Evaluation Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system that addresses 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 promoting sustainable development practices. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it employs a diverse workforce dedicated to this cause.

Job Overview:
The Evaluation Consultant will be responsible for conducting a Terminal Evaluation of the Socotra Archipelago project, which is recognized for its rich biodiversity and is a Natural World Heritage Site. The evaluation aims to assess the project's performance in terms of relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency, while also determining the outcomes and impacts of the project. The consultant will work closely with the Evaluation Manager and the Director of the Evaluation Office, ensuring that the evaluation process is thorough and independent. The consultant will be expected to produce a concise evaluation report, which will include an Inception Report, a Draft Report, and a Final Evaluation Report, all within a specified timeframe of 52 days over an 8-month period. The role requires a strong understanding of environmental issues, project evaluation methodologies, and the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including local communities and project partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Evaluation Consultant will undertake several key responsibilities throughout the evaluation process. These include:

• Inception Phase: Conducting a preliminary desk review, interviewing project staff, drafting the Theory of Change, preparing the evaluation framework, and developing protocols for data collection.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Conducting in-depth interviews with stakeholders, supervising the evaluation specialist, ensuring the independence of the evaluation, and regularly reporting progress to the Evaluation Manager.
• Reporting Phase: Drafting the Main Evaluation Report, finalizing the report based on feedback, and preparing a Response to Comments annex.
• Managing Relations: Maintaining positive relationships with evaluation stakeholders, ensuring a participatory evaluation process, and communicating any issues to the Evaluation Manager. The consultant must ensure that they have no prior involvement in the project to maintain independence.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, international development, or a related field. An advanced degree (Master's degree or equivalent) is desirable and can reduce the required years of experience by two years. A minimum of ten years of technical evaluation experience is required, preferably with a focus on large, regional, or global programs and utilizing a Theory of Change approach. A broad understanding of conservation practices, sustainable development, and the challenges faced by Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) is also desirable. Familiarity with the UN system and UNEP's work is an added advantage.

Educational Background:
The position requires a first-level university degree in relevant fields such as environmental sciences, international development, or social sciences. An advanced degree is preferred, which can substitute for two years of required experience. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of environmental issues and project evaluations.

Experience:
The consultant must have at least ten years of relevant experience in technical evaluation, particularly in evaluating large-scale programs. Experience should include the use of a Theory of Change approach, which is critical for assessing project outcomes and impacts. Familiarity with conservation and sustainable development practices, especially in the context of Small Islands Developing States, is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this consultancy, with English and French being the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency means a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: reading, writing, speaking, and understanding. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based with field visits required, and the expected duration of the assignment is 52 days within an 8-month period. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not subjected to any financial obligations during their application or interview process.