Evaluation Consultant for Terminal Evaluation of UNEP/GEF project “Systemic, institutional and individual capacity for the implementation of the Rio Conventions in the Republic of South Sudan”

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the UN's designated entity for environmental issues, coordinating policy and keeping the global environment under review. This consultancy is within UNEP's Evaluation Office, reporting to the Executive Director. The role supports the evaluation of a project in South Sudan aimed at enhancing capacity for implementing Rio Conventions.

Job Purpose

This role serves as an Evaluation Consultant for the Terminal Evaluation of the UNEP/GEF project "Systemic, institutional and individual capacity for the implementation of the Rio Conventions in the Republic of South Sudan." The primary purpose is to assess the project's performance, outcomes, and impacts, including relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability. The consultant will provide evidence for accountability and promote operational improvement, learning, and knowledge sharing. The evaluation will identify lessons for future project formulation and implementation, particularly if a second phase is considered, and may identify recommendations for UNEP as a whole. The assignment involves submitting an inception report, a draft report, and a final evaluation report over an 8-month period.

Responsibilities

The Evaluation Consultant will be responsible for the overall management and timely delivery of the Terminal Evaluation. Key duties include conducting a desk review and introductory interviews, reconstructing the project's Theory of Change, preparing the evaluation framework, developing review and interview protocols, and planning the evaluation schedule. The consultant will also conduct in-depth interviews with project staff, partners, and stakeholders, potentially including field visits to project locations. They will report progress regularly to the Evaluation Manager, manage relations with stakeholders to ensure a participatory yet independent process, and prepare a draft and final evaluation report, incorporating feedback. The consultant will also prepare a response to comments and potentially an evaluation brief summarizing key findings.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of technical and evaluation experience is required, preferably including evaluating large, regional, or global programs and utilizing a Theory of Change approach. A strong understanding of biodiversity and sustainable resource management is also necessary. Prior experience with the UN system, particularly UNEP, is desirable.

Skills

Evaluation expertise, project assessment, Theory of Change approach, understanding of biodiversity and sustainable resource management, UN system knowledge (desirable), strong analytical and reporting skills, excellent English communication.

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