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 works with a diverse range of stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to achieve its goals.

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 meets the accountability requirements set forth by UNEP. The consultant will engage in various phases of the evaluation, including inception, data collection, analysis, and reporting, while maintaining independence and confidentiality throughout the process. The consultant is expected to deliver a concise evaluation report within a specified timeframe, contributing to the overall improvement and learning of UNEP and its partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Evaluation Consultant will undertake several key responsibilities throughout the evaluation process. During the inception phase, the consultant will conduct a preliminary desk review, engage in introductory interviews with project staff, and contribute to drafting the Theory of Change for the project. The consultant will also prepare the evaluation framework and develop protocols for desk reviews and interviews. In the data collection and analysis phase, the consultant will conduct in-depth interviews with project stakeholders, execute field visits to selected project sites, and ensure the independence of the evaluation process. The reporting phase will involve drafting the Main Evaluation Report, incorporating feedback from the Evaluation Manager, and preparing a Response to Comments annex. Additionally, the consultant will manage relationships with evaluation stakeholders, ensuring a participatory evaluation process while maintaining 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) in the same areas is desirable, with a reduction of two years of experience required for candidates holding a master's degree. A minimum of four years of technical evaluation experience is required, preferably including evaluating large, regional, or global programs. Candidates should have experience in data collection methods such as field visits, interviews, and focus group discussions, and should be familiar with the Theory of Change approach. A broad understanding of conservation practices, sustainable development, and the specific challenges faced by Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) is desirable. Knowledge of the UN system and UNEP's work is also beneficial, as is previous experience in Socotra and Yemen.

Educational Background:
The position requires a first-level university degree in environmental sciences, international development, or other relevant political or social sciences areas. An advanced degree in the same fields is preferred, as it reduces the required years of experience by two years. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of environmental evaluation and the specific challenges associated with the Socotra Archipelago project.

Experience:
The consultant must have a minimum of four years of relevant experience in technical evaluation, particularly in evaluating large-scale programs. Experience should include data collection through various methods, such as field visits and interviews, and familiarity with the Theory of Change approach is crucial. Candidates with a master's degree in a related field will have their experience requirement reduced by two years, making it essential for applicants to highlight their relevant experience in environmental evaluation and project management.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this consultancy, as these are the primary working languages for the position. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: reading, writing, speaking, and understanding. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, but it is not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based with field visits and has an expected duration of six months. The consultant will be engaged on an individual consultancy contract, and comprehensive terms of reference will be provided separately. 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 or pay any fees.