Evaluation Consultant for the Terminal Evaluation of the UNEP/GEF project Global Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) Platform Phase II
Organizational Context
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the UN's designated entity for global and regional environmental issues. Its mandate includes coordinating environmental policy and monitoring emerging issues. 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.
Job Purpose
This role serves as an Evaluation Consultant for the Terminal Evaluation of the UNEP/GEF project 'Global Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) Platform Phase II'. The consultant will conduct an in-depth, participatory evaluation using mixed methods to assess project achievements against expected outputs, outcomes, and impacts. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive evaluation report, including an inception report, draft report, and final report, contributing to the understanding and improvement of transparency frameworks under the Paris Agreement. The consultant will manage the evaluation process, data collection, analysis, and reporting, ensuring stakeholder engagement and independence.
Responsibilities
The Evaluation Consultant will manage the terminal evaluation of the UNEP/GEF CBIT Platform Phase II project. Key responsibilities include conducting a preliminary desk review and introductory interviews, drafting the project's reconstructed Theory of Change, and preparing the evaluation framework. The consultant will develop protocols for desk reviews, interviews, and surveys, and establish criteria for country/site selection. They will plan the evaluation schedule and prepare an Inception Report. During the data collection and analysis phase, the consultant will conduct in-depth interviews, potentially undertake evaluation missions, and report progress and issues to the Evaluation Manager. Finally, the consultant will draft and finalize the Main Evaluation Report, including a response to comments, and prepare an Evaluation Brief summarizing findings and lessons learned.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of technical and evaluation experience is required, preferably including experience evaluating large, regional, or global programs and utilizing a Theory of Change approach. Experience with the Paris Agreement's enhanced transparency framework (ETF) and its implications for developing countries is also relevant.
Skills
Proficiency in conducting in-depth evaluations using participatory approaches and mixed quantitative/qualitative methods. Strong report writing and analytical skills. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities. Familiarity with climate change transparency frameworks (ETF, MRV) and Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). Experience with the UN system and UNEP is desirable.