UNDP Jobs - 60433- International Consultant/ Team Leader for Terminal

International Consultant/ Team Leader for Terminal Evaluation (TE) of Integrated Land and Ecosystem Management to Combat Land Degradation and Deforestation in Madhya Pradesh (PIMS 3512)

Location :

Home Based with Travel to Field Sites

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

20-Oct-2015

Application Deadline :

12-Oct-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Twenty Five working days spread over three months.

Languages Required :

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

In accordance with UNDP and GEF M&E policies and procedures, all full and medium-sized UNDP supported GEF financed projects are required to undergo a terminal evaluation upon completion of implementation. These terms of reference (ToR) sets out the expectations for a Terminal Evaluation (TE) of Integrated Land and Ecosystem Management to Combat Land Degradation and Deforestation in Madhya Pradesh (PIMS 3512)

Please note proposal has to be submitted strictly as stipulated in detailed Terms of Reference, online link has been given at the bottom of this document.

Duties and Responsibilities

An overall approach and method for conducting project terminal evaluations of UNDP supported GEF financed projects has developed over time. The evaluator is expected to frame the evaluation effort using the criteria of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact, as defined and explained in the UNDP Guidance for Conducting Terminal Evaluations of UNDP-supported, GEF-financed Projects. A set of questions covering each of these criteria have been drafted and are included in the detailed ToR. The evaluator is expected to amend, complete and submit this matrix as part of an evaluation inception report, and shall include it as an annex to the final report.

The evaluation must provide evidence-based information that is credible, reliable and useful. The evaluator is expected to follow a participatory and consultative approach ensuring close engagement with government counterparts, in particular the GEF operational focal point, UNDP Country Office, project team, UNDP GEF Technical Adviser based in the region and key stakeholders. The evaluator is expected to conduct a field mission to Madhya Pradesh, including the five project districts of Betul, Chhindwara, Sidhi, Singrauli and Umaria. Key stakeholders to be interviewed will include a) local communities, b) NGOs, c) Self Help Groups, d) Village Management Committees/Eco-development Committees, e) Joint Forest Management Committees, f) Relevant department officials, Project Steering Committee, State Level Coordination committee, District Level Committee, etc, and other relevant stakeholders.

The evaluator will review all relevant sources of information, such as the project document, project reports – including Annual APR/PIR, project budget revisions, midterm review, progress reports, GEF focal area tracking tools, project files, national strategic and legal documents, and any other materials that the evaluator considers useful for this evidence-based assessment. A list of documents that the project team will provide to the evaluator for review is included in the detailed ToR.

Kindly refer detailed ToR.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Familiar with conservation approaches in Asia either through management and/or implementation or through consultancies in evaluation of conservation projects. Understanding of local actions contributing to global benefits is crucial;
Demonstrated ability to assess complex situations, succinctly distil critical issues, and draw forward-looking conclusions and recommendations;
Ability and experience to lead multidisciplinary and national teams, and deliver quality reports within the given time;
Knowledge of UNDP and GEF procedures.

Core Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP's mission, vision and values;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.Demonstrates commitment to UNDP's mission, vision and values;

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

A Master’s Degree (preferably Ph.D.) in the field of natural sciences or social sciences or a subject closely related to SLM/ integrated natural resource management.

Experience:

Minimum of 10 years of working experience in the related field is required;
Should have good knowledge of UNCCD process; NAP and other relevant UN conventions (CBD and UNFCCC) will be an added advantage;
In-depth understanding of landscape ecology conservation approaches and community-based natural resource management is desirable;
Experience and familiarity with assessments of policies, strategies and possess sufficient knowledge of land degradation and desertification issues at the national and local levels is necessary;
Highly knowledgeable of participatory monitoring and evaluation processes, and experience in evaluation of technical assistance projects with major donor agencies, especially as a lead evaluator; previous evaluation/review experience of UNDP-GEF projects is a distinct advantage.

Language:

Writing and communication will be in English, and he/she must have excellent communication skills in English.

Payment Schedule:

20% on submission of agreed work plan;
50% on submission and approval of the 1ST draft terminal evaluation report;
30% on submission and approval (UNDP-CO and UNDP RTA) of the final terminal evaluation report.

Evaluation Criteria:

As given in detailed ToR.

Applications process:

As given in detailed ToR.

For any clarification please write to sandeep.sharma@undp.org

Detailed ToR can be accessed at the following link:

http://www.in.undp.org/content/dam/india/docs/procurement/International%20Consultant%20MP%20TE%20ToR.pdf