Evaluation Consultant for the Terminal Evaluation of the UNEP-GEF Project

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system for addressing environmental issues at both global and regional levels. Established to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP plays a crucial role in keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various environmental challenges and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Consultant will be responsible for conducting a Terminal Evaluation of the UNEP-GEF project, which aims to restore ecosystem functions and improve livelihoods in the Tana Delta region of Kenya. This position requires a participatory approach, engaging key stakeholders throughout the evaluation process. The consultant will utilize both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods to assess project achievements against expected outputs, outcomes, and impacts. The role involves maintaining close communication with the project team and stakeholders to enhance ownership of the evaluation findings. The consultant will also be responsible for delivering a concise evaluation report within a 50-day assignment period, spread over six months, which includes drafting an inception report, a draft report, and a final report.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Evaluation Consultant will manage the evaluation process, ensuring timely delivery of outputs, data collection, and analysis. Specific responsibilities include: conducting a preliminary desk review and introductory interviews with project staff; drafting the reconstructed Theory of Change; preparing the evaluation framework; developing desk review and interview protocols; drafting survey protocols; planning the evaluation schedule; and preparing the Inception Report. During the data collection phase, the consultant will conduct in-depth interviews with project stakeholders, maintain independence and confidentiality, and report progress to the Evaluation Manager. In the reporting phase, the consultant will draft the Main Evaluation Report, finalize it based on feedback, and prepare a Response to Comments annex. Additionally, the consultant will manage relationships with evaluation stakeholders to ensure a participatory evaluation process while maintaining independence.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, international development, or relevant political or social sciences. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of 10 years of technical evaluation experience, preferably with large regional or global programs and utilizing a Theory of Change approach, is required. A broad understanding of Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM) and knowledge of the UN system, particularly UNEP's work, is desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environmental sciences, international development, or political/social sciences. A Bachelor's degree in these areas, combined with additional qualifying experience, may also be acceptable.

Experience:
The consultant must have at least 10 years of relevant technical or evaluation experience, ideally including evaluations of large-scale regional or global programs. Experience using a Theory of Change approach is essential, along with a good understanding of Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM).

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this consultancy, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in Swahili is considered desirable, enhancing communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based, with an expected duration of six months and a total of 50 days of work. The consultant will be selected and recruited by the UNEP Evaluation Office through a consultancy contract. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information.