Mid-Term Review Expert – Georgia Agrobiodiversity

About the role

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is recruiting a consultant to carry out the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of a biodiversity conservation project in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia. The project aims to mainstream biodiversity across sectors, landscapes and seascapes through the sustainable use of plant and animal genetic resources. The review assesses whether the project is on track, identifies problems and challenges and determines corrective actions needed. The post is home-based, with possible field visits, and lasts 3 to 44 days within a 3-month period.

Key responsibilities

• Inception phase: preliminary desk review and introductory interviews with project staff, prepare the review framework in line with UNEP evaluation guidelines, identify stakeholders, develop the interview and questions matrix, plan the review schedule and prepare the Inception Report.
• Data collection and analysis: further desk review and in-depth interviews with implementing agencies, partners and stakeholders, and regular progress reports to the Task Manager.
• Reporting: draft a complete, coherent Review Report, liaise with the Task Manager on comments and finalize it, and prepare a Response to Comments annex listing rejected comments and reasons.
• Stakeholder relations: maintain a participatory yet independent process and communicate promptly with the Task Manager.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in environmental sciences, international development or another relevant political or social science; a bachelor's degree plus two additional years is accepted in place of a master's.
• At least 7 years of technical or evaluation experience, preferably evaluating large, regional or global programmes with a Theory of Change approach.
• Fluency in English; working knowledge of another UN language is desirable.
• Experience in an international environment (e.g. UNEP and GEF) and in the project area of Georgia is an asset.

Required skills

• Good understanding of natural resource management, mountain protection and development.
• Experience managing national and international natural resources projects (biodiversity, protected areas, environmental information, capacity building) is highly desirable.