Evaluation Specialist

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 multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to promoting sustainable environmental practices worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Specialist will be part of a team 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 project performance in terms of relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency, as well as determining the outcomes and impacts of the project. The Evaluation Specialist will work closely with the Principal Evaluator and will be expected to contribute significantly to the evaluation process, ensuring that all evaluation criteria and questions are adequately addressed. The position requires a strong understanding of environmental governance and the ability to engage with various stakeholders to gather insights and data necessary for a comprehensive evaluation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Evaluation Specialist will undertake several key responsibilities throughout the evaluation process. These include conducting a preliminary desk review and introductory interviews with project staff during the inception phase, drafting the reconstructed Theory of Change for the project, preparing the evaluation framework, and developing protocols for desk reviews and interviews. During the data collection and analysis phase, the specialist will conduct in-depth interviews with project stakeholders, potentially conduct field visits to project locations, and ensure the independence and confidentiality of the evaluation process. In the reporting phase, the specialist will draft the Main Evaluation Report, liaise with the Evaluation Manager to incorporate feedback, and prepare a Response to Comments annex. Additionally, the specialist will maintain positive relationships with evaluation stakeholders and communicate any issues requiring attention to the Evaluation Manager.

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 seven years of technical and evaluation experience is required, preferably including evaluating large, regional, or global programs using a Theory of Change approach. A broad understanding of environmental governance, particularly in relation to biodiversity, chemicals, pollution, or ocean governance, 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 political/social sciences. In cases where candidates hold a Bachelor's degree, they must have two additional years of qualifying experience to meet the educational requirements. This educational background is essential to ensure that the Evaluation Specialist has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively assess the project's performance and outcomes.

Experience:
The Evaluation Specialist must have at least seven years of relevant experience in technical evaluation, with a preference for those who have evaluated large-scale regional or global programs. Experience using a Theory of Change approach is particularly important, as it will be a key component of the evaluation process. Candidates should also demonstrate a good understanding of environmental governance issues, especially those related to biodiversity, chemicals, pollution, and ocean governance, which will enhance their ability to contribute to the evaluation effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required 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 another working language within the UN system. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication with stakeholders and for the preparation of evaluation reports and documentation.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based with the potential for field visits, and the expected duration of the assignment is eight months. The Evaluation Specialist will be recruited through a consultancy contract by the UNEP Evaluation Office. 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. Candidates should be aware that the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.