UNEP FI Lead Expert - Midterm Review of Bank Secondments

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. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance and advocacy for over 50 years. It operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to various environmental initiatives. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it works closely with governments, local authorities, and industries to promote policies and technologies that foster sustainable patterns of consumption and production.

Job Overview:
The UNEP FI Lead Expert will be responsible for conducting an independent operational review of the in-bank secondments delivered under the SECO ENCORE Phase II workplan. This role is crucial for ensuring the effective completion of ongoing secondments and capturing valuable operational, governance, technical, and relational lessons from the program. The review aims to provide a comprehensive evidence base and emerging findings that will inform future capacity-building models and strategies for UNEP FI. The consultant will work closely with the UNEP FI team, particularly the Head of Nature, to ensure that the review is thorough and aligns with UNEP FI's strategic objectives. The position requires a forward-looking approach, focusing on institutional learning rather than performance evaluation of individuals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including conducting a thorough review of relevant program documentation such as workplans, Terms of Reference, progress updates, and budget records. They will conduct approximately 10 confidential one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders involved in the program's design and delivery. The consultant will assess the operational and governance dimensions of the program, identifying roles, accountabilities, and areas for improvement. They will also evaluate the technical-resourcing aspect, ensuring that the right profiles are recruited and supported. Additionally, the consultant will document lessons learned during implementation and provide early troubleshooting recommendations. The final deliverables will include priority recommendations, a concise written report, and participation in internal meetings to discuss findings with stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master’s degree in evaluation, organizational development, sustainable finance, environmental management, international development, or a related field. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree may be accepted if the candidate has at least 9 years of relevant experience. A minimum of seven years of professional experience in program or organizational review and evaluation is required, along with familiarity with sustainable finance and capacity-building models. The consultant must be independent and have no current employment relationship with UNEP FI.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in relevant fields such as evaluation, organizational development, sustainable finance, environmental management, or international development is required. A bachelor’s degree may be considered if accompanied by significant relevant experience.

Experience:
At least seven years of professional experience in program or organizational review and evaluation is essential. Candidates should have experience with confidential interviewing and thematic analysis, as well as familiarity with sustainable finance and capacity-building initiatives. Experience with secondment or embedded-advisory models is advantageous, as is prior knowledge of UNEP FI's context.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory, as it is the working language of UNEP FI. Knowledge of Spanish and other United Nations languages is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the international context of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based, allowing for remote work, and is expected to last for a duration of three months. The consultant will be engaged on a contractual basis, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. The role is designed to be independent, ensuring that the consultant has no current ties to UNEP FI, which is crucial for maintaining objectivity in the review process.