Consultant for Mid Term Review of Managing Peatlands in Mongolia

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance, advocating for the global environment and coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus. With a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, UNEP operates in over 150 countries and employs approximately 1,000 staff members. The organization works closely with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to address pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices worldwide. UNEP's Ecosystems Division focuses on providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policies, particularly in developing countries and those with economies in transition. The GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation Unit, part of this division, manages a diverse portfolio of over 200 projects across multiple regions, including Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, aimed at enhancing biodiversity and combating land degradation.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for producing the Mid Term Review (MTR) report for the project titled 'Managing Peatlands in Mongolia and Enhancing the Resilience of Pastoral Ecosystems and Livelihoods in Nomadic Herders.' This project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), aims to enhance ecosystem services of peatlands in Mongolia while strengthening the capacity of Indigenous reindeer herders. The consultant will assess the project's performance in terms of relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency, as well as determine the actual and potential outcomes and impacts of the project, including sustainability aspects. The MTR will involve a comprehensive evaluation of the project's progress, challenges, and successes, providing valuable insights for future project implementation and decision-making. The consultant will work closely with project staff and stakeholders to gather information and develop a thorough understanding of the project's context and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include conducting a preliminary desk review and introductory interviews with project staff to gather relevant information about the project. They will prepare a review framework in accordance with UNEP's evaluation guidelines, identify key stakeholders, and develop an interview/questions matrix to facilitate data collection. The consultant will also plan the review schedule and prepare an Inception Report outlining the methodology and approach for the MTR. Throughout the review process, the consultant will engage with various stakeholders, analyze project data, and assess the project's alignment with its objectives and expected outcomes. The consultant will be expected to provide recommendations based on their findings to enhance project implementation and inform future initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in a relevant field, with two additional years of qualifying experience accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of 7 years of technical and evaluation experience is required, preferably with a focus on large, regional, or global programs. Familiarity with the Theory of Change approach is essential. Candidates should have a broad understanding of land and peatland management, as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. Hands-on experience in managing national and international natural resources projects, particularly in biodiversity and environmental management, is required. Additionally, candidates should have experience working in an international environment, such as UNEP or GEF, and experience in the project target area in Mongolia is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree in environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field is required. An advanced degree in a relevant discipline is preferred but not mandatory if accompanied by sufficient experience. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in environmental policies, project management, and evaluation methodologies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, with a strong emphasis on technical evaluation and project management. Candidates should have experience evaluating large-scale projects, particularly those related to biodiversity, land degradation, and climate change. Experience in managing projects in an international context, especially within the framework of UNEP or GEF, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the specific challenges and opportunities related to peatland management and Indigenous community engagement is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. A working knowledge of another UN language, such as French or Spanish, is desirable and would be considered an asset in the evaluation process. Proficiency in multiple languages can enhance communication with diverse stakeholders and facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the project's context.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 4 months, with the consultant working remotely from the United Kingdom. The position is not associated with any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for applications, interviews, or training. The organization emphasizes transparency and integrity in its recruitment practices, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide personal financial information.