Principal Evaluator for Strategic Evaluation of Communication Dimensions of UNEP’s Projects and Programmes
Organizational Context
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the UN's designated entity for global and regional environmental issues, coordinating policy consensus and addressing emerging environmental concerns. This consultancy is based within UNEP's Evaluation Office at Headquarters, reporting to the Executive Director, and the consultant reports to the Evaluation Manager and Director of the Evaluation Office.
Job Purpose
This role serves to conduct a strategic evaluation of UNEP's project and programme communication performance from 2021-2026. The purpose is to assess results achieved, inform current and future communication strategies (Medium-Term Strategy 2026-2029), and generate learning to enhance communication's effectiveness in improving project outcomes. The evaluation aims to provide accountability evidence, promote operational improvements, and share knowledge and lessons learned for future project formulation and implementation, ensuring communication dimensions are strengthened for greater project impact.
Responsibilities
The Principal Evaluator will manage the overall strategic evaluation of UNEP's project and programme communication dimensions. This includes leading the evaluation team, ensuring timely delivery of outputs, and overseeing data collection and analysis. Key responsibilities involve conducting a preliminary desk review, introductory interviews, and drafting causal pathways for project communication. The role requires developing detailed methodologies, analytical tools, and an annotated table of contents for the evaluation report. The Principal Evaluator will also manage the data collection and analysis phase, including interviews with relevant staff and project teams, reporting progress, and ensuring independence and confidentiality. Finally, the role involves drafting and finalizing the main evaluation report, incorporating feedback, preparing responses to comments, and potentially creating an evaluation brief, while maintaining participatory stakeholder relations.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of technical/evaluation experience is required, preferably including evaluating large, regional, or global programs using a Theory of Change approach. Experience in program and project design and management is desirable. A good understanding of media, advocacy, and communication within development-oriented organizations and intergovernmental processes is also desirable. Knowledge of the UN system and UNEP's work is beneficial.
Skills
Evaluation methodologies, data collection and analysis, report writing, stakeholder engagement, understanding of media and communication in development, knowledge of UN system and UNEP operations.