Programme Evaluation Specialist

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 and advocacy, working to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to various environmental initiatives, making it a pivotal organization in the global effort to address environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
The Programme Evaluation Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the UNEP team to deliver mid-term reviews (MTRs) of selected programmes of the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR). This position involves preparing an inception report and methodology for carrying out MTRs of four GFCR programmes located in the Philippines, Indonesia, Bahamas, and the Mesoamerican Reef. The specialist will collaborate closely with the UNEP Marine and Coastal Ecosystems Unit and the GFCR UN Global Team to define the objectives and scope of the MTRs, develop evaluation criteria, and prepare comprehensive reports based on stakeholder interviews and desk reviews. The role requires a strong understanding of environmental policy and the ability to assess programme impacts effectively, ensuring that the evaluations contribute to enhancing the resilience of coastal reef ecosystems and communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Evaluation Specialist include:

• Preparing an inception report and methodology for the MTRs, including objectives, scope, survey questionnaires, and evaluation criteria.
• Conducting online surveys and desk reviews for each of the four programmes, identifying relevant stakeholders and preparing reports based on interviews.
• Carrying out evaluation missions to the four GFCR programmes, preparing mission plans, interviewing stakeholders, and conducting field visits to assess programme impacts.
• Preparing draft MTRs for each programme, documenting project progress, management effectiveness, lessons learned, and recommendations for improvements.
• Finalizing MTRs based on feedback from UNEP and the GFCR UN Global Team, ensuring that all comments are addressed.
• Presenting the MTRs to UNEP, the GFCR UN Global Team, and the GFCR Executive Board, incorporating feedback into the final reports.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in environmental sciences, public policy, sustainability, management, or a related field. A first-level university degree with relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates must have at least 5 years of experience in environment-related project and programme evaluations and reviews, along with experience in monitoring and evaluation. Additionally, experience working on projects related to coral reefs or coastal ecosystems is essential, as is the ability to work effectively with multi-disciplinary teams, including local and expatriate technical experts. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage pressure and meet tight deadlines are also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as environmental sciences, public policy, sustainability, management, or a related discipline. Alternatively, a first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by relevant professional experience in the field.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of experience in environment-related project and programme evaluations and reviews is required. Candidates should have a proven track record in monitoring and evaluation, particularly in projects related to coral reefs or coastal ecosystems. Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams is also necessary, as the role involves collaboration with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this consultancy position. While English is the primary working language, knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 12 months and is home-based. The position is hosted by the UNEP Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Unit in the Marine and Freshwater Branch. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.