Vacancies at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. Understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units. Ability to identify, independently assess, formulate recommendations and/or resolve a wide range of issues/problems, undertake research and gather information from standard sources and to work well with figures including ability to analyze and understand financial data. Ability to design information data bases from multiple sources into an integrated programme evaluation system. Ability to direct, supervise and train office support staff. Demonstrated ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given and discretion, resourcefulness and ability to deal proactively and tactfully with offices throughout the organization. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING : 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.

Education

• Completion of High school diploma or equivalent is required. Supplementary training in administration or project management in related fields is desirable.
• Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Services and related categories in the United Nations Secretariat. Successful passing of the Administrative Support Assessment Test (ASAT) in English at the United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ), Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) or International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) may be accepted in lieu of the GGST.
• The GGST is administered to applicants when required before the administration of a written assessment and/or interview.

Work Experience

• A minimum of Ten (10) years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation or related area is required.
• Working knowledge of computer applications, mainly spreadsheets and ability to interpret and apply UN administrative and financial policies is desirable.
• Knowledge of an Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP) e.g. UMOJA is desirable.
• Experience within the United Nations system or similar international organization is desirable.
• One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Deadline: 11 September 2022

go to method of application »

Specific Responsibilities

In close consultation with the Evaluation Manager, the Evaluation Specialist 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, the Evaluation Specialist will undertake the following: 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 Office on any issues requiring its attention and intervention.

The Evaluation Specialist shall have had no prior involvement in the formulation or implementation of the project and will be independent from the participating institutions. The consultant will sign the Evaluation Consultant Code of Conduct Agreement Form.

The evaluation specialist will be selected and recruited by the UNEP Evaluation Office through an individual consultancy contract.

Comprehensive terms of reference will be shared with the consultant separately.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic Qualifications:

• A university degree in environmental sciences, tropical ecology, biodiversity conservation and land use planning initiatives, public policy or other relevant political or social sciences area is required and an advanced degree in the same areas is desirable.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 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 the environmental, social and political context and challenges of the Balkan Peninsula is desired.
• Working knowledge of development oriented organizations is an added advantage.

Deadline: 15 September 2022