Consultant for Terminal Review of UNEP Project

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system for addressing 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, working with various stakeholders including governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to promote sustainable practices and policies. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it has a significant focus on addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The organization employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with multiple partners to implement its initiatives effectively.

Job Overview:
The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Project Manager in the Resources and Markets Branch of the Industry and Economy Division. The primary function of this position is to conduct a comprehensive Terminal Review of the UNEP project titled 'South-South Cooperation to Build Capacity on Reducing Plastics Pollution in ASEAN Countries.' This involves preparing an Inception Report that assesses the quality of project design, developing a Preliminary Findings Note to facilitate team participation, and drafting both a Draft and Final Review Report that includes an Executive Summary, detailed analysis, lessons learned, and recommendations. The consultant will also be responsible for creating a Review Brief for wider dissemination and will engage with various stakeholders to gather feedback on the draft reports. The role requires a thorough understanding of the project’s objectives and the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include:

• Preparing an Inception Report that evaluates the project design quality and outlines a review framework and schedule.
• Developing a Preliminary Findings Note in PowerPoint format to share initial findings with the project team.
• Drafting a comprehensive Review Report that includes an Executive Summary, detailed analysis of findings, lessons learned, and recommendations.
• Creating a Review Brief summarizing the evaluand and review findings for broader dissemination.
• Submitting draft reports to the UNEP Project Manager and revising them based on feedback from the project team and stakeholders.
• Ensuring that all comments and suggestions are consolidated and addressed in the final report.
• Utilizing templates and tools provided by the UNEP Evaluation Office to support the review process and ensure compliance with performance standards.
• Engaging with stakeholders to validate findings and ensure that the performance judgments made are consistent with the evidence presented.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in environmental science, social science, natural science, environmental policy, law, political science, or equivalent academic qualifications. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted. Additionally, candidates should have at least 10 years of post-graduate work experience in international development assistance, particularly in relevant fields. Extensive evaluation and technical experience is required, ideally including the evaluation of large regional or global programs using a Theory of Change approach. A broad understanding of thematic areas such as environment, green economy, resource efficiency, and natural resource management is also desired. Strong process management skills, including facilitation and negotiation abilities, are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as environment, social science, natural science, environmental policy, law, or political science. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have substantial qualifying experience. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training related to environmental issues, policy development, and evaluation methodologies.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, particularly in international development assistance. This experience should include extensive evaluation and technical expertise, preferably with a focus on large-scale regional or global programs. Familiarity with the Theory of Change approach and a solid understanding of environmental issues and policies are critical for success in this role.

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. Knowledge of French, another official United Nations language, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based, allowing for flexibility in work location. The expected duration of the consultancy is from March 2024 to December 2025, aligning with the project timeline. 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. This policy ensures that the recruitment process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.