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 multiple countries, focusing on various environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it works with a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Specialist position is part of a consultancy role within the UNEP Evaluation Office, which reports directly to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director. The primary function of this role is to contribute to the Terminal Evaluation of the project titled 'Large-scale Ecosystem-based Adaptation in The Gambia.' This project aims to address the vulnerabilities of The Gambia's ecosystems and rural livelihoods to climate variability and long-term climate change. The Evaluation Specialist will work closely with the Principal Evaluator to ensure that all evaluation criteria and questions are adequately covered. The role involves conducting a thorough evaluation process that includes desk reviews, interviews, data collection, and analysis, ultimately leading to the submission of a concise evaluation report. The Evaluation Specialist is expected to maintain independence throughout the evaluation process while fostering positive relationships with stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Evaluation Specialist will undertake a variety of responsibilities throughout the evaluation process, which includes:

• Inception Phase: Conducting a preliminary desk review, introductory interviews with project staff, drafting the reconstructed Theory of Change, preparing the evaluation framework, developing desk review and interview protocols, drafting survey protocols, planning the evaluation schedule, and preparing the Inception Report.
• Data Collection and Analysis Phase: Conducting further desk reviews and in-depth interviews with project implementing and executing agencies, project partners, and stakeholders. This may include evaluation missions to selected countries, visiting project locations, and ensuring the independence and confidentiality of evaluation interviews. Regular reporting to the Evaluation Manager on progress and any issues encountered is also required.
• Reporting Phase: Drafting the Main Evaluation Report, ensuring coherence and consistency with guidelines, finalizing the report based on feedback, and preparing a Response to Comments annex.
• Managing Relations: Maintaining positive relationships with evaluation stakeholders, ensuring a participatory evaluation process while maintaining independence, and timely communication with the Evaluation Manager regarding any issues.

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) in the same fields, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of seven years of technical, monitoring, or evaluation experience is required, particularly with climate change adaptation projects. A broad understanding of ecosystem-based adaptation is desirable, as is knowledge of the UN system and UNEP's work.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environmental sciences, international development, or political/social sciences. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree in these areas, along with additional qualifying experience, may also be considered. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of environmental issues and the evaluation processes involved in climate adaptation projects.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in technical, monitoring, or evaluation roles, with a specific focus on climate change adaptation projects. This level of experience is crucial for effectively contributing to the evaluation process and ensuring that the evaluation criteria are met. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on similar projects and possess the necessary skills to analyze and assess project performance.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this consultancy role, as English 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 essential for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders during the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based with field visits, and the expected duration of the assignment is six months, spread over 43 days. The evaluation process includes the submission of an Inception Report, a Draft Report, and a Final Evaluation Report, with specific percentages allocated to each phase of the assignment. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information.