MID TERM EVALUATION CONSULTANT/CONSULTANCY

Job Posting Organization:
Save the Children is a global organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and their families. Established in 1919, Save the Children operates in over 100 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to ensure that children have access to education, healthcare, and protection from harm. The organization is committed to creating a world where every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, educated, and safe. Save the Children Australia, as part of this global network, focuses on delivering programs that address the unique challenges faced by children in Australia and the Pacific region, including climate change adaptation initiatives like the SOLKAS project.

Job Overview:
The MID TERM EVALUATION CONSULTANT/CONSULTANCY position is crucial for assessing the progress and effectiveness of the Solomon Islands Knowledge–Action–Sustainability for Resilient Villages (SOLKAS) Project. This role involves designing and implementing a comprehensive evaluation framework that aligns with the Green Climate Fund's Evaluation Policy and Integrated Results Management Framework. The consultant will evaluate the project's performance against key criteria such as relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and the potential for paradigm shifts. The consultant will also review the inclusion and participation of marginalized groups, assess implementation arrangements, and provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance program performance and adaptive management. This position requires a deep understanding of climate change adaptation and the specific challenges faced by communities in the Solomon Islands, as well as the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Design and implement an independent mid-term evaluation framework that aligns with GCF Evaluation Policy and Guidelines.
• Assess the project's progress toward achieving intended outputs, outcomes, impacts, and climate adaptation results.
• Evaluate program performance against key criteria including relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and country ownership.
• Review inclusion and participation approaches, focusing on engagement with communities, women, youth, and marginalized groups.
• Assess implementation arrangements, partnerships, institutional coordination, and overall program management effectiveness.
• Develop evidence-based findings and actionable recommendations to improve program performance and adaptive management.
• Prepare high-quality reports that communicate evaluation findings and recommendations clearly and effectively.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this consultancy must possess proven experience in conducting evaluations related to climate change and locally led adaptation initiatives. A strong understanding of the Pacific context, particularly the Solomon Islands, is essential, along with cultural sensitivity and contextual awareness. The consultant should have a solid track record in applying OECD-DAC evaluation criteria and utilizing mixed-method evaluation designs, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Additionally, the consultant must demonstrate the capacity to design and deliver ethical, inclusive studies that involve children and vulnerable groups, ensuring that their voices are heard and considered in the evaluation process. The ability to independently manage the entire evaluation delivery process, from methodology design to data collection, analysis, and reporting, is crucial.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a relevant educational background, typically a master's degree or higher in fields such as environmental science, social science, public policy, or a related discipline. This educational foundation should be complemented by specialized training or certifications in evaluation methodologies, particularly those applicable to climate change and adaptation assessments.

Experience:
The consultancy requires significant experience in conducting evaluations, particularly in the context of climate change adaptation projects. Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience, with a demonstrated ability to manage complex evaluations independently. Experience working in the Pacific region, especially in the Solomon Islands, is highly desirable, as it will enhance the consultant's understanding of local challenges and dynamics.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all evaluation reports and communications will be conducted in English. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the Solomon Islands would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate engagement with local communities and stakeholders during the evaluation process.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is expected to be conducted over a specified period, with a focus on delivering high-quality evaluation outputs within the project timeline. The consultant will work closely with Save the Children Australia and local partners to ensure that the evaluation aligns with project goals and objectives. The position is full-time, and the consultant will be required to submit a detailed operational plan and financial proposal as part of their application. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, and all consultants must undergo necessary background checks to ensure compliance with child safeguarding policies.