Mid Term Review Expert - North Macedonia GEF ID 10676 & Albania Alps GEF ID 10839

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority. Its Ecosystems Division works with partners to provide technical assistance and capacity development, strengthening environmental management in developing countries. The GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation Unit implements GEF-funded projects, managing a portfolio of over 200 projects globally.

Job Purpose

This role is to conduct a Mid-Term Review (MTR) for two UNEP-GEF projects: one focused on biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management, and tourism in North Macedonia, and another on biodiversity conservation and climate change resilience in North Albania. The MTR report will provide crucial guidance for the remaining execution phases of both projects. The consultant will lead the review process, ensuring it is participatory yet independent, and will report findings and recommendations to the Task Manager to inform future project activities and strategies.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute the Mid-Term Review (MTR) for two UNEP-GEF projects, one in North Macedonia (GEF ID 10676) and one in North Albania (GEF ID 10839). This involves conducting preliminary desk reviews and introductory interviews, developing a comprehensive review framework aligned with UNEP guidelines, identifying key stakeholders, and creating an interview matrix. The consultant will plan the review schedule and prepare an Inception Report. During the data collection and analysis phase, conduct further desk reviews and in-depth interviews with project staff, partners, and stakeholders. Regularly report progress and any encountered issues to the Task Manager. Finally, draft the MTR report, ensuring it is coherent and adheres to UNEP guidelines, and finalize it based on feedback, including preparing a response to comments.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of technical/evaluation experience is required, preferably including evaluating large, regional, or global programs using a Theory of Change approach. Hands-on experience managing national and international natural resources projects (biodiversity, land management, protected areas) is essential. Experience working in an international environment, specifically with UNEP and GEF, is required. Experience in North Macedonia and Albania is an asset.

Skills

Technical/evaluation experience, experience with large/regional/global programs, Theory of Change approach, biodiversity conservation, sustainable land and forest management, mountain protection, natural resources project management, international project management, environmental information management, capacity building, working in an international environment (UNEP/GEF), communication, stakeholder engagement.

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