Consultant for Desk Study Evaluation

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. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and was established to address environmental issues on a global scale. The organization has a significant presence in various countries and operates through numerous programs and initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development and environmental protection. UNEP is also responsible for managing the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, which was established in 1991 to assist developing countries in complying with their obligations under the Montreal Protocol, particularly in relation to the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances. The Fund is managed by an Executive Committee that includes representatives from both industrialized and developing countries, ensuring a balanced approach to environmental governance and support.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be tasked with conducting a comprehensive desk study aimed at evaluating the contribution of HCFC phase-out management plans to the development of policies, regulations, and national strategies that ensure compliance with the Montreal Protocol. This role is crucial as it will help identify and replicate good practices that can be integrated into project design and implementation, ultimately fostering an enabling institutional context for successful Key Implementation Projects (KIPs). The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Evaluation Officer (SEO) of the Multilateral Fund, adhering to a set timeline and milestones for deliverables. The findings from this consultancy will not only contribute to the ongoing efforts to protect the ozone layer but also enhance the understanding of how various strategies can be effectively implemented in different national contexts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Collecting, reviewing, and analyzing relevant project and policy documentation submitted to the Executive Committee, as well as internal documents provided by the Secretariat staff and evaluation unit.
• Preparing an inception paper that outlines the methodological design to address the main issues covered by the terms of reference, including specific questions identified in the annex of the relevant UNEP document.
• Synthesizing and assessing the collected data to develop an advanced draft of the desk study based on the provided documentation and the agreed inception paper.
• Consolidating supportive data, figures, tables, infographics, questionnaires, and data collection tools to be included in the annexes of the draft desk study.
• Presenting findings and discussing the advanced draft with the SEO and relevant Secretariat staff as necessary.
• Preparing the final draft of the desk study, integrating comments received from the SEO, Secretariat staff, and stakeholders, and ensuring that the core analysis is supported by factual evidence and relevant findings.
• Addressing evaluation questions included in the annex of the document and, if a second phase for the evaluation is recommended, producing a draft inception paper for the Executive Committee's consideration, which would include a tentative budget for the second phase.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as economics, environmental and social sciences, environmental engineering, sustainable development, evaluation, or a related discipline. Alternatively, a first-level degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in the specified fields, combined with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Furthermore, a minimum of ten years of professional experience in evaluation and/or implementation of projects related to the Montreal Protocol and its Multilateral Fund is required. Experience in designing, implementing, or evaluating projects that utilize low-GWP alternative technologies to HCFCs is highly desirable, as is knowledge of the technical assistance modalities of implementing agencies and the functioning of national ozone units. Familiarity with evaluation methods and excellent analytical and drafting skills are also essential, along with an understanding of gender-sensitive evaluation practices.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as economics, environmental and social sciences, environmental engineering, sustainable development, or evaluation. In cases where candidates hold a first-level degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent), they must also have two additional years of relevant work experience to meet the educational requirements. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of environmental policies and the evaluation processes associated with the Montreal Protocol.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of professional experience in the evaluation and/or implementation of projects related to the Montreal Protocol and its Multilateral Fund. This extensive experience is necessary to ensure that the consultant has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with HCFC phase-out management plans and their impact on national strategies and policies. Experience in the design, implementation, and evaluation of projects that utilize low-GWP alternative technologies to HCFCs is also desirable, as it will enhance the consultant's ability to provide valuable insights and recommendations based on best practices.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this consultancy, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, given that it is another working language of the UN. Additionally, familiarity with another UN language would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration with a broader range of stakeholders involved in the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
The desk study is scheduled to commence on 1 October 2026 and conclude on 26 February 202

• It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview meetings, processing, or training. Furthermore, the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.