Jobs at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Responsibilities

Org. Setting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations systems designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. This consultancy is located at Headquarters in the Evaluation Office which reports directly to the Executive Director. The consultant reports to the Evaluation Officer managing the project and the Director of the Evaluation Office (EO).

The Project

The Terminal Evaluation is undertaken at operational completion of the project to assess project performance (in terms of relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency), and determine outcomes and impacts (actual and potential) stemming from the project, including their sustainability.

The Evaluation has two primary purposes: (i) to provide evidence of results to meet accountability requirements, and (ii) to promote operational improvement, learning and knowledge sharing through results and lessons learned among UNEP and Conservation Council of Nations. Therefore, the Evaluation will identify lessons of operational relevance for future project formulation and implementation, especially where a second phase of the project is being considered. Recommendations relevant to the whole house may also be identified during the evaluation process.

The Evaluation

In close consultation with the Evaluation Manager, the Evaluation Consultant will be responsible for the overall management of the Evaluation and timely provision of its outputs, data collection and analysis and report-writing. More specifically: Inception phase of the Evaluation, including:

•  preliminary desk review and introductory interviews with project staff;
•  draft the reconstructed Theory of Change of the project;
•  prepare the evaluation framework;
•  develop the desk review and interview protocols;
•  draft the survey protocols (if relevant);
•  develop and present criteria for country and/or site selection for the evaluation mission;
•  plan the evaluation schedule;
•  prepare the Inception Report, incorporating comments until approved by the Evaluation Manager

Data collection and analysis phase of the Evaluation, including:

•  conduct further desk review and in-depth interviews with project implementing and executing agencies, project partners and project stakeholders;
•  (where appropriate and agreed) conduct an evaluation mission(s) to selected countries, visit the project locations, interview project partners and stakeholders, including a good representation of local communities. Ensure independence of the Evaluation and confidentiality of evaluation interviews.
•  regularly report back to the Evaluation Manager on progress and inform of any possible problems or issues encountered and;
•  keep the Project/Task Manager informed of the evaluation progress.

Reporting phase, including:

•  draft the Main Evaluation Report, ensuring that the evaluation report is complete, coherent and consistent with the Evaluation Manager guidelines both in substance and style;
•  liaise with the Evaluation Manager on comments received and finalize the Main Evaluation Report, ensuring that comments are taken into account until approved by the Evaluation Manager
•  prepare a Response to Comments annex for the main report, listing those comments not accepted by the Evaluation Consultant and indicating the reason for the rejection; and
•  (where agreed with the Evaluation Manager) prepare an Evaluation Brief (2-page summary of the evaluand and the key evaluation findings and lessons)

Managing relations, including:

•  maintain a positive relationship with evaluation stakeholders, ensuring that the evaluation process is as participatory as possible but at the same time maintains its independence;
•  communicate in a timely manner with the Evaluation Manager on any issues requiring its attention and intervention.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic Qualifications:

• A university degree in environmental sciences, international development or other relevant political or social sciences area is required and an advanced degree in the same areas is desirable.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of technical / evaluation experience is required, preferably including evaluating large, regional, or global programmes and using a Theory of Change approach.
• A good/broad understanding of environmental governance in Latin America is desired.
• Working knowledge of the UN system and specifically the work of UNEP is an added advantage.

Deadline: 02 September 2022

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Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of financial principles and practices. Ability to independently conduct research and analysis, formulate options and present conclusions and recommendations. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

ACCOUNTABILTY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master's or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in in business administration, finance, accounting, or related field is required.
• A first-level degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent is desirable.
• Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting, finance, administration and/or budget is required.
• Experience in preparing/analyzing financial statements with application of accounting standards such as International Financial Report Standard (s) (IFRS) or International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS) is required.
• Working experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is required.
• Experience with data analysis, reconciliations and reporting is required.
• Experience with using Microsoft Excel and other relevant tools is required.
• Experience with the United Nations or a similar international organization is desirable.
• Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable
• Experience with the Grantor Management (Implementing Partner) Module is desirable.

Deadline: 07 September 2022