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 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 it works with a diverse range of stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Specialist will be responsible for conducting a Terminal Evaluation of a project aimed at addressing environmental challenges in Saudi Arabia. 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 Evaluation Manager and other stakeholders to ensure that the evaluation process is thorough and independent. The consultant will be expected to produce a series of reports, including an Inception Report, Draft Report, and Final Evaluation Report, all of which will contribute to accountability requirements and operational improvements within UNEP. The position requires a strong understanding of environmental management and policy development, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders effectively.

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

• Inception Phase: Conducting a preliminary desk review, drafting the Theory of Change, preparing the evaluation framework, developing protocols for data collection, and planning the evaluation schedule.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Conducting in-depth interviews with project stakeholders, performing desk reviews, and potentially conducting field visits to gather data. The specialist will ensure the independence of the evaluation and maintain confidentiality during interviews.
• Reporting Phase: Drafting the Main Evaluation Report, incorporating feedback from the Evaluation Manager, and preparing a Response to Comments annex.
• 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 Evaluation Specialist will also be responsible for translating the final Executive Summary of the report into Arabic.

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, preferably with a focus on large, regional, or global programs. Familiarity with the Theory of Change approach is essential, as is a broad understanding of integrated environmental management and policy development. Knowledge of the UN system and UNEP's work is also 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 political/social sciences. A Bachelor's degree in these areas, combined with additional qualifying experience, may also be acceptable. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental issues and the evaluation processes involved.

Experience:
The Evaluation Specialist should have at least ten years of relevant experience in technical evaluation, particularly in evaluating large-scale programs. Experience with the Theory of Change approach is highly valued, as it is integral to the evaluation process. Candidates should also demonstrate a strong understanding of environmental management and policy development, as well as familiarity with the UN system and UNEP's operations.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this consultancy, as these are the primary languages used in the evaluation process. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, given that it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is essential for conducting interviews and preparing reports.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based with field visits and has a total duration of 44 days spread over a period of 8 months. The Evaluation Specialist will be selected through a consultancy contract with UNEP's Evaluation Office. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal banking information.