Evaluation Specialist, UNEP/GCF Project Terminal Evaluation
Organizational Context
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the UN system's designated entity for global and regional environmental issues. Its mandate includes coordinating environmental policy consensus and monitoring 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.
Job Purpose
This role serves as an Evaluation Specialist for the Terminal Evaluation of the UNEP/GCF project 'Enhanced Climate Resilience of Rural Communities in Central and North Benin'. The primary purpose is to conduct an in-depth, participatory evaluation using mixed methods to assess project achievements against expected outputs, outcomes, and impacts. The specialist will contribute substantively to the evaluation process, ensuring all criteria and questions are addressed. Key deliverables include an Inception Report, a Draft Evaluation Report, and a Final Evaluation Report, contributing to UNEP's mandate of reviewing environmental initiatives and informing future actions.
Responsibilities
The Evaluation Specialist will conduct a terminal evaluation of the UNEP/GCF project in Benin. Responsibilities include performing a preliminary desk review and introductory interviews, drafting the project's reconstructed Theory of Change, preparing the evaluation framework, and developing protocols for desk reviews and interviews. The specialist will also plan the evaluation schedule, prepare and finalize the Inception Report, and conduct further desk reviews and in-depth interviews with project stakeholders. This includes potentially undertaking evaluation missions to project locations, interviewing partners and local communities, and reporting progress regularly to the Evaluation Manager. The role also involves drafting and finalizing the Main Evaluation Report, preparing a response to comments, and potentially creating an Evaluation Brief.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in Benin is required, specifically in climate change adaptation, ecosystem-based adaptation, forest and landscape restoration, climate-resilient agriculture, or natural resources management, alongside evaluation experience. Demonstrated experience evaluating country-level projects, programmes, or policies is essential. Experience with UN system projects, particularly UNEP and GCF-financed projects, is desirable.
Skills
Advanced university degree in a relevant field; Minimum 7 years of professional experience in Benin; Experience in climate change adaptation/ecosystem-based adaptation; Experience in forest and landscape restoration; Experience in climate-resilient agriculture/natural resources management; Evaluation experience (project, programme, policy); Demonstrated technical knowledge of climate change adaptation; Fluency in English and French.