Evaluation Consultant

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 in multiple countries, focusing on various environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices worldwide. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it has a significant workforce dedicated to achieving its goals.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Consultant will be responsible for conducting a Terminal Evaluation of the project 'Environment in Humanitarian Action (EHA), including disaster waste management: Scaling-up resilience to disasters and conflicts.' This evaluation aims to assess the project's performance in terms of relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency, as well as to determine the actual and potential outcomes and impacts stemming from the project, including their sustainability. The consultant will work closely with the Evaluation Manager and the Evaluation Office, ensuring that the evaluation process adheres to UNEP's Evaluation Policy and Programme and Project Management Manual. The consultant's work will involve data collection, analysis, and report writing, with a focus on providing evidence of results to meet accountability requirements and promoting operational improvement and knowledge sharing among UNEP and its project partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities throughout the evaluation process. During the inception phase, the consultant will conduct a preliminary desk review, engage in introductory interviews with project staff, draft the reconstructed Theory of Change, prepare the evaluation framework, develop desk review and interview protocols, draft survey protocols if necessary, and plan the evaluation schedule. The consultant will also prepare an Inception Report for approval by the Evaluation Manager. In the data collection and analysis phase, the consultant will conduct further desk reviews and in-depth interviews with project stakeholders, potentially conduct evaluation missions to selected countries, and ensure the independence and confidentiality of the evaluation process. Regular reporting to the Evaluation Manager on progress and any issues encountered will be essential. In the reporting phase, the consultant will draft the Main Evaluation Report, finalize it based on feedback, and prepare a Response to Comments annex. Maintaining positive relationships with evaluation stakeholders while ensuring the evaluation's independence is also a critical responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in environmental sciences or social sciences, with an advanced degree in the same areas being desirable. A minimum of 9 years of professional experience in environmental sciences or social sciences is required, along with evaluation experience, preferably involving large, regional, or global programs and utilizing a Theory of Change approach. A good understanding of humanitarian-related issues and experience in evaluating disaster and conflict-related projects are also desirable. Familiarity with the UN system and UNEP's work is considered an added advantage.

Educational Background:
The position requires a first-level university degree in environmental sciences or social sciences. An advanced degree in these fields is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in environmental evaluations and humanitarian actions.

Experience:
The consultant must have at least 9 years of professional experience in the relevant fields, with a strong emphasis on evaluation experience. This includes evaluating large-scale programs and projects, particularly those related to humanitarian actions and environmental issues. The consultant should demonstrate a proven track record of conducting evaluations that inform policy and operational improvements.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this consultancy role, 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, enhancing communication with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 8 months, and the consultant will work from a home-based location. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The consultant will be required to sign the Evaluation Consultant Code of Conduct Agreement Form, ensuring adherence to ethical standards throughout the evaluation process.