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 reviewing the global environment 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 instrumental in fostering international cooperation on environmental governance. UNEP's headquarters is located in Nairobi, Kenya, and it employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing various environmental challenges across multiple countries.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the partnership between the European Commission and UNEP, focusing on the Programme Cooperation Agreement (PCA II). This role involves managing the evaluation process, which includes the inception phase, data collection and analysis, and reporting. The consultant will work closely with the Evaluation Manager and other stakeholders to ensure that the evaluation is thorough, objective, and adheres to the established guidelines. The consultant will also be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including project partners and local communities, to gather insights and feedback that will inform the evaluation findings. The overall goal is to assess the effectiveness of the PCA II in promoting environmental sustainability and achieving the objectives outlined in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Evaluation Consultant will undertake a variety of responsibilities throughout the evaluation process. In the inception phase, the consultant will conduct a preliminary desk review, engage in introductory interviews with project staff, draft the Theory of Changes for PCA II, prepare the evaluation framework, and develop protocols for data collection. During the data collection and analysis phase, the consultant will conduct in-depth interviews with project stakeholders, potentially visit project locations, and prepare case studies. The consultant will also be responsible for drafting the Main Evaluation Report, ensuring coherence and consistency with the Evaluation Manager's guidelines, and presenting findings to key stakeholders. Maintaining positive relationships with evaluation stakeholders while ensuring the independence of the evaluation process is also a critical responsibility.

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 ten years of technical and/or evaluation experience is required, preferably with a focus on evaluating large, regional, or global programmes. Experience with EU-funded projects and knowledge of the UN system, particularly UNEP and Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), is desirable. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environmental sciences, international development, or political/social sciences. In cases where candidates hold a Bachelor's degree, they must have two additional years of relevant experience to qualify for the position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental governance and sustainable development.

Experience:
The consultant must have at least ten years of relevant experience, particularly in technical and evaluation roles. This experience should ideally include evaluating large-scale programmes and projects, especially those funded by the European Union. Familiarity with the Theory of Change approach and experience in programme design and management are also important. Knowledge of UNEP's operations and the broader UN system will be beneficial for effectively carrying out the evaluation.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this consultancy, 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 collaboration with diverse stakeholders involved in the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is part-time and has a total duration of 64 days spread over a period of 9 months. The work will be home-based with field visits as necessary. The consultant will be selected through a consultancy contract by the UNEP Evaluation Office, and comprehensive terms of reference will be provided separately. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair selection process.