Consultant for the Mid-term Review of GEF ID 10932 Capacity Building Initiative

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. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since been at the forefront of environmental governance, working with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental challenges. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental sustainability. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental issues at the global level.

Job Overview:
This consultancy position is situated within UNEP’s Climate Change Division, specifically in the Global Funds Mitigation and Transparency Section. The primary function of this role is to conduct a Mid-term Review (MTR) of the GEF project aimed at strengthening Brazil's national transparency system under the Paris Agreement. The consultant will be responsible for managing the review process, which includes designing the review framework, collecting and analyzing data, and writing the final report. The MTR is critical as it assesses the project's progress, identifies challenges, and recommends corrective actions to ensure the project meets its objectives. The consultant will work closely with the Task Manager and the project team to ensure that the review aligns with UNEP and GEF guidelines, and that it provides valuable insights for future project implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: leading the Mid-term Review in accordance with GEF and UNEP policies; managing the overall review process and ensuring timely delivery of outputs; conducting interviews with key stakeholders, including in-person interviews in Brasilia; reviewing and evaluating all project elements based on UNEP evaluation office guidance; preparing deliverables in accordance with UNEP evaluation office templates; developing findings and recommendations based on evidence and analysis; and ensuring that all information is triangulated and documented appropriately. The consultant will also be responsible for conducting a desk review of relevant project documentation, including project documents, reports, and evaluations, as well as facilitating interviews with various stakeholders involved in the project.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's degree in energy, environmental sciences, engineering, international development, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of technical or evaluation experience, preferably with a focus on large, regional, or global programs, and utilizing a Theory of Change approach. A strong understanding of climate change conventions, greenhouse gas inventory, and monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) processes is essential. Additionally, experience in drafting project proposals and assessing project documents, including budgets and expenditure reports, is desirable. Familiarity with GEF or UNEP projects and experience working with multilateral or bilateral funding entities in the climate change or renewable energy sectors is also preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field such as energy, environmental sciences, engineering, or international development. In cases where a candidate holds a first-level degree, they must have at least two additional years of qualifying experience to be considered for the position. This educational background is crucial as it provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge required to effectively conduct the Mid-term Review and engage with complex environmental issues.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, particularly in technical evaluation roles. This experience should ideally include evaluating large-scale programs and applying a Theory of Change framework to assess project effectiveness. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of climate change issues and have experience working on projects funded by GEF or UNEP, as well as familiarity with the operational procedures of multilateral or bilateral funding entities in the environmental sector.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Portuguese is mandatory for this consultancy role, as these are the primary working languages for the project. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, given that it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is essential for conducting interviews, preparing reports, and collaborating with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be home-based and will last for a duration of 6 months on a part-time basis. 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. This ensures that the recruitment process is transparent and accessible to all qualified candidates.