Mid Term Review Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, 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. Established in 1972, UNEP has grown to encompass a diverse workforce of thousands of employees operating in over 100 countries. The organization is dedicated to coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP's Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation Unit, under the Biodiversity and Land Branch, serves as the implementing agency for projects funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), managing a portfolio of over 200 projects across various regions including Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, West Asia, and Asia and the Pacific.

Job Overview:
The Mid Term Review Expert will be responsible for producing a comprehensive Mid Term Review report for two significant projects: 'Biodiversity Conservation, Sustainable Land Management and Sustainable Tourist Development in North Macedonia' (GEF ID 10676) and 'Achieving Biodiversity Conservation through Effective Management and Enhanced Resilience to Climate Change in the Existing Protected Area of North Albania Mountainous Region' (GEF ID 10839). The primary objective of this consultancy is to guide the execution of these projects in their remaining terms by evaluating their progress, effectiveness, and alignment with their intended outcomes. The consultant will engage in various phases of the review process, including inception, data collection, analysis, and reporting, ensuring that the review is thorough, participatory, and adheres to UNEP's evaluation guidelines. The consultant will work closely with project staff, stakeholders, and the Task Manager to ensure that the review process is both independent and collaborative, ultimately leading to actionable recommendations for project improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a range of tasks throughout the review process, including: conducting a preliminary desk review and introductory interviews with project staff; preparing a review framework in line with UNEP's evaluation guidelines; identifying stakeholders and developing an interview/questions matrix; planning the review schedule and preparing the Inception Report. During the data collection and analysis phase, the consultant will conduct further desk reviews and in-depth interviews with project implementing and executing agencies, project partners, and stakeholders, regularly reporting back to the Task Manager on progress and any issues encountered. In the reporting phase, the consultant will draft the Review Report, ensuring coherence and consistency with the Task Manager's guidelines, and will finalize the report based on feedback received. Additionally, the consultant will maintain positive relationships with stakeholders throughout the review process, ensuring participation while preserving the review's independence. The consultancy will be home-based with potential field visits as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
An Advanced university degree in environmental sciences, international development, or other relevant political or social sciences area is required. Alternatively, a University degree in the same areas is acceptable with two additional years of relevant experience. A minimum of 7 years of technical/evaluation experience is required, preferably including evaluating large, regional, or global programmes and using a Theory of Change approach. A good understanding of biodiversity conservation, sustainable land and forest management, and mountain protection action is desired. Hands-on experience in managing national and international natural resources projects, particularly concerning biodiversity, land management, natural resources management, and protected area management, including financing and environmental information management, is required. Working experience in an international environment, such as UNEP and GEF, is essential, and experience in the project target area in North Macedonia and Albania is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an Advanced university degree in environmental sciences, international development, or other relevant political or social sciences area. A University degree in the same areas is acceptable with two additional years of relevant experience, highlighting the importance of formal education in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of technical/evaluation experience, with a preference for candidates who have experience evaluating large, regional, or global programmes. Familiarity with a Theory of Change approach is essential, as is hands-on experience in managing projects related to biodiversity, land management, and natural resources.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. A working knowledge of another UN language, such as French or Spanish, is desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based and expected to last for a duration of 6 months. The position does not involve any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for applications, interviews, or training. It is important to note that the United Nations does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.