UNEP Evaluation Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in 1972, UNEP has grown to encompass a wide range of environmental issues and operates in over 100 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various environmental initiatives. The organization aims to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

Job Overview:
The UNEP Evaluation Expert will play a crucial role in assessing the effectiveness of the Special Programme, which supports countries in managing chemicals and waste. This position involves conducting a comprehensive evaluation of closed projects funded by the Special Programme, focusing on identifying successes and areas for improvement. The expert will be responsible for delivering five key reports that document the findings of the assessment, including an inception report and interim assessment reports. The role requires a deep understanding of environmental management and the ability to analyze data collected from various projects to formulate actionable recommendations that will inform future initiatives. The expert will work independently, leveraging their expertise to enhance project implementation across different countries, ensuring that the lessons learned contribute to the ongoing development of the Special Programme.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UNEP Evaluation Expert will be tasked with several critical responsibilities, including: conducting data collection in selected countries to gather relevant information on the closed projects; analyzing the collected data to identify trends, successes, and areas needing improvement; formulating comprehensive findings, conclusions, and recommendations based on the analysis; and submitting five distinct assessment reports, including a final report that aggregates the performance of the fifteen projects evaluated. The expert will also be expected to engage with various stakeholders to ensure a thorough understanding of the projects' impacts and to compile reports that reflect the input from different experts and data sources. This role is pivotal in shaping the future direction of the Special Programme and ensuring that its objectives are met effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Management, Social Sciences, Economics, Environment, Development, Law, Natural Sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree may be accepted if the candidate has at least seven years of relevant experience. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of five years of experience in monitoring and evaluation, with a proven track record in assessing large regional or global programmes. Experience in evaluating projects or programmes for UN or development agencies, particularly UNEP, is highly advantageous. A broad understanding of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), especially the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, as well as the Minamata Convention and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management, is essential. Candidates must also demonstrate excellent report compilation skills based on diverse expert inputs and data sources.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Management, Social Sciences, Economics, Environment, Development, Law, or Natural Sciences. In cases where a candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree, they must have a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience to qualify for the role. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of environmental management and evaluation processes.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of professional experience in monitoring and evaluation, specifically in the context of large regional or global programmes. Candidates should have a proven record of evaluating and assessing projects, particularly those funded by UN or development agencies. Experience with UNEP projects is considered a significant advantage, as it demonstrates familiarity with the organization's processes and objectives. The expert should also have a comprehensive understanding of the relevant environmental agreements and frameworks that guide the Special Programme's initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as the expert will be required to communicate findings and recommendations effectively in written reports and presentations. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not explicitly required for this role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 12 months and will be conducted remotely or home-based. 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. This ensures that the recruitment process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.