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 numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it works with a diverse range of stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Consultant will be responsible for conducting a Terminal Evaluation of a project aimed at strengthening the capacities of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to effectively adapt to climate change. This role involves assessing project performance in terms of relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency, as well as determining the outcomes and impacts of the project. The consultant will work closely with the Evaluation Manager and the Evaluation Office to ensure that the evaluation meets accountability requirements and promotes operational improvement and knowledge sharing. The consultant will manage the evaluation process, including data collection, analysis, and report writing, while ensuring the independence and confidentiality of the evaluation process. The overall objective of the project is to foster sustained technical services for project development and policy mainstreaming in the context of climate change adaptation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Evaluation 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, and develop protocols for desk reviews and interviews. The consultant will also draft survey protocols if necessary, plan the evaluation schedule, and prepare an Inception Report for approval. In the data collection and analysis phase, the consultant will conduct in-depth interviews with project stakeholders, potentially visit project locations, and ensure the independence of the evaluation. Regular reporting to the Evaluation Manager on progress and any issues encountered is essential. In the reporting phase, the consultant will draft the Main Evaluation Report, liaise with the Evaluation Manager for feedback, finalize the report, and prepare a Response to Comments annex. Maintaining positive relationships with evaluation stakeholders and ensuring a participatory evaluation process while upholding independence is also a critical responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires 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 technical and evaluation experience is required, preferably with a focus on evaluating large, regional, or global programs using a Theory of Change approach. A broad understanding of climate change adaptation is desired, and familiarity with the UN system and UNEP's work is considered an advantage. The consultant must demonstrate strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least 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 evaluation and climate change adaptation.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience in technical evaluation, with a strong preference for experience in evaluating large-scale programs at regional or global levels. Experience using a Theory of Change approach in evaluations is essential, as it provides a framework for understanding the project's intended outcomes and impacts. Familiarity with climate change adaptation strategies and practices is also important for effectively assessing the project's success and sustainability.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English and French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. A working knowledge of Portuguese is desirable, as it may facilitate communication with stakeholders in relevant regions and enhance the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
The Evaluation Consultant will be contracted for a total of 60 days over a period of 6 months, divided into three contracts based on deliverables: 30% for the Inception Report, 40% for the Draft Evaluation Report, and 30% for the Final Evaluation Report. It is crucial that the consultant has had no prior involvement in the formulation or implementation of the project to ensure independence. The consultant will be required to sign the Evaluation Consultant Code of Conduct Agreement Form. Additionally, 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 selection process.