Evaluation Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a key entity within the United Nations system, established to address environmental issues on both global and regional levels. UNEP's mission is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, ensuring that the global environment is continuously monitored and that emerging issues are brought to the attention of governments and international communities for necessary action. The organization operates with a focus on sustainability and environmental protection, engaging with various stakeholders to promote effective environmental governance. UNEP has a significant presence worldwide, with numerous projects and initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development across different countries and regions.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Consultant will play a crucial role in conducting a Terminal Evaluation of the UNEP project titled 'United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative - Aligning private finance with sustainable development - (SMA ID 102770)', which spans from 2022 to 202

• This evaluation is essential for assessing the project's performance in terms of relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency, as well as determining the actual and potential outcomes and impacts of the project, including sustainability aspects. The consultant will be responsible for managing the evaluation process, ensuring that it adheres to UNEP's Evaluation Policy and Programme and Project Management Manual. The evaluation aims to provide evidence of results for accountability and to promote operational improvements and knowledge sharing among UNEP and its project partners. The consultant will work closely with the Evaluation Manager and the Director of the Evaluation Office to ensure that the evaluation is comprehensive and meets the required standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Evaluation Consultant will have a range of specific responsibilities throughout the evaluation process. In the inception phase, the consultant will conduct a preliminary desk review, engage in introductory interviews with project staff, draft the reconstructed Theory of Change for the project, prepare the evaluation framework, and develop various protocols for data collection. The consultant will also plan the evaluation schedule and prepare an Inception Report for approval. During the data collection and analysis phase, the consultant will conduct further desk reviews and in-depth interviews with project stakeholders, potentially undertake evaluation missions to selected countries, and ensure the independence and confidentiality of the evaluation process. 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. Additionally, the consultant will maintain positive relationships with evaluation stakeholders and communicate any issues requiring attention to the Evaluation Manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in environmental sciences, international development, or a related field, with an advanced degree being desirable. A minimum of 9 years of technical and evaluation experience is required, particularly in evaluating large regional or global programs using a Theory of Change approach. A broad understanding of sustainable finance, including environmental and social standards, climate finance, risk management, and financial regulation, is preferred. Familiarity with multi-stakeholder initiatives and working knowledge of the UN system, especially UNEP's operations, will be considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
The position requires a first-level university degree in environmental sciences, international development, or other relevant political or social sciences areas. An advanced degree in these fields is desirable, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex environmental and developmental issues.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least 9 years of relevant experience, particularly in technical evaluation roles. Experience in evaluating large-scale regional or global programs is essential, with a preference for those who have utilized a Theory of Change approach in their evaluations. This level of experience ensures that the consultant can effectively assess project performance and outcomes.

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, which may enhance communication with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 7 months and will be part-time. The Evaluation Consultant will be contracted through an individual consultancy agreement with the UNEP Evaluation Office. It is important to note that the consultant must have no prior involvement in the formulation or implementation of the project to ensure independence. The evaluation process will be conducted in a manner that maintains confidentiality and independence, with the consultant required to sign the Evaluation Consultant Code of Conduct Agreement Form. The overall assignment will be divided into two contracts, with specific deliverables outlined for each phase of the evaluation.