Project Mid-Term Review Expert - Asia National Biosafety Frameworks Project
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. This consultancy is within the GEF Biodiversity unit, supporting a regional project in Asia focused on biosafety frameworks and the safe use of biotechnology.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to conduct a Mid-Term Review of the "Promoting the safe application of biotechnology through Multi country Cooperation in the implementation of National Biosafety Frameworks in Asia" project. The review's findings will guide the project's execution for its remaining term. The consultant will assess project achievements against expected outputs, outcomes, and impacts using participatory, quantitative, and qualitative evaluation methods. This role is crucial for ensuring the project effectively strengthens biosafety governance, capacity, and cooperation across participating Asian countries, contributing to sustainable development and environmental safety.
Responsibilities
Conduct a Mid-Term Review of the Asia National Biosafety Frameworks Project. This involves an inception phase with desk reviews and introductory interviews, followed by data collection and analysis through further desk reviews and in-depth interviews with stakeholders. The consultant will report progress regularly and manage potential issues. A key responsibility is drafting the Main Review Report, ensuring it is coherent and adheres to UNEP guidelines, and subsequently finalizing it after incorporating feedback. The consultant will also prepare an Inception Report, a Preliminary Findings Note, and the Draft and Final Main Review Reports, including an executive summary, detailed analysis, lessons learned, recommendations, and an annotated rating table. Maintaining positive and participatory stakeholder relationships while ensuring review independence is also essential.
Work Experience
A minimum of 7 years of technical/evaluation experience, including project planning, management, and monitoring and evaluation, is required. Experience evaluating large, regional, or global programs and utilizing a Theory of Change approach is preferred. Experience with GEF projects is highly desirable.
Skills
Excellent writing skills, team leadership experience, knowledge of the UN system (UNEP and GEF programming desirable), experience managing partnerships, knowledge management, and communication skills are desirable.