Evaluation Consultant for the Terminal Evaluation of the UNEP/GEF project Global Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) Platform Phase II

Role Overview

This consultancy supports an independent evaluation of a UN Environment Programme (UNEP) initiative, working within a structured evaluation framework and under the direction of an Evaluation Manager. The core daily work involves synthesising evidence, drafting and refining the main evaluation report, and presenting findings in a way that is both rigorous and accessible to decision-makers. The role matters because the resulting evaluation informs future programme design and accountability within the UNEP portfolio, particularly for initiatives addressing multilateral environmental agreements and climate-related challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft the central evaluation report, ensuring it is logically structured, substantively complete, and consistent with the Evaluation Manager's requirements for both content and writing style.
• Revise the report iteratively based on feedback from the Evaluation Manager, tracking comments and working toward formal approval of the final version.
• Prepare a formal response document that lists any evaluation comments not accepted, with a clear justification for each rejection, to be included as an annex to the main report.
• When agreed with the Evaluation Manager, produce a concise two-page brief summarising the evaluated initiative, its principal findings, and the lessons emerging from the evaluation.
• Communicate proactively with the Evaluation Manager, flagging any emerging issues, risks, or needs for intervention as they arise during the evaluation cycle.
• Maintain constructive working relationships with evaluation stakeholders, supporting a participatory process while preserving the independence and impartiality of the evaluation.
• Comply with the Evaluation Consultant Code of Conduct and ensure that no conflict of interest exists, having had no prior involvement in the design, formulation, or implementation of the project under review.

Requirements & Qualifications

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, international development, political sciences, social sciences, or a closely related field.
• A first-level university degree in one of the above fields may be accepted if combined with two additional years of relevant qualifying experience beyond the minimum below.
• A minimum of ten years of professional experience in technical evaluation work, with demonstrated exposure to large, regional, or global programmes.
• Hands-on familiarity with a Theory of Change approach as an evaluation methodology.
• A sound understanding of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), particularly those related to climate change, is considered an advantage.
• Knowledge of the United Nations system and specifically the work of UNEP is desirable.
• Ability to produce high-quality written evaluation outputs under tight timelines and to manage structured feedback cycles effectively.