Evaluation Specialist

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 and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to promoting sustainable development through sound environmental practices. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it works in various sectors to achieve this goal.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Specialist will be part of a team responsible for conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the UNEP Enabling Subprogramme Finance and Economic Transformations (FET-SP) from 2018 to 202

• This role involves assessing the effectiveness and impact of UNEP's initiatives aimed at addressing critical environmental crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The consultant will work closely with the Evaluation Manager and other team members to develop evaluation frameworks, conduct systematic reviews, and prepare detailed reports. The position requires a strong understanding of environmental policies and the ability to analyze complex data to inform decision-making processes. The consultant will also engage with various stakeholders to ensure a participatory evaluation process while maintaining independence and objectivity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Evaluation Specialist will have a range of responsibilities throughout the evaluation process, including:

• Inception Phase: Mapping out projects within the FET-SP portfolio, assessing their contributions to UNEP's work, conducting preliminary desk reviews, and preparing the Inception Report.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Conducting in-depth interviews with project stakeholders, reporting progress to the Evaluation Manager, and engaging with the Sub-Programme Coordinator on emerging findings.
• Reporting Phase: Drafting the Main Evaluation Report, ensuring coherence and consistency, and finalizing the report based on feedback from the Evaluation Manager.
• Managing Relations: Maintaining positive relationships with evaluation stakeholders and ensuring timely communication with the Evaluation Manager regarding any issues that arise during the evaluation process. The consultant must also adhere to the Evaluation Consultant Code of Conduct Agreement Form and ensure independence from the participating institutions.

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 evaluation experience is required, with a preference for those who have evaluated large, regional, or global programs using a Theory of Change approach. Strong research, data management, and writing skills are essential, along with experience working as part of an evaluation team. Advanced knowledge in resource efficiency, sustainable finance, UN policy work, and multilateral environmental agreements is desirable.

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. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental policies and evaluation methodologies.

Experience:
The Evaluation Specialist should have at least ten years of relevant experience in technical evaluation, particularly in large-scale programs. Experience in using a Theory of Change approach for evaluations is highly preferred. Familiarity with the UN system, particularly UNEP and its partner agencies, is also beneficial. Candidates should demonstrate solid research and data management skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively within an evaluation team.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this consultancy, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also desirable, as it is the other working language of the UN. Strong communication skills in these languages are essential for effective collaboration and reporting.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based with field visits required, and the expected duration of the assignment is 12 months, with a total of 70 days of work to be completed within this timeframe. The evaluation process will include the submission of various reports, including an Inception Report, Preliminary Findings, a Draft Report, and a Final Evaluation Report. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair selection process.