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, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since grown to operate in over 100 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to environmental issues. Its mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it works with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, to achieve its goals.

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 is crucial for assessing the project's progress and effectiveness in achieving its objectives. The consultant will employ a participatory approach, engaging key stakeholders throughout the review process to ensure their insights and feedback are incorporated. The review will utilize both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods to measure project achievements against expected outputs, outcomes, and impacts. The consultant is expected to maintain close communication with the project team to foster ownership of the review findings among stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for coordinating the Mid-Term Review, ensuring that all evaluation criteria and questions are adequately addressed. Key tasks include conducting a desk review of relevant project documentation, including project design documents, annual work plans, progress reports, and evaluations of similar projects. The consultant will also conduct interviews with various stakeholders, including the UNEP Task Manager, project management team, and project partners. Additional data collection methods, such as focus group discussions with beneficiaries, may be employed as needed. The consultant will prepare an inception report outlining the review framework and schedule, share preliminary findings with the project team, and draft both a preliminary and final review report that includes detailed analysis, lessons learned, and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in natural sciences, natural resources management, environmental sciences, monitoring and evaluation, international development, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of technical and evaluation experience is required, with a focus on project planning, management, monitoring, and evaluation. Experience evaluating large regional or global programs and familiarity with the Theory of Change approach is essential. Knowledge of GEF projects is highly desirable, along with excellent writing skills and team leadership experience. Familiarity with the UN system, particularly UNEP and GEF programming, is an asset. Experience in managing partnerships and knowledge management is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field such as natural sciences, natural resources management, environmental sciences, monitoring and evaluation, international development, or political/social sciences is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure the consultant has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively evaluate the project and provide valuable insights.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in technical evaluation, project planning, management, monitoring, and evaluation. Candidates should have a proven track record of evaluating large-scale projects, preferably within the context of GEF initiatives. Experience in using a Theory of Change approach in evaluations is also necessary, as it will guide the consultant in assessing the project's effectiveness and impact.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and enhance the consultant's ability to engage with diverse project partners.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 4 months, with the work being home-based. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Task Manager based in Nairobi, Kenya, and will receive overall guidance from the Head of the GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation Unit. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair hiring process.