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 critical 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 practices. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it employs a diverse workforce dedicated to this cause.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the GEF-funded project, 'Sustainable Cities Impact Program Global Platform (SCIP-GP; GEF 10452)'. This project aims to influence targeted cities through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy to enhance sustainability in urban environments. The consultant will work closely with the Evaluation Manager and the Director of the Evaluation Office to ensure that the evaluation meets its objectives, which include assessing project performance, determining outcomes and impacts, and providing evidence of results for accountability. The consultant will also promote operational improvement and knowledge sharing among UNEP and project partners, identifying lessons relevant for future project formulation and implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Evaluation Consultant will undertake several key responsibilities throughout the evaluation process. Initially, during the inception phase, the consultant will conduct a preliminary desk review, engage in introductory interviews with project staff, draft the reconstructed Theory of Change, prepare the evaluation framework, and develop necessary protocols for data collection. In the data collection and analysis phase, the consultant will conduct in-depth interviews with project stakeholders, possibly undertake field visits to project locations, and ensure the independence and confidentiality of the evaluation process. The reporting phase will involve drafting the Main Evaluation Report, finalizing it based on feedback from the Evaluation Manager, and preparing a summary of key findings. Additionally, the consultant will manage relationships with evaluation stakeholders to ensure a participatory evaluation process while maintaining independence.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, international development, or other relevant fields. 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 seven 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 integrated and sustainable urban development 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 first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of qualifying experience. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of environmental issues and the evaluation processes involved in large-scale projects.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least seven years of relevant experience, particularly in technical evaluation roles. This experience should ideally include evaluating large, regional, or global programs, with a strong emphasis on using a Theory of Change approach. Familiarity with integrated and sustainable urban development practices is also beneficial, as is knowledge of the UN system and UNEP's specific initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this consultancy, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of additional languages such as French, Chinese, Indonesian, Portuguese, or Spanish is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication with diverse stakeholders involved in the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
The evaluation assignment is home-based with field visits and is expected to last for a duration of eight months. The consultant will be engaged through a consultancy contract with 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, ensuring a transparent and fair selection process.