Mid-Term Evaluation Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system that addresses environmental issues on both global and regional levels. Established to promote sustainable development through sound environmental practices, UNEP plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges. It serves as the custodian for 25 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators, focusing on critical areas such as water, oceans, land, natural resources, protected areas, and environmental policy. UNEP’s Office of Science is dedicated to delivering integrated and coherent scientific information to inform policy decisions, emphasizing evidence-based solutions to environmental challenges. The organization aims to enhance its scientific capacity and improve the interfaces between science and policy, thereby facilitating effective action for environmental sustainability. UNEP operates in numerous countries worldwide, engaging with various stakeholders to promote environmental governance and sustainable practices.

Job Overview:
The Mid-Term Evaluation Consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the project titled 'Capacity development for an inclusive science-policy interface using environmental information and knowledge systems at regional and country levels.' This project, funded by the European Commission, aims to empower stakeholders by providing quality data and assessments on open platforms. The consultant will assess the project's performance at its midpoint, identifying challenges and recommending corrective actions to ensure the project meets its intended outcomes efficiently and sustainably. The consultant will adopt a collaborative and participatory approach, engaging closely with relevant parties and conducting independent meetings with project beneficiary countries. The evaluation will follow UNEP's Evaluation Policy and Programme Manual, employing a mixed-methods approach that includes desk reviews, qualitative interviews, and quantitative data analysis to validate findings and assess project impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities throughout the evaluation process. Initially, during the inception phase, the consultant will conduct a preliminary desk review and introductory interviews with project staff to gather background information. They will prepare an evaluation framework in accordance with UNEP guidelines, develop protocols for desk reviews and interviews, draft survey protocols if necessary, and create a detailed evaluation schedule. During the data collection and analysis phase, the consultant will assess project activities, conduct in-depth interviews with implementing agencies, partners, and stakeholders, and ensure the independence and confidentiality of the evaluation process. Regular updates will be provided to the project manager regarding progress and any issues encountered. In the reporting phase, the consultant will draft a comprehensive Mid-term Evaluation Report, ensuring it aligns with the project manager's guidelines. They will finalize the report based on feedback and prepare a Response to Comments annex, addressing any comments not accepted. Additionally, the consultant will maintain positive relationships with evaluation stakeholders, ensuring a participatory evaluation process while preserving its independence.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an M.Sc. degree in environmental sciences, natural resources management, or a related field. A minimum of five years of professional experience in project review, planning, monitoring, and evaluation is essential. Proven expertise in evaluating the impact of projects and programs is required, along with experience in the UN system or government/intergovernmental settings. Familiarity with sustainable development goals and their evaluation is desirable, as is the ability to conduct evaluations that adhere to rigorous standards.

Educational Background:
The position requires an M.Sc. degree in environmental sciences, natural resources management, or a closely related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental issues and the methodologies used in project evaluation.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least five years of professional experience in project review, planning, monitoring, and evaluation. This experience should include a proven track record of evaluating the impact of projects and programs, particularly within the context of the UN system or governmental organizations. Familiarity with sustainable development goals and their evaluation processes is also highly desirable.

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 UN language, is considered desirable and may enhance the consultant's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for approximately 2.5 months. There are no fees associated with the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage, including application, interview, or training. The organization emphasizes its commitment to transparency and integrity in recruitment, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information.