Principal Evaluator

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, focusing on various environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to foster the integration of environmental considerations into the decision-making processes of governments and other stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Principal Evaluator will be responsible for conducting a Terminal Evaluation of the UNEP project titled 'Enforcing Environmental Treaties Implementation in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Countries (ACP MEAs III)'. This role involves assessing the project's performance in terms of relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency, as well as determining the outcomes and impacts of the project. The evaluation aims to provide evidence of results to meet accountability requirements and promote operational improvement, learning, and knowledge sharing among UNEP and its project partners. The consultant will work closely with the Evaluation Manager and the Director of the Evaluation Office, ensuring that the evaluation process is independent and participatory, while also maintaining a positive relationship with stakeholders. The evaluation will be conducted over a period of 8 months, with specific deliverables including an Inception Report, Draft Report, and Final Evaluation Report.

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

• Inception Phase: Conducting a preliminary desk review, drafting the reconstructed Theory of Change, preparing the evaluation framework, developing desk review and interview protocols, and planning the evaluation schedule. The evaluator will also prepare the Inception Report, incorporating feedback until it is approved by the Evaluation Manager.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Conducting further desk reviews and in-depth interviews with project stakeholders, potentially including field visits to project locations. The evaluator must ensure the independence of the evaluation and maintain confidentiality during interviews. Regular reporting to the Evaluation Manager on progress and any issues encountered is essential.
• Reporting Phase: Drafting the Main Evaluation Report, ensuring coherence and consistency with guidelines, and finalizing the report based on comments received. The evaluator will also prepare a Response to Comments annex and, if agreed, an Evaluation Brief summarizing key findings.
• Managing Relations: Maintaining positive relationships with evaluation stakeholders and ensuring a participatory evaluation process while upholding independence. Timely communication with the Evaluation Manager regarding any issues requiring attention is crucial.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, international development, or other relevant political or social sciences areas. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of ten years of technical evaluation experience is required, preferably including evaluations of large, regional, or global programs using a Theory of Change approach. A broad understanding of environmental governance, particularly concerning biodiversity, chemicals, pollution, or ocean governance, is desirable. Familiarity with the UN system and UNEP's work is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environmental sciences, international development, or political/social sciences. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent), they must also have two additional years of qualifying experience to meet the educational requirements. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of environmental issues and the evaluation processes involved in international projects.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in technical evaluation, with a strong preference for candidates who have evaluated large, regional, or global programs. Experience using a Theory of Change approach is particularly important, as it will guide the evaluation process and ensure that the assessment is comprehensive and effective. Candidates should also have a good understanding of environmental governance, especially in relation to biodiversity, chemicals, pollution, or ocean governance, which will be critical for evaluating the project's impact and effectiveness.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this consultancy, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is the other working language of the UN. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and reporting throughout the evaluation process, ensuring that all stakeholders can engage meaningfully in discussions and provide input during interviews and consultations.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based, with the potential for field visits to project locations. The expected duration of the assignment is 8 months, during which the Principal Evaluator will be responsible for delivering various reports and outputs as outlined in the duties and responsibilities section. 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. Additionally, the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.