finalizing the Review Reports, which will include an executive summary, detailed analysis organized by review criteria, lessons learned, recommendations, and an annotated ratings table.
• Reviewing the draft MTR report and revising it based on feedback from the Task Manager and key project stakeholders.
• Ensuring that all evaluation criteria and questions are adequately covered throughout the review process.
• Maintaining close communication with the project team and promoting information exchange to enhance ownership of the review findings.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced degree in Natural Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Sciences, Monitoring and Evaluation, International Development, or other relevant fields is required. Additionally, a minimum of 7 years of technical/evaluation experience is required, including project planning, management, monitoring, and evaluation, preferably with experience in evaluating large, regional, or global programs using a Theory of Change approach. Experience in evaluating GEF projects is highly desirable. Excellent writing skills, team leadership experience, and knowledge of the UN system, particularly UNEP and GEF programming, are considered assets. Experience in managing partnerships, knowledge management, and communication is also desirable for evaluation consultants.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in relevant fields such as Natural Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Sciences, Monitoring and Evaluation, International Development, or other related political or social sciences areas. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively conduct the Mid-Term Review and provide valuable insights into the project's progress and outcomes.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of technical and evaluation experience, which should include project planning, management, monitoring, and evaluation. Candidates should preferably have experience in evaluating large, regional, or global programs and be familiar with using a Theory of Change approach. Experience specifically related to GEF projects is highly desirable, as it will provide the consultant with the context and understanding necessary to assess the project's effectiveness and impact accurately.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance the consultant's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the review process.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is 4 months, and the work location is home-based. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.