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 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 sustainable development and environmental protection. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it has a significant workforce dedicated to various environmental initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Consultant will be responsible for conducting a Terminal Evaluation of the project aimed at promoting Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) patterns globally. 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 consultant will work closely with the Evaluation Manager and the Director of the Evaluation Office, ensuring that the evaluation process is thorough and adheres to UNEP's Evaluation Policy. The consultant will manage the evaluation's inception phase, data collection and analysis, and reporting phases, ensuring that all outputs are delivered on time and meet the required standards. The consultant will also engage with various stakeholders to gather insights and ensure the evaluation is participatory while maintaining independence.

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

• Inception Phase: Conducting a preliminary desk review, drafting the Theory of Change for the project, preparing the evaluation framework, and developing protocols for data collection.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Conducting in-depth interviews with project stakeholders, performing site visits, and ensuring the independence and confidentiality of the evaluation process.
• Reporting Phase: Drafting the Main Evaluation Report, including performance rating tables, and finalizing the report based on feedback from the Evaluation Manager.
• Managing Relations: Maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders and ensuring timely communication regarding the evaluation's progress. The consultant must ensure that they have no prior involvement with the project to maintain objectivity.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Environmental Sciences, Circular Economy & Sustainability, or International Development. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of seven years of technical and/or evaluation experience is required, preferably with a focus on large-scale regional or global programs. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of sustainable consumption and production, possess excellent analytical and drafting skills, and have experience evaluating secretariat-related projects or global partnerships. Knowledge of the UN system, particularly UNEP's work, is desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences, Circular Economy & Sustainability, Industrial Ecology, Sustainable Resource Management, International Development, or other relevant social sciences. A Bachelor's degree in these fields, along with two additional years of relevant experience, may also be considered acceptable. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively evaluate the project and contribute to sustainable development goals.

Experience:
The consultant must have at least seven years of relevant experience, particularly in evaluating large, regional, or global programs. This experience should ideally include the use of a Theory of Change approach in evaluations. Candidates should have a good understanding of sustainable consumption and production practices and the circular economy, as well as experience in evaluating projects related to secretariat functions or global partnerships. This level of experience is crucial for ensuring that the consultant can effectively assess the project's performance and provide valuable insights for future initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this consultancy, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is the other working language. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and reporting throughout the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
The evaluation assignment is home-based with field visits and has an expected duration of 64 days within a period of 9 months. The consultant will be required to submit various reports, including an Inception Report, Draft Report, and Final Evaluation Report, with specific percentages allocated to each phase of the evaluation. 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 subjected to any financial obligations during their application or evaluation.