Evaluation Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system for addressing 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 with a mission to promote sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it has been active since its establishment in 197

• UNEP has a significant presence in numerous countries, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to implement environmental policies and programs.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Specialist position is a consultancy role within UNEP's 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 substantively to the evaluation process and outputs of a specific project aimed at enhancing environmental governance and sustainability. The consultant will work closely with a Principal Evaluator and will be responsible for conducting evaluations that assess the effectiveness of UNEP's partnerships and programs, particularly those funded by the European Commission. The evaluation will involve a comprehensive review of project implementation, stakeholder engagement, and the overall impact of the initiatives on environmental sustainability. The consultant will be expected to deliver a series of reports, including an Inception Report, Draft Report, and Final Evaluation Report, within a specified timeline of 54 days over a period of 9 months, with a focus on maintaining high-quality standards throughout the evaluation process.

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

• 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: Engaging in in-depth interviews with project stakeholders, conducting field visits to project locations, and ensuring the independence and confidentiality of the evaluation process.
• Reporting Phase: Drafting the Main Evaluation Report, incorporating feedback from the Evaluation Manager, and preparing a summary of key findings.
• Managing Relations: Maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders, ensuring a participatory evaluation process, and communicating any issues to the Evaluation Manager in a timely manner. The consultant must ensure that they have no prior involvement in the project to maintain objectivity and independence.

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 seven years of technical and evaluation experience is required, preferably with a focus on large-scale regional or global programs. Experience in evaluating EU-funded projects and familiarity with the UN system, particularly UNEP and its Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced degree in relevant fields such as environmental sciences, international development, or social sciences. A Bachelor's degree in these areas, along with additional qualifying experience, may also be considered acceptable. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively evaluate complex environmental programs and policies.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least seven years of relevant experience in technical evaluation, particularly in the context of large, regional, or global programs. Experience with the Theory of Change approach and evaluating EU-funded projects is preferred. Additionally, familiarity with design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design, management, and knowledge management practices will be beneficial for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this consultancy role, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also advantageous, given that it is another working language of the UN. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance the consultant's capacity to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is part-time and home-based, with field visits required as part of the evaluation process. The total duration of the assignment is 54 days, spread over a period of 9 months. 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 or pay any fees related to their application.