Consultant for Mid-Term Review of GEF Project

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established in 1972, UNEP 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's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it operates in over 150 countries with a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. The organization works closely with governments, civil society, and the private sector to address pressing environmental challenges and to foster partnerships that enhance environmental governance.

Job Overview:
The consultant will conduct a Mid-Term Review of the GEF project titled 'Institutional Capacity Strengthening for Implementation of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing in Uganda.' This review aims to assess the project's progress and effectiveness in achieving its objectives and will utilize both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods. The consultant is expected to engage with key stakeholders throughout the review process, ensuring their involvement and ownership of the findings. The review will include a comprehensive desk review of relevant project documentation, interviews with project partners and stakeholders, and possibly focus group discussions with beneficiaries. The consultant will be responsible for delivering an Inception Report, Preliminary Findings Note, Draft and Final Review Reports, ensuring that all evaluation criteria are adequately addressed and that the review is conducted in a participatory manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for the overall coordination of the Mid-Term Review, ensuring timely delivery of outputs. Key responsibilities include: conducting a desk review of project documentation, including project design documents, annual work plans, and progress reports; interviewing project stakeholders, including the UNEP Task Manager, project management team, and various project partners; developing an Inception Report that outlines the results framework and theory of change; sharing preliminary findings with the project team; drafting and finalizing the review reports, which will include an executive summary, detailed analysis, lessons learned, and recommendations; and incorporating feedback from stakeholders into the final report. The consultant must maintain close communication with the project team and promote information exchange throughout the review process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Natural Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Sciences, Monitoring and Evaluation, International Development, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of technical and evaluation experience is required, particularly in project planning, management, monitoring, and evaluation. Experience in evaluating large, regional, or global programs, particularly GEF projects, is highly desirable. Strong writing skills, team leadership experience, and familiarity with the UN system, especially UNEP and GEF programming, are advantageous. Additionally, experience in managing partnerships and knowledge management is preferred.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field such as Natural Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Sciences, Monitoring and Evaluation, International Development, or other related political or social sciences areas is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively evaluate the project and provide meaningful insights and recommendations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in technical evaluation, project planning, management, monitoring, and evaluation. Candidates should have a proven track record of evaluating large-scale projects, preferably within the context of GEF initiatives. Experience with a Theory of Change approach is essential, as it will guide the evaluation process and help assess the project's effectiveness in achieving its goals.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance collaboration with diverse stakeholders and ensure comprehensive reporting.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 4 months, with the work being primarily home-based. The position does not specify a deadline for applications, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview, or training stages, ensuring that the recruitment process is transparent and accessible to all qualified candidates.