Lead Midterm Review Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established in 1972, UNEP promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. With a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, UNEP operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to various environmental initiatives. The organization focuses on areas such as climate change, sustainable development, and the management of chemicals and waste, among others.

Job Overview:
The Lead Midterm Review Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the UNEP's Industry and Economy Division, specifically within the Chemicals and Health branch. The primary function of this position is to conduct a Midterm Review (MTR) for the project titled 'FARM: Global Coordination, Knowledge Management and Common Finance Tools' (GEF ID 10903) and to assess the programmatic level outcomes of the FARM Programme (GEF ID 10872). This position requires a comprehensive understanding of project evaluation methodologies and the ability to analyze complex data to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the project. The consultant will be responsible for tracking progress towards the project's outcomes and generating management information that contributes to the overall synthesis of the FARM Programme. The role demands a participatory approach, engaging with key stakeholders throughout the review process to ensure that findings are relevant and actionable. The consultant will also be expected to produce detailed reports summarizing the findings of the MTR, including recommendations for future actions and improvements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of specific duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: conducting a comprehensive Midterm Review of the FARM Global Child Project and the overall FARM Programme; coordinating with other review consultants from related child projects; managing the review process and ensuring the timely compilation and finalization of evaluation reports; assessing the project's performance in terms of relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency; analyzing governance and coordination mechanisms across the FARM Programme; synthesizing findings from child project MTRs; identifying systemic risks and opportunities for scale-up; and formulating strategic recommendations for the remainder of the programme. The consultant will also be responsible for maintaining communication with the project team and facilitating information exchange throughout the review implementation phase. Additionally, the consultant will prepare geo-referenced maps and photographs of key intervention sites as part of the review findings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in environmental sciences, international development, chemical and waste management, or other relevant fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of 15 years of technical and evaluation experience in projects and programmatic approaches is required. Experience evaluating UNEP and/or GEF projects is highly desirable. Candidates should also have a broad understanding of agricultural chemicals and plastics management issues as they relate to policy development and institutional frameworks, gained through evaluation or advisory work on environmental, climate, or sustainability programmes. Familiarity with the UN system and UNEP's operations is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environmental sciences, international development, or social sciences. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by sufficient relevant experience. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of environmental projects and the evaluation processes involved.

Experience:
The position requires a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of 15 years in technical and evaluation roles related to projects and programmatic approaches. Candidates should have a proven track record of evaluating projects, particularly within the context of UNEP and GEF initiatives. This extensive experience is crucial for effectively assessing project outcomes and providing strategic recommendations based on evaluation findings.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Additionally, working knowledge of other UN languages, such as Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance the consultant's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders during the review process.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for a duration of 12 months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization is committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in its recruitment practices.