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 works with a diverse range of stakeholders including governments, civil society, and the private sector.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Consultant will be responsible for conducting a Terminal Evaluation of a project aimed at improving sustainable land management practices in Georgia. 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 Director of the Evaluation Office, ensuring that the evaluation process is thorough and meets accountability requirements. The consultant will also promote operational improvement and knowledge sharing through the evaluation findings, which will be critical for future project formulation and implementation. The evaluation will be conducted over a period of 46 days within an 8-month timeframe, with specific deliverables including an Inception Report, Draft Report, and Final Evaluation Report.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Evaluation Consultant will undertake several key responsibilities throughout the evaluation process. These include:

• Inception Phase: Conducting a preliminary desk review, interviewing project staff, drafting the Theory of Change, preparing the evaluation framework, and developing protocols for data collection.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Conducting in-depth interviews with project stakeholders, possibly visiting project locations in Georgia, and ensuring the independence and confidentiality of the evaluation process.
• Reporting Phase: Drafting the Main Evaluation Report, finalizing it based on feedback from the Evaluation Manager, and preparing a summary of key findings.
• Managing Relations: Maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders, ensuring a participatory evaluation process while upholding independence, and communicating any issues to the Evaluation Manager in a timely manner.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, international development, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of ten years of technical and evaluation experience is required, preferably with a focus on large, regional, or global programs and utilizing a Theory of Change approach. A broad understanding of sustainable land management, land degradation neutrality, and natural capital is desirable, along with knowledge of the UN system and UNEP's work.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environmental sciences, international development, or social sciences. A Bachelor's degree in these areas, combined with additional qualifying experience, may also be considered acceptable. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively evaluate the project.

Experience:
The consultant must have at least ten years of relevant experience in technical evaluation, with a preference for those who have evaluated large-scale programs. Experience should include the application of a Theory of Change approach, which is critical for assessing project outcomes and impacts. Familiarity with sustainable land management practices and the challenges associated with land degradation is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this consultancy, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, fluency in Georgian, the local and official language of Georgia, is desirable to facilitate communication with local stakeholders and ensure a comprehensive evaluation process. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, given its status as another working language of the UN.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based with field visits to Georgia, and the expected duration of the assignment is 46 days spread over a period of 8 months. The consultant will be selected through a consultancy contract by the UNEP Evaluation Office, and comprehensive terms of reference will be provided separately. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information.