Mid-Term Review Consultant

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. UNEP's mission is to coordinate 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. Established in 1972, UNEP has grown to encompass a wide range of environmental initiatives and partnerships, operating in over 150 countries with a workforce of thousands of employees dedicated to promoting sustainable development through sound environmental practices. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama, works closely with 33 countries in the region, integrating its activities into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

Job Overview:
The Mid-Term Review (MTR) Consultant will play a crucial role in assessing the progress of the project 'Strengthening institutional capacity for Environmentally Sound Chemicals Management in Brazil.' This position requires a comprehensive analysis of the project's implementation status, identifying challenges and proposing corrective actions to ensure the project remains on track. The consultant will be responsible for evaluating the project's Theory of Change, stakeholder engagement, monitoring mechanisms, and the effectiveness of the project's outputs and outcomes. The MTR aims to provide a formative assessment that goes beyond mere performance evaluation, delving into the underlying reasons for the project's successes or shortcomings. The consultant will utilize both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather data, ensuring a thorough understanding of the project's impact and the context in which it operates. The consultant will also facilitate reflection and learning among UNEP staff and project stakeholders, promoting a collaborative approach to the review process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including conducting a desk review of relevant project documentation, such as project design documents, annual work plans, and progress reports. They will also conduct interviews with key stakeholders, including UNEP staff, implementing agencies, and representatives from civil society. The consultant will prepare an Inception Report outlining the review framework, stakeholder analysis, and a tentative schedule. They will present preliminary findings to the project team to ensure all information sources have been accessed and to verify emerging findings. The consultant will draft and finalize the Review Report, which will include an executive summary, detailed analysis of findings, lessons learned, and recommendations. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that all review criteria are adequately covered and that the review process is conducted efficiently and independently.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, international development, engineering, administration, economics, public policy, international relations, political or social sciences, or a closely related field. A master's degree in one of these areas is desirable, along with specialization in relevant fields. Professional qualifications include a minimum of four years of experience in project management, analysis, or evaluation, with a preference for candidates who have experience evaluating local, regional, or global programs using a Theory of Change approach. Familiarity with the UN system and UNEP's work is also desirable.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, international development, engineering, administration, economics, public policy, international relations, political or social sciences, or a closely related area is required. A master's degree in a relevant field is desirable, as is specialization in environmental sciences or related areas.

Experience:
The position requires at least four years of professional experience in project management, project analysis, or project evaluation. Experience in evaluating programs at various levels (local, regional, or global) and familiarity with the Theory of Change approach is preferred. Knowledge of the UN system and UNEP's operations is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Portuguese is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for a duration of two months. The consultant will be responsible for their own travel arrangements and logistical matters related to the assignment. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair hiring process.