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. 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 the international community for necessary action. Established in 1972, UNEP has grown to encompass a diverse workforce and operates in over 100 countries, focusing on various environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Consultant will play a crucial role in assessing the performance of a project aimed at providing targeted financial and technical support to countries for the preparation of Technology Needs Assessments (TNAs). This consultancy is vital for evaluating the project's effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting climate change adaptation efforts. The consultant will be responsible for managing the evaluation process, which includes data collection, analysis, and report writing. The evaluation will not only serve accountability purposes but also foster operational improvements and knowledge sharing among UNEP and participating countries. The consultant will work closely with the Evaluation Manager and other stakeholders to ensure a thorough and independent evaluation process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Evaluation Consultant will undertake several key 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, prepare the evaluation framework, and develop protocols for desk reviews and interviews. 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 in-depth interviews with project stakeholders, potentially visit project locations, and ensure the independence and confidentiality of the evaluation process. Regular updates will be provided to the Evaluation Manager regarding progress and any issues encountered. In the reporting phase, the consultant will draft the Main Evaluation Report, liaise with the Evaluation Manager for feedback, and prepare a Response to Comments annex. Additionally, the consultant will maintain positive relationships with evaluation stakeholders to ensure a participatory evaluation process while upholding its independence.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in environmental sciences or social sciences, with an advanced degree in these fields being desirable. A minimum of 9 years of technical evaluation experience is required, particularly in evaluating large, regional, or global programs using a Theory of Change approach. Experience in climate change adaptation and mitigation is advantageous, as is familiarity with the UN system and UNEP's work. The consultant should demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to manage complex evaluation processes effectively.

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

Experience:
The consultant must have at least 9 years of relevant experience, particularly in technical evaluation roles. Experience in evaluating large-scale programs, especially those related to climate change, is essential. Familiarity with the Theory of Change approach is crucial for this role, as it will guide the evaluation process and ensure comprehensive assessments of project outcomes.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English and French is mandatory for this consultancy, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. A working knowledge of Portuguese is considered desirable, which may enhance communication with a broader range of stakeholders involved in the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is structured over an expected duration of 8 months, with the work being part-time and delivered through two contracts. The first contract will cover the Inception Report and Draft Evaluation Report, accounting for 70% of the total work, while the second contract will focus on the Final Evaluation Report, making up the remaining 30%. It is important to note that the Evaluation Consultant must have no prior involvement in the project to ensure independence and objectivity in the evaluation process. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair selection process.